Combined atomic force microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements to study the dynamical structure of interfacial fluids

We have studied the dynamic structure of thin (approximately a few nanometers) liquid films of a nearly spherical, nonpolar molecule tetrakis(2-ethylhexoxy)silane (TEHOS) by using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Ultra-sensitive interferometer-based AFM was used to determine the stiffness (force gradient) and the damping coefficient of the liquid film. The experiments show oscillations in the damping coefficient with a period of approximately 1 nm, which is consistent with the molecular dimension of TEHOS as well as previous X-ray reflectivity measurements. Additionally, we performed FCS experiments for direct determination of the molecular dynamics within the liquid film. From the fluctuation autocorrelation curve, we measured the translational diffusion of the probe molecule embedded within the fluid film formed on a solid substrate. The autocorrelation function was best fitted with two components, which indicate that the dynamics are heterogeneous in nature. However, the heterogeneity is not as pronounced as had been previously observed for molecularly thin liquid films sandwiched between two solid substrates.     

Water confined in nanotubes and between graphene sheets: a first principle study

Water confined at the nanoscale has been the focus of numerous experimental and theoretical investigations in recent years, yet there is no consensus on such basic properties as diffusion and the nature of hydrogen bonding (HB) under confinement. Unraveling these properties is important to understand fluid flow and transport at the nanoscale, and to shed light on the solvation of biomolecules. Here we report on a first principle, computational study focusing on water confined between prototypical nonpolar substrates, i.e., single-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets, 1-2.5 nm apart. The results of our molecular dynamics simulations show the presence of a thin, interfacial liquid layer (approximately 5 A) whose microscopic structure and thickness are independent of the distance between confining layers. The properties of the HB network are very similar to those of the bulk outside the interfacial region, even in the case of strong confinement. Our findings indicate that the perturbation induced by the presence of confining media is extremely local in liquid water, and we propose that many of the effects attributed to novel phases under confinement are determined by subtle electronic structure rearrangements occurring at the interface with the confining medium.     

Adsorption kinetics of a fluorescent dye in a long chain fatty acid matrix

This work reports the adsorption kinetics of a highly fluorescent laser dye rhodamine B (RhB) in a preformed stearic acid (SA) Langmuir monolayer. The reaction kinetics was studied by surface pressure-time (π-t) curve at constant area and in situ fluorescence imaging microscopy (FIM). Increase in surface pressure (at constant area) with time as well as increase in surface coverage of monolayer film at air-water interface provide direct evidence for the interaction. ATR-FTIR spectra also supported the interaction and consequent complexation in the complex films. UV-vis absorption and Fluorescence spectra of the complex Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films confirm the presence of RhB molecules in the complex films transferred onto solid substrates. The outcome of this work clearly shows successful incorporation of RhB molecules into SA matrix without changing the photophysical characteristics of the dye, thus making the dye material as LB compatible.     

Crystallization in thin liquid films induced by shear

It is known that the thin-film structure of confined fluids and solids can be changed when the confining surfaces are sheared. Positional and orientational short- or long-range reordering can occur that often have no bulk counterparts. These multilayer, monolayer, or even sub-monolayer effects are important for understanding adhesion and friction processes, but they have proved difficult to measure, partly due to a lack of experimental techniques and partly to their apparent subtle dependence on many experimental parameters. Here we report the use of shear measurements and "optical absorption spectroscopy" in the surface forces apparatus to measure a shear-induced phase transition of an anisotropic (dye) molecule confined between two shearing mica surfaces in aqueous solution. Our studies on the shear-induced ordering and friction forces of highly anisotropic cyanine dye molecules in thin water films show only a weak effect of molecular anisotropy on shear-induced ordering, friction forces, and the onset of shear-induced crystallization, although dramatic changes do occur when the confined molecules ultimately crystallize.     

Translational diffusion of cumene and 3-methylpentane on free surfaces and pore walls studied by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry

Mobility of molecules in confined geometry has been studied extensively, but the origins of finite size effects on reduction of the glass transition temperature, T(g), are controversial especially for supported thin films. We investigate uptake of probe molecules in vapor-deposited thin films of cumene, 3-methylpentane, and heavy water using secondary ion mass spectrometry and discuss roles of individual molecular motion during structural relaxation and glass-liquid transition. The surface mobility is found to be enhanced for low-density glasses in the sub-T(g) region because of the diffusion of molecules on pore walls, resulting in densification of a film via pore collapse. Even for high-density glasses without pores, self-diffusion commences prior to the film morphology change at T(g), which is thought to be related to decoupling between translational diffusivity and viscosity. The diffusivity of deeply supercooled liquid tends to be enhanced when it is confined in pores of amorphous solid water. The diffusivity of molecules is further enhanced at temperatures higher than 1.2-1.3 T(g) irrespective of the confinement.     

