Metal Sulfide Nanoparticle Synthesis with Ionic Liquids – State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Metal sulfides are among the most promising materials for a wide variety of technologically relevant applications ranging from energy to environment and beyond. Incidentally, ionic liquids (ILs) have been among the top research subjects for the same applications and also for inorganic materials synthesis. As a result, the exploitation of the peculiar properties of ILs for metal sulfide synthesis could provide attractive new avenues for the generation of new, highly specific metal sulfides for numerous applications. This article therefore describes current developments in metal sulfide nanoparticle synthesis as exemplified by a number of highlight examples. Moreover, the article demonstrates how ILs have been used in metal sulfide synthesis and discusses the benefits of using ILs over more traditional approaches. Finally, the article demonstrates some technological challenges and how ILs could be used to further advance the production and specific property engineering of metal sulfide nanomaterials, again based on a number of selected examples.     

Synthesis and characterization of low dimensional ZnS- and PbS-semiconductor particles on a montmorillonite template

Low dimensional metal sulfide particles have been prepared in the interlayers of montmorillonites via reactions of the metal ion-exchanged clay minerals in aqueous dispersions with gaseous hydrogen sulfide. The montmorillonites separated from the Wyoming (USA) and Jel?ovy Potok (Slovakia) bentonites were saturated with Pb(2+) or Zn(2+). In the final nanohybrids, the smectite mineral can be incorporated with metal sulfide pillars and/or nanoparticles. Properties of the prepared materials were investigated by various analytical techniques. The formation of metal sulfide nanoparticles in the interlayer galleries was indicated by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. About 50% of Pb(2+) or Zn(2+) present in montmorillonite has formed metal sulfide semiconducting units. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used for characterization of starting materials and products. Ultraviolet-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies confirmed that final composite systems acquired the optical properties of the incorporated quantum low dimensional systems exhibiting blue shift of the energy gap and higher oscillator strength excitonic peaks. Larger amounts of metal sulfide nanoparticles were formed in montmorillonite Jel?ovy Potok probably as a consequence of its higher cation exchange capacity.     

Surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles for health-related applications

Functionalization of gold nanoparticles is crucial for the effective utilization of these materials in health-related applications. Health-related applications of gold nanoparticles rely on the physical and chemical reactions between molecules and gold nanoparticles. Surface chemistry can precisely control and tailor the surface properties of gold nanoparticles to meet the needs of applications. Gold nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties, and have been used in a broad range of applications from prophylaxis to diagnosis and treatment. The surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles plays a crucial role in all of these applications. This minireview summarizes these applications from the perspective of surface chemistry and explores how surface chemistry improves and imparts new properties to gold nanoparticles for these applications.

Functionalization of gold nanoparticles is crucial for the effective utilization of these materials in health-related applications.     

气体膨胀液体技术制备纳米微粒研究进展

近年来,利用气体膨胀液体的相行为已经开发了许多气体膨胀液体微粒制备方法,并已在制备无机、有机材料、有机金属固体、医药、电子等方面的微细颗粒方面得到广泛应用。本文介绍了气体膨胀液体制备纳米颗粒的研究和应用进展。     

Protein–Metal-Ion Networks: A Unique Approach toward Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles Embedded In Situ in Nanocomposites

Nanoscale metal sulfides are of tremendous potential in biomedicine. Generally, the properties and performances of metal sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) are highly related to their structures, sizes and morphologies. Recently, a strategy of using sulfur-containing protein–metal-ion networks for preparing metal sulfide embedded nanocomposites was proposed. Within the networks, proteins can play multiple roles to drive the transformation of these networks into protein-encapsulated metal sulfide NPs with ultrasmall size and defined structure (as both a template and a sulfur provider) or metal sulfide NP–protein hydrogels with injecting and self-healing properties (as a template, a sulfur provider, and a gelator) in a controlled manner. In this Concept, the synthesis strategy, the formation mechanism, and the biomedical applications of the gained nanocomposites are presented. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities of using protein–metal ion networks to construct functional materials for biomedical applications are analyzed.     

Metal nanoparticle-conjugated polymer nanocomposites

Recent literature describing nanocomposites of metal nanoparticles and conjugated polymers and oligomers are reviewed. Preparation of these nanocomposites by chemical and electrochemical methods are described, and the electronic and optical properties of these materials are discussed. Some initial applications that have been investigated for such nanocomposites are covered.     

