Ag nanowires coated with Ag/Pd alloy sheaths and their use as substrates for reversible absorption and desorption of hydrogen

When the surfaces of Ag nanowires were coated with thin sheaths of Pd/Ag alloys, they exhibited hydrogen absorption/desorption behaviors and capacities similar to those of pure Pd powders or nanotubes. The stronger mechanical strengths of these cable-like nanostructures also allowed them to undergo more absorption/desorption cycles with no morphological changes. These nanostructures can be used as a good model system to study the interaction between hydrogen and metal alloys with relatively low concentrations of Pd (<10%) with respect to structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic features.     

Noncovalent functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: application in hybrid nanostructures

We developed a reproducible, noncovalent strategy to functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) via embedding nanotubes in polysiloxane shells. (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane molecules adsorbed to the nanotube surfaces via hydrophobic interactions are polymerized simply by acid catalysis and form a thin polysiloxane layer. On the basis of the embedded MWNTs, negatively charged gold nanoparticles are anchored to the nanotube surfaces via electrostatic interactions between the protonated amino groups and the gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, these gold nanoparticles can further grow and magnify along the nanotubes through heating in HAuCl4 aqueous solution at 100 degrees C; as a result these nanoparticles are joined to form continuous gold nanowires with MWNTs acting as templates.     

Silica-metal core-shell nanostructures

Silica-metal nanostructures consisting of silica cores and metal nanoshells attract a lot of attention because of their unique properties and potential applications ranging from catalysis and biosensing to optical devices and medicine. The important feature of these nanostructures is the possibility of controlling their properties by the variation of their geometry, shell morphology and shell material. This review is devoted to silica-noble metal core-shell nanostructures; specifically, it outlines the main methods used for the preparation and surface modification of silica particles and presents the major strategies for the formation of metal nanoshells on the modified silica particles. A special emphasis is given to the St?ber method, which is relatively simple, effective and well verified for the synthesis of large and highly uniform silica particles (with diameters from 100 nm to a few microns). Next, the surface chemistry of these particles is discussed with a special focus on the attachment of specific organic groups such as aminopropyl or mercaptopropyl groups, which interact strongly with metal species. Finally, the synthesis, characterization and application of various silica-metal core-shell nanostructures are reviewed, especially in relation to the siliceous cores with gold or silver nanoshells. Nowadays, gold is most often used metal for the formation of nanoshells due to its beneficial properties for many applications. However, other metals such as silver, platinum, palladium, nickel and copper were also used for fabrication of core-shell nanostructures. Silica-metal nanostructures can be prepared using various methods, for instance, (i) growth of metal nanoshells on the siliceous cores with deposited metal nanoparticles, (ii) reduction of metal species accompanied by precipitation of metal nanoparticles on the modified silica cores, and (iii) formation of metal nanoshells under ultrasonic conditions. A special emphasis is given to the seed-mediated growth, where metal nanoshells are formed on the modified silica cores with deposited metal nanoparticles. This strategy assures a good control of the nanoshell thickness as well as its surface properties.     

Long-range flow-induced alignment of self-assembled rosette nanotubes on Si/SiOx and poly(methyl methacrylate)-coated Si/SiOx

Helical rosette nanotubes are obtained through the self-assembly of low molecular weight synthetic modules in water. Here we demonstrate that despite their dynamic nature, these materials respond very well to directional fluid flow and assume long-range order on flat substrates. Persistence length, order, and packing of the rosette nanotubes were found to depend dramatically on the surface properties of both the substrate and the nanotubes and vary from well-ordered long-range 2D films to bundled nanotubes or amorphous conglomerates. While flow-induced long-range alignment of dynamic nanostructures is unprecedented, the chemical tunability of the rosette nanotubes is anticipated to offer a versatile means for investigating the basis of interfacial forces in self-assembled organo-silicon devices and their effect on the stability and physical properties of organic nanostructures on electroactive surfaces.     

Near-field optical imaging of enhanced electric fields and plasmon waves in metal nanostructures

In this article, studies on noble metal nanostructures using near-field optical microscopic imaging are reviewed. We show that near-field transmission imaging and near-field two-photon excitation imaging provide valuable methods for investigation of plasmon resonances in metal nanostructures. The eigenfunctions of plasmon modes in metal nanoparticles are directly visualized using these methods. For metal nanowire systems, wavevectors of the longitudinal plasmon modes can be estimated directly from the wave-function images, and the dispersion relations are plotted and analyzed. Using ultrafast transient near-field imaging, we show that the deformation of the plasmon wave function takes place after photoexcitation of a gold nanorod. Such methods of plasmon-wave imaging may provide a unique basic tool for designing plasmon-mode-based nano-optical devices. We also demonstrate that the near-field two-photon excitation probability images reflect localized electric-field enhancements in metal nanostructures. We apply this method to gold nanosphere assemblies and clearly visualize the local enhanced optical fields in the interstitial sites between particles (hot spots). We also show the contribution of hot spots to surface enhanced Raman scattering. The methodology described here may provide valuable basic information about the characteristic enhanced optical fields in metal nanostructures as well as on their applications to new innovative research areas beyond the conventional scope of materials.     