Diffusion in ultrathin liquid films

Inhomogeneous molecular diffusion in layered structures of thin liquid films deposited on solid surfaces is observed via wide field single molecule microscopy. The fluorescence dyes Rhodamine 6G and Oregon Green 514 are used to probe the diffusion in tetrakis(2-ethylhexoxy)-silane and polydimethylsiloxane. A broad distribution of diffusion constants is observed which can be attributed to diffusion within distinct layers of the liquid. Comparison with computer simulations shows that diffusion is normal but depends strongly on the distance of the molecules from the solid surface. Diffusion within layers is faster than between the layers and additional temperature activation is necessary to speed up interlayer diffusion.     

Self-association of rhodamine dyes in different host materials

The aggregation of rhodamine 6G in liquid crystalline solution (anisotropic host) was studied using polarised spectroscopy and in a guest-host system. The self-association of rhodamine B was investigated in molecular sieves of type AlPO(4)-5 (microporous host) using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Also, the molecular interaction of rhodamines in normal solvents (isotropic hosts) was studied using visible spectroscopy for comparison. Therefore, the role of the host nature in the different phases on the self-association of the guest molecules has been investigated and compared. The absorption spectrum of the rhodamine dye in liquid crystalline host is affected by a specific interaction related to the alignment by the liquid crystal property as well as solvent polarity. Due to the existence of a large amount of water molecules absorbed into channels and cavities of aluminophosphate molecular sieve, the maximum absorption wavelengths of the dye loaded AlPO(4)-5 is affected by aqueous environment of the aluminophosphate pores.     

The optical properties of molecules and chromogenic aggregates of xanthene dyes

The UV absorption spectra of rhodamine B and G molecules isolated from industrial dye samples were obtained. Two procedures were used. In one of them, rhodamine B molecules were displaced with water into a heptane layer from a solution of the dye in an alcohol-heptane mixture. The second procedure involved heating of the dye introduced into cellulose triacetate films. Individual rhodamine molecules (namely, dye cation-chlorine anion ion pairs) prepared by both methods did not absorb visible light. The spectra of individual rhodamine molecules coincided with the spectra of so-called pseudoleucobases of xanthene dyes reported in the literature. The conclusion was drawn that the chromaticity property in the series of xanthene dyes appeared because of the formation of supramolecular dimeric and larger aggregates, as was earlier established for triphenylmethane dyes (TPMDs) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc). At the same time, individual xanthene dye molecules, like TPMD and CuPc molecules, are not chromogens.     

Interaction of alkanethiols with nanoporous cluster-assembled Au films

This article presents a study of the interaction of octadecanethiol molecules (C(18)) with nanoporous cluster-assembled gold films under a liquid environment based on a combined spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation. By comparing the optical response, following the deposition of C(18), of cluster-assembled films with varying degrees of porosity with that of flat surfaces and by resolving the corresponding features of the molecule-Au bond, we have been able to define the conditions that either favor molecular in-depth diffusion into the pores or promote the formation of a molecular self-assembled monolayer (SAM) restricted to the film surface. In the presence of abundant open pores, C(18) molecules strongly diffuse within the film interior and bind to the pore walls, whereas in the presence of porous films with less abundant open pores we have observed that the molecules tend to remain confined to the surface region, adopting a SAM-like configuration.     

Luminescence properties of rhodamine 6G intercalated in surfactant/clay hybrid thin solid films

To develop the solid-state laser oscillator based on laser dye compounds, the incorporation of rhodamine 6G (R6G, a laser dye) in cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA+) cationic surfactant/montmorillonite clay hybrid (HpC) thin solid films was investigated. The R6G/HpC samples were prepared by immersing the HpC films into a R6G aqueous solution with various concentration. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films of HpC, measured before and after the intercalation of R6G, proved the coexistence of both the dye and surfactant in clay interlayer spaces. All prepared thin films exhibited luminescence. It indicates that CTA+ molecules play a role as a partial suppressor of the aggregation of R6G molecules which prevents fluorescence. Moreover, the luminescence property of the present thin films was observed to be dependent on the co-intercalated degree of R6G molecules, indicating that the R6G intercalating in HpC interlayer space molecules exist as two or more luminescence species in the clay interlayer space.     