Recent Advances in Hybrid Materials of Metal Nanoparticles and Polyoxometalates

Polyoxometalates (POMs), anionic metal-oxygen nanoclusters that possess various composition-dependent properties, are widely used to modify the existing properties of metal nanoparticles and to endow them with new ones. Herein, we present an overview of recent advances in hybrid materials that consist of metal nanoparticles and POMs. Following a brief introduction on the inception of this area and its development, representative properties and applications of these materials in various fields such as electrochemistry, photochemistry, and catalysis are introduced. We discuss how the combination of two classic inorganic materials facilitates cooperative and synergistic behavior, and we also give personal perspectives on the future development of this field.     

Lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles and applications in bioassays and bioimaging: A review

Through the process of photon upconversion, trivalent lanthanide doped nanocrystals convert long-wavelength excitation radiation in the infrared or near infrared region to higher energy emission radiation from ultraviolet to infrared. Such materials offer potential for numerous advantages in analytical applications in comparison to molecular fluorophores and quantum dots. The use of IR radiation as an excitation source reduces autofluorescence and scattering of excitation radiation, which leads to a reduction of background in optical experiments. The upconverting nanocrystals offer excellent photostability and are composed of materials that are not particularly toxic to biological organisms. Excitation at long wavelengths also minimizes damage to biological materials. In this review, the different mechanisms responsible for the upconversion process, and methods that are used to synthesize and decorate upconverting nanoparticles are presented to indicate how absorption and emission can be tuned. Examples of recent applications of upconverting nanoparticles in bioassays for the detection of proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites and metal ions offer indications of analytical advantages in the development of methods of analysis. Examples include multi-color and multi-modal imaging, and the use of upconverting nanoparticles in theranostics.     

Surface Modification and Functionalization of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles by Organic Ligands

Summary. Metal or metal oxide nanoparticles possess unique features compared to equivalent larger-scale materials. For applications, it is often necessary to stabilize or functionalize such nanoparticles. Thus, modification of the surface of nanoparticles is an important chemical challenge. In this survey, various possibilities are discussed how nanoparticles can be protected by organic ligands and how these ligands can be used to introduce functionalities. The preparative possibilities include grafting of an already functionalized ligand on the nanoparticle surface, exchanging part or all existing ligands on the nanoparticle surface, or grafting of a ligand on a nanoparticle followed by modification by organic chemical reactions.     

The formation of mixed copper(II) sulfide—silver(I) sulfide membranes for copper(II)-selective electrodes

Several methods for the preparation of mixed copper(II) sulfide—silver(I) sulfide precipitates have been investigated. Pellets of these materials have been tested for their suitability as copper(II)-selective membranes. Homogeneous membranes with satisfactory electrochemical properties can be prepared only from precipitates obtained by addition of the metal salts to sodium sulfide Membrane leakages, limits of detection, calibration curves and titration curves with different types of precipitate are discussed.     

The use of nanoparticles in anti-microbial materials and their characterization

Anti-microbial materials have multiple applications in medicine, industry and commercial products. Recent research has proposed the use of nanoparticles in a range of materials, as some metal nanoparticles are known to possess antibacterial properties. The development of such materials presents both the chemist and the biologist with the challenge to effectively choose analytical methods that provide relevant information regarding these materials. Herein, we describe techniques for the characterization of the nanoparticle-doped materials and methods for the determination of their efficacy against biofilm formation.     

Choline chloride – Urea deep eutectic solvent an efficient media for the preparation of metal nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles are nanosized structures that have different potential applications in biological, chemical, medical, and agricultural fields because of their exotic characteristics. Their size ranges from 1 to 100 nm. Metal nanoparticles are either purer forms of metals (eg: Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, etc.) or their compounds (eg: sulfides, hydroxides, oxides, etc.). Ionic liquids are generally used in the extraction of nanoparticles but they are challenging because of their indigent bio-degradability, bio-compatibility, and sustainability. So Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) is reported as an alternative to ionic liquids in the formation of nanoparticles. The DESs are a complex of quaternary ammonium salts and hydrogen donors or metal salt. DESs contain higher non-symmetric ions which have lower lattice energy and hence they have a lower melting point. This research utilizes a novel DES (choline chloride – urea) as an effective solvent to produce mercuric sulfide (HgS), zirconium oxide (ZrO), manganese oxide (MnO), and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. As a result, the production of these metal nanoparticles using Choline Chloride (C₅H₁₄ClNO) – Urea DES can be treated as a promising way in chemical manufacturing. The nanoparticles have been analyzed using Ultra Violet Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX).     

Overview of Synthetic Methods to Prepare Plasmonic Transition-Metal Nitride Nanoparticles

The search for new plasmonic materials that are low-cost, chemically and thermally stable, and exhibit low optical losses has garnered significant attention among researchers. Recently, metal nitrides have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional, noble-metal-based plasmonic materials, such as silver and gold. Many of the initial studies on metal nitrides have focused on computational prediction of the plasmonic properties of these materials. In recent years, several synthetic methods have been developed to enable empirical analysis. This review highlights synthetic techniques for the preparation of plasmonic metal nitride nanoparticles, which are predominantly free-standing, by using solid-state and solid–gas phase reactions, nonthermal and arc plasma methods, and laser ablation. The physical properties of the nanoparticles, such as shape, size, crystallinity, and optical response, obtained with such synthetic methods are also summarized.     

Production of complex cerium-aluminum oxides using an atmospheric pressure plasma torch

Ceria-alumina particles of a wide variety of structures, from micrometer-sized hollow spheres to nanoparticles, were produced from aerosols of different natures, but all derived from nitrate salts passed through a low power (<1000 W) atmospheric pressure plasma torch. The amount of water present with the nitrate salts was found to significantly affect the morphology of the resulting material. A model was proposed that explains the mechanism in which water acts as a blowing agent to create hollow metal oxide spheres that then shatter to form metal oxide nanoparticles. Further examination of the nanoparticles revealed that they display a core/shell morphology in which the core material is crystalline CeO2 and the shell material is amorphous Al2O3. These unique core/shell materials are interesting candidates for catalyst support materials with high thermal durability. In addition, experiments have shown that the nanoparticles can be readily converted into CeAlO3 perovskite.     

Front Cover: Enhancement of dielectrophoresis-based particle collection from high conducting fluids due to partial electrode insulation

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a successful method to recover nanoparticles from different types of fluid. The DEP force acting on these particles is created by an electrode microarray that produces a nonuniform electric field. To apply DEP to a highly conducting biological fluid, a protective hydrogel coating over the metal electrodes is required to create a barrier between the electrode and the fluid. This protects the electrodes, reduces the electrolysis of water, and allows the electric field to penetrate into the fluid sample. We observed that the protective hydrogel layer can separate from the electrode and form a closed domed structure and that collection of 100 nm polystyrene beads increased when this occurred. To better understand this collection increase, we used COMSOL Multiphysics software to model the electric field in the presence of the dome filled with different materials ranging from low-conducting gas to high conducting phosphate-buffered saline fluids. The results suggest that as the electrical conductivity of the material inside the dome is reduced, the whole dome acts as an insulator which increases electric field intensity at the electrode edge. This increased intensity widens the high-intensity electric field factor zone resulting in increased collection. This informs how dome formation results in increased particle collection and provides insight into how the electric field can be intensified to the increase collection of particles. These results have important applications for increasing the recovery of biologically-derived nanoparticles from undiluted physiological fluids that have high conductance, including the collection of cancer-derived extracellular vesicles from plasma for liquid biopsy applications.     

Stimuli-responsive colloids: From stratified to self-repairing Polymeric Films and Beyond

Although stratification in polymeric colloids and films has been known for a long time, its significance has not been recognized until surface-interfacial properties driven by mobility of dispersing agents became one of the key features that impact structure–property relationships. Learning from these studies, the last decade resulted in significant advances that have led to the development of a new generation of polymeric materials in general, and colloids in particular, that exhibit stimuli-responsive attributes. As significant as hydrophobic interactions are in biological systems, the abundance of these and other interactions can be found in colloids that are capable of recognition and dynamic responsiveness leading to life-like materials with significant technological applications. Recent advances in the development of stimuli-responsive colloidal materials are discussed in the context of surface and bulk responsive morphologies, from dynamic shape and color changing colloidal nanoparticles to expandable nanotubes and polymer-modified metal nanoparticles. Stimuli-responsive and signaling attributes of macromolecular segments of colloids along with dispersing components will play key roles during colloidal film formation. Concurrently, the development of heterogeneous functional objects that can exhibit dimensional change initiated by light or other environmental factors will form a new platform of amazing and sparkling technologies for the 21st century capable of producing on-demand self-repairing colloid-based materials.     

Plant-Based Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Theranostic Applications: A Review

Bionanotechnology is a branch of science that has revolutionized modern science and technology. Nanomaterials, especially noble metals, have attracted researchers due to their size and application in different branches of sciences that benefit humanity. Metal nanoparticles can be synthesized using green methods, which are good for the environment, economically viable, and facilitate synthesis. Due to their size and form, gold nanoparticles have become significant. Plant materials are of particular interest in the synthesis and manufacture of theranostic gold nanoparticles (NPs), which have been generated using various materials. On the other hand, chemically produced nanoparticles have several drawbacks in terms of cost, toxicity, and effectiveness. A plant-mediated integration of metallic nanoparticles has been developed in the field of nanotechnology to overcome the drawbacks of traditional synthesis, such as physical and synthetic strategies. Nanomaterials′ tunable features make them sophisticated tools in the biomedical platform, especially for developing new diagnostics and therapeutics for malignancy, neurodegenerative, and other chronic disorders. Therefore, this review outlines the theranostic approach, the different plant materials utilized in theranostic applications, and future directions based on current breakthroughs in these fields.     

Silver as an example of the applications of photochemistry to the synthesis and uses of nanomaterials

Photochemistry is a powerful tool for controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles, their modification and in many of the applications that these materials have. Plasmon transitions offer a unique way of delivering energy with exquisite spatial and temporal control and can be used to advantage where visible wavelength control is required. This account of research at the University of Ottawa summarizes details of the synthesis, modification and applications of silver nanostructures.     

Nanotechnology,Green Synthesis and Biological Activity Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated Argemone Mxicana Leaf Extract

Nanomaterial is a rapidly growing area that is used to create a variety of new materials and nanotechnology applications from medical, pharmaceuticals, chemical, mechanical, electronics and several environmental industries including physical, chemical and biological nanoparticles are very important in our daily life. Nanoparticles with leaf extract from the healthy plant are important in the area of research using biosynthesis methods. Because of it’s used as an environmentally ecofriendly, other than traditional physical and chemical strategies. In particular, biologically synthesized nanoparticles have become a key branch of nanotechnology. The present work presents a synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using an extract from the Argemone leaf Mexicana. Biosynthetic nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy analysis, a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) and a scanning electron microcopy (SEM), X-ray analysis with dispersive energy (EDAX). XRD is used to examine the crystalline size of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The FTIR test consists in providing evidence of the presence of targeted teams. UV is used for optical properties and calculates the energy of the bandwidth slot. The scanning microscope emission reveals the morphology of the surface and the energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the basic composition of zinc oxide nanoparticles. It is found that zinc nanoparticles are capable of achieving high anti-fungal efficacy and therefore have a high potential antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs, like antibacterial and high antioxidant. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles from the Argemone Mexicana leaf extract have several antimicrobial applications, such as medical specialty, cosmetics, food, biotechnology, nano medicine and drug delivery system. ZnO nanoparticles are important because they provide many practical applications in industry. The most important use of nanoparticles of ZnO would be strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity with a simple and efficient biosynthesis method may be used for future work applications.     

Tailoring surface plasmons through the morphology and assembly of metal nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles can be used as building blocks for the formation of nanostructured materials. For the design of materials with specific (optical) properties, several approaches can be followed, even when starting from the very same basic units. In this article, a survey is provided of the optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles, specifically gold, silver, and their combinations, prepared in solution through colloid chemical methods. The optical properties are shown to be mainly influenced by the surface plasmon resonance of conduction electrons, the frequency of which is not only determined by the nature of the metal but also by a number of other parameters, such as particle size and shape, the presence of a capping shell on the particle surface, or the dielectric properties of the surrounding medium. Recent results showing how these various parameters affect the optical properties are reviewed. The results highlight the high degree of control that can now be achieved through colloid chemical synthesis.