Welding of gold nanoparticles on graphitic templates for chemical sensing

Controlled self-assembly of zero-dimensional gold nanoparticles and construction of complex gold nanostructures from these building blocks could significantly extend their applications in many fields. Carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising inorganic templates for this strategy because of their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, which translate into numerous potential applications. Here we report the bottom-up synthesis of gold nanowires in aqueous solution through self-assembly of gold nanoparticles on single-walled carbon nanotubes followed by thermal-heating-induced nanowelding. We investigate the mechanism of this process by exploring different graphitic templates. The experimental work is assisted by computational studies that provide additional insight into the self-assembly and nanowelding mechanism. We also demonstrate the chemical sensitivity of the nanomaterial to parts-per-billion concentrations of hydrogen sulfide with potential applications in industrial safety and personal healthcare.     

Controlling the density and site of attachment of gold nanoparticles onto the surface of carbon nanotubes

A facile method for controlling the density and site of attachment of gold nanoparticles onto the surface of carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. Nitric acid based oxidation was carried out to create carboxylic groups exclusively at the ends of carbon nanotubes, whereas oxidation using a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acid with varied reaction time was carried out to control the population of carboxylic groups on the side walls of nanotubes. In turn, 4-aminothiophenol modified gold nanoparticles were covalently interfaced to these carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of a zero length cross-linker, 1-ethylene-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. Raman spectroscopic results showed increase in height of disorder band with each of these successive steps, indicating the increase in degree of functionalization of the carbon nanotubes. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic analysis affirmed the functionalization of nanostructures and the formation of nanohybrid. Transmission electron and field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis ascertained the attachment of gold nanoparticles to the ends and side walls of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The new hybrid nanostructures may find applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and sensing devices.     

Attachment of Gold Nanoparticles to Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes were initially chemically modified with an H2SO4-HNO3 treatment, and subsequently activated with Pd-Sn catalytic nuclei via a one-step activation approach. These activated nanotubes were used as precursors for obtaining gold nanoparticles-attached nanotubes via simple electroless plating. This approach provides an efficient method for attachment of metal nanostructures to carbon nanotubes. Such novel hybrid nanostructures are attractive for many applications.     

A general route to prepare one- and three-dimensional carbon nanotube/metal nanoparticle composite nanostructures

Adsorption of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-metal ion complexes onto the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and subsequent reduction of the metal ion leads to the fabrication of one-dimensional CNT/metal nanoparticle (CNT/M NP) heterogeneous nanostructures. Alternating adsorption of PEI-metal ion complexes and CNTs on substrates results in the formation of multilayered CNT films. After exposing the films to NaBH4, three-dimensional CNT composite films embedded with metal nanoparticles (NPs) are obtained. UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to characterize the film assembly. The resulting (CNT/M NP)n films inherit the properties from both the metal NPs and CNTs that exhibit unique performance in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrocatalytic activities to the reduction of O2; as a result, they are more attractive compared to (CNT/polyelectrolyte)n and (NP/polyelectrolyte)n films because of their multifunctionality.     

Facile synthesis of concave decahedra enclosed by high-index facets and truncated decahedra with a large size

Nanostructures with concave surfaces are not common, and their synthesis is still challenging. In this paper, we have successfully synthesized two kinds of five-fold-twinned Au decahedra and dodecagonal plates by changing the reaction conditions. 40 high-index {221} facets were observed in the concave decahedron. The truncated decahedral gold nanocrystals (NCs) with a large size of 250-350 nm were obtained for the first time, which breaks the assumption that the truncated five-fold-twinned Au nanoparticles (NPs) can only be obtained with a size below 5 nm. The growth mechanism and the evolution process of the gold nanostructures were discussed. This work provides a facile way to synthesize concave decahedra, truncated decahedra and dodecagonal plates with controlled nanostructures.     