X-ray reflectivity study of ultrathin liquid films of diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymers

Using X-ray reflectivity, we observe drastic differences in the interfacial structure and molecular ordering of diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer thin films deposited on hydroxylated versus H-terminated (etched) silicon wafers. We find that substrate type and comonomer ratio determine the conformational arrangements in these liquid films. High-energy bonding between the substrate and the molecules and an increase in rigidity of the molecules due to replacement of methyl groups by phenyl groups leads to a specific molecular ordering at the liquid/solid interface and pronounced density oscillations in this region. The observed structural reorganizations are explained by the interplay and the established balance between the chain flexibility and the polymer-substrate interactions.     

Total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) measurements of tracer diffusion through swollen supported polymer films

This work introduces a new method for tracer diffusion studies which emphasizes interfacial effects. Total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) was employed to monitor rhodamine dye tracer diffusion normal to the interface in PDMS films whose swelling in THF was constrained by adhesion to a rigid support. In these constrained films, the tracer diffusivities were equal to or lower than those in freely swollen samples, with the difference most pronounced in samples of relatively low crosslink density. This indicated that swelling was reduced by adhesion to the substrate. In the supported films, tracer diffusion deviated from Fickian kinetics, suggesting that the region of the film near the substrate contained relatively less solvent at equilibrium than did the bulk film. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Spontaneous formation of dye-functionalized gold nanoparticles using reverse micellar systems

Detailed exploratory and mechanistic investigations on spontaneous formation of dye-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using dye-based reverse micellar systems are described in this publication. The accumulated results from spectroscopic and microscopic investigations demonstrated that water molecules confined within nanoscopic enclosure of the self-assembled reverse micelles played critical role in the redox processes of aurate ions to produce GNPs, which are assumed to have approximately constant size distributions. The resulting dye-functionalized GNPs were found to offer their absorption and fluorescence emission tunability by changing the medium polarity as well as to exhibit excellent film-forming properties to give optically homogeneous polystyrene thin films. These key findings in addition to broad applicability of the self-assembling process with a variety of dye analogues have led to a conclusion that the protocol presented here serves as a versatile synthetic method to provide a potential convenience for future development of new organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.     

Two-step resonance energy transfer between dyes in layered silicate films

Single- and two-step fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was investigated between laser dyes rhodamine 123 (R123), rhodamine 610 (R610), and oxazine 4 (Ox4). The dye molecules played the role of molecular antennas and energy donors (ED, R123), energy acceptors (EA, Ox4), or both (R610). The dye cations were embedded in the films based on layered silicate laponite (Lap) with the thickness of several μm. Optically homogeneous films were prepared directly from dye/Lap colloids. Dye concentration in the films was high enough for FRET to occur but sufficiently low to prevent the formation of large amounts of molecular aggregates. The films were characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and their optical properties were compared with colloid precursors and dye aqueous solutions. The phenomenon of FRET was confirmed by means of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies. Significant quenching of ED emission in favor of the luminescence from EA molecules was observed. FRET led to the decrease in the lifetimes of excited states of ED molecules. Molecular orientation of dye molecules was determined by polarized absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Almost parallel orientation with respect to silicate surface (～30°) was determined for all fluorescent species of the dyes. Theoretical model on relationship between anisotropy and molecular orientation of the fluorophores fits well with measured data. The analysis of anisotropy measurements confirmed the significant role of FRET in the phenomenon of light depolarization.     

Fluorescent plasma nanocomposite thin films containing nonaggregated rhodamine 6G laser dye molecules

This letter reports a novel methodology for the synthesis of dye-containing nanocomposite thin films containing fluorescent rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) laser dye molecules. The nanocomposites are deposited in one step at room temperature in a downstream microwave plasma operating at low pressure and power. By controlling the plasma chemistry, it is possible to reduce the formation of dye dimers and higher aggregates that quench the fluorescence of the dye molecules. The films are intensely absorbent and fluorescent, insoluble in water, mechanically stable, and present good adhesion to the substrate. Besides, the method is compatible with the present silicon technology and therefore particularly interesting for the fabrication of integrated optoelectronic devices.     

