Reconstruction of Supported Metal Nanoparticles in Reaction Conditions

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed on a high‐surface‐area support are normally used as heterogeneous catalysts. Recent in situ experiments have shown that structure reconstruction of the NP occurs in real catalysis. However, the role played by supports in these processes is still unclear. Supports can be very important in real catalysis because of the new active sites at the perimeter interface between nanoparticles and supports. Herein, using a developed multiscale model coupled with in situ spherical aberration‐corrected (Cs