Electrocatalysis by Polyoxometalate-Protected Gold Nanoparticles

Electrocatalysis by polyoxometalate (POM)-monolayer protected gold nanoparticles is herein demonstrated using a newly discovered phenomenon that makes it possible to observe the electrochemistry of dilute aqueous solutions of these colloidal nanostructures. To preserve the integrity of the gold nanoparticles’ electrostatically-stabilized POM-monolayer structures, deposition and drying of the POM-protected metal(0) NPs on the electrode surface must be avoided. Overcoming this constraint, we here show that POM-monolayer protected gold nanoparticles can be induced to reversibly associate with electrode surfaces, resulting in dramatic current amplification and well behaved, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric behavior at remarkably small electrolyte concentrations, thus making it possible to investigate electrocatalysis by dilute aqueous solutions of POM-protected gold NPs.     

Wicking and spreading of water droplets on nanotubes

Recently, there has been intensive research on the use of nanotechnology to improve the wettability of solid surfaces. It is well-known that nanostructures can improve the wettability of a surface, and this is a very important safety consideration in regard to the occurrence of boiling crises during two-phase heat transfer, especially in the operation of nuclear power plant systems. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in wetting phenomena on nanostructures in the field of nuclear heat transfer. Much of the latest research on liquid absorption on a surface with nanostructures indicates that liquid spreading is generated by capillary wicking. However, there has been comparatively little research on how capillary forces affect liquid spreading on a surface with nanotubes. In this paper, we present a visualization of liquid spreading on a zircaloy surface with nanotubes, and establish a simple quantitative method for measuring the amount of water absorbed by the nanotubes. We successfully describe liquid spreading on a two-dimensional surface via one-dimensional analysis. As a result, we are able to postulate a relationship between liquid spreading and capillary wicking in the nanotubes.     

Synthesis and optical properties of nanorattles and multiple-walled nanoshells/nanotubes made of metal alloys

The galvanic replacement reaction between silver and chloroauric acid has been exploited as a powerful means for preparing metal nanostructures with hollow interiors. Here, the utility of this approach is further extended to produce complex core/shell nanostructures made of metals by combining the replacement reaction with electroless deposition of silver. We have fabricated nanorattles consisting of Au/Ag alloy cores and Au/Ag alloy shells by starting with Au/Ag alloy colloids as the initial template. We have also prepared multiple-walled nanoshells/nanotubes (or nanoscale Matrioshka) with a variety of shapes, compositions, and structures by controlling the morphology of the template and the precursor salt used in each step of the replacement reaction. There are a number of interesting optical features associated with these new core/shell metal nanostructures. For example, nanorattles made of Au/Ag alloys displayed two well-separated extinction peaks, a feature similar to that of gold or silver nanorods. The peak at approximately 510 nm could be attributed to the Au/Ag alloy cores, while the other peak was associated with the Au/Ag alloy shells and could be continuously tuned in the spectral range from red to near-infrared.     

Charge transfer and formation of reduced Ce3+ upon adsorption of metal atoms at the ceria (110) surface

The modification of cerium dioxide with nanoscale metal clusters is intensely researched for catalysis applications, with gold, silver, and copper having been particularly well studied. The interaction of the metal cluster with ceria is driven principally by a localised interaction between a small number of metal atoms (as small as one) and the surface and understanding the fundamentals of the interaction of metal atoms with ceria surfaces is therefore of great interest. Much attention has been focused on the interaction of metals with the (111) surface of ceria, since this is the most stable surface and can be grown as films, which are probed experimentally. However, nanostructures exposing other surfaces such as (110) show high activity for reactions including CO oxidation and require further study; these nanostructures could be modified by deposition of metal atoms or small clusters, but there is no information to date on the atomic level details of metal-ceria interactions involving the (110) surface. This paper presents the results of density functional theory (DFT) corrected for on-site Coulomb interactions (DFT+U) calculations of the adsorption of a number of different metal atoms at an extended ceria (110) surface; the metals are Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Ga, In, La, Ce, V, Cr, and Fe. Upon adsorption all metals are oxidised, transferring electron(s) to the surface, resulting in localised surface distortions. The precise details depend on the identity of the metal atom. Au, Ag, Cu each transfer one electron to the surface, reducing one Ce ion to Ce(3+), while of the trivalent metals, Al and La are fully oxidised, but Ga and In are only partially oxidised. Ce and the transition metals are also partially oxidised, with the number of reduced Ce ions possible in this surface no more than three per adsorbed metal atom. The predicted oxidation states of the adsorbed metal atoms should be testable in experiments on ceria nanostructures modified with metal atoms.     

DNA modified with metal complexes: Applications in the construction of higher order metal–DNA nanostructures

DNA has recently emerged as a useful building block for higher order nanostructures, such as extended two-dimensional surfaces and discrete two- and three-dimensional structures. Transition metal complexes can introduce functionality to these otherwise passive nanostructures. This review examines the synthetic strategies used to introduce metals in a site-specific manner to DNA: either by attaching preformed metal complexes to DNA, or by metal coordination to unmodified or modified DNA. The applications of metal–DNA complexes in building higher order nanostructures and the utility of attaching luminescent or electrochemical labels are discussed.     

Selective Extraction and In Situ Reduction of Precious Metal Salts from Model Waste To Generate Hybrid Gels with Embedded Electrocatalytic Nanoparticles

A hydrogel based on 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidenesorbitol (DBS), modified with acyl hydrazides which extracts gold/silver salts from model waste is reported, with preferential uptake of precious heavy metals over other common metals. Reduction of gold/silver salts occurs spontaneously in the gel to yield metal nanoparticles located on the gel nanofibers. High nanoparticle loadings can be achieved, endowing the gel with electrochemical activity. These hybrid gels exhibit higher conductances than gels doped with carbon nanotubes, and can be used to modify electrode surfaces, enhancing electrocatalysis. We reason this simple, industrially and environmentally relevant approach to conducting materials is of considerable significance.     

Synthesis and alignment of silver nanorods and nanowires and the formation of Pt, Pd, and core/shell structures by galvanic exchange directly on surfaces

Here we describe the synthesis of Ag nanorods (NRs) (aspect ratio <20) and nanowires (NWs) (aspect ratio > or =20) directly on surfaces by seed-mediated growth. The procedure involves attaching gold seed nanoparticles (Au NPs) to 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS)-functionalized silicon or glass surfaces and growing them into NRs/NWs by placing the substrates into a solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), silver nitrate, and ascorbic acid with the pH ranging from 7 to 12. Under our conditions, Ag NRs/NWs grow optimally at pH 10.6 with a 3% yield, where spherical, triangular, and hexagonal nanostructures represent the other byproducts. The length of Ag NRs/NWs ranges from 50 nm to more than 10 microm, the aspect ratio (AR) ranges from 1.4 to >300, and the average diameter is approximately 35 nm. Approximately 40% of the 1D structures are NRs, and 60% are NWs as defined by their ARs. We also report the alignment of Ag NRs/NWs directly on surfaces by growing the structures on amine-functionalized Si(100) surfaces after an amidation reaction with acetic acid and a method to improve the percentage of Ag NRs/NWs on the surface by removing structures of other shapes with adhesive tape. Surface-grown Ag NRs/NWs also react with salts of palladium, platinum, and gold via galvanic exchange reactions to form high-surface-area 1D structures of the corresponding metal. The combination of the seed-mediated growth of Ag on Au NRs followed by the galvanic exchange of Ag with Pd leads to interesting core/shell NRs grown directly on surfaces. We used scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the surface-grown nanostructures.     

Controllable Growth of Fullerene Nanostructures

One‐dimensional fullerene nanostructures with well‐defined morphology have been prepared by a controllable method. Fullerene molecules, such as C₆₀ derivatives and endohedral metallofullerenes, are introduced into the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates under a direct current (DC) electric field. Then several nanostructures such as porous‐wall and solid‐wall fullerene nanowires and nanotubes were fabricated in the pores. The morphology of the fullerene nanostructures is well controllable, and the fullerene nanotubes can be further fabricated through filling nickel atoms inside to form fullerene‐metal composite structures. The results provide, in principle, a step toward broader applications of fullerene‐related materials in nanoscience and nanotechnology.     

One-step controlled synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostructures with aniline as the reductant in aqueous solution

We report a general and versatile method for controlled synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostructures through the reduction of HAuCl4 by aniline in aqueous solution, without the need for an additional stabilizer or capping agent. In this approach, the reduction kinetics of AuCl-4 can be altered by simply adjusting the initial pH and temperature, inducing the formation of a wide variety of anisotropic nanostructures such as dispersed or multilayered plates, wires with networked or paramecium-like structures, and ginger-shaped particles. AFM, TEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, and UV-vis-NIR measurements were used to characterize the resulting gold nanostructures. Investigation reveals that in situ formed polyaniline serves effectively as a capping agent to direct the shape of gold nanostructures during the slow growth process. These as-synthesized gold nanostructures exhibit strongly shape-dependent optical properties. This facile approach may be extended to the synthesis of some other anisotropic metal nanostructures such as platinum or palladium.