Phase separation in thin films of polymer blends: The influence of symmetric boundary conditions

Using nuclear reaction analysis composition‐depth profiling, we investigate the influence of symmetric/asymmetric confining walls on the equilibrium configuration of thin films of phase‐separated polymer blends. Depth profiles of samples annealed under symmetric boundary conditions show a laterally averaged concentration, while samples confined by nonsymmetric walls show (as in earlier studies) clear separation into two thin layers of coexisting phases. This suggests that for phase separation under symmetric boundary conditions the interface between the two phases is orthogonal to the sample plane, in line with recent theoretical discussion. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 831–837, 2000     

客体小分子在超分子有机凝胶体系中的扩散释放

采用二(4-硬脂酰胺基苯基)甲烷(BSAPM)为凝胶剂制备了含有小分子水杨酸和若丹明B的1,1,2-三氯乙烷(TCE)超分子有机凝胶. 以超分子有机凝胶作为主体, 客体小分子水杨酸和若丹明B可轻微降低超分子有机凝胶的相转变温度(T_GS). 用紫外-可见光度法研究了超分子凝胶中两种客体小分子在静态下的扩散释放. 结果表明其释放率随凝胶剂浓度的增加而降低. 客体小分子的体积大小对其释放有明显的影响, 分子体积较大的若丹明B的释放率低于分子体积较小的水杨酸. 另外, 若丹明B的扩散系数也低于水杨酸, 且随凝胶剂浓度的增加, 这种趋势更为明显. 两种客体分子的累积释放率与时间的平方根成良好的线性关系, 符合Higuchi方程, 属扩散控制的Fickian释放机理.     

Protein array engineering

We have been attempting to establish a universal technology for fabricating two-dimensional protein arrays with the desired molecular orientation in the form of crystalline films. The basic strategy adopted is to explore an interface adequate for connecting two completely dissimilar technologies: ‘nature's technology’ governing the basis of life and ‘human technology’ working in our daily life. The scales of the basic components and elementary devices functioning in the two technologies are dissimilar by a million-fold. To surpass this scale gap and make the mating productive, we have sought an interface in a stable thin liquid film on a substrate that is flat and well defined at the nanometer scale: water solutions of proteins spread on wettable surfaces such as the mercury surface form a stable thin film. The two-dimensional space confined in the thin liquid film is a new working space for protein molecules which moved from their original living space, cell suspension. We have found that protein molecules selfassemble into the form of two-dimensional crystals in the space, maintaining their original functions and structures and exhibiting a novel character as engineering materials.     

The rhodamine B intercalation of montmorillonite

Using photometric methods the dissociation constants and weight fractions of rhodamine B dimer in water solutions at different concentrations were determined. The montmorillonite (SWy) samples were fully intercalated with rhodamine B (RhB) solutions at various monomer/dimer ratios. The amount of rhodamine B in fully intercalated montmorillonite (RhB-SWy) increases with increasing concentration of dye in water solutions, i.e., with increasing dimer/monomer ratio. The sum of exchangeable guest cations in RhB-SWy is approximately constant (0.900 meq g(-1)) for all samples, because RhB-SWy samples with prevailing dye monomer also contain higher amounts of non-exchanged alkali elements. The experimental data are supported by calculated structure models that illustrate the changes in RhB-SWy structure depending on monomeric and/or dimeric arrangement of guests. The analysis of the calculated structure models confirmed the existence of two phases with different basal spacings, d approximately 1.8 and approximately 2.3 nm, revealed by X-ray diffraction.     

Spectroscopic studies of Langmuir-Blodgett films of 3,4,9,10-tetra(heptyloxycarbonyl)perylene and its mixtures with a liquid crystal

Langmuir (L) and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of 3,4,9,10-tetra(heptyloxycarbonyl)perylene and its binary mixtures with 4-octyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) and 4-pentyl-4'-cyano-p-terphenyl (5CT) have been studied. On the basis of the surface pressure-mean molecular area isotherms of L films, the alignment of the molecules on the air-water interface has been estimated. The L films were transferred onto quartz plates at surface pressures below the collapse point. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of LB films, obtained using unpolarized and linearly polarized light, were recorded. The results obtained have led to conclusions on the arrangement of the dye and liquid crystal molecules on the air-solid substrate interface. The fluorescence spectra revealed the formation of excited dimers in LB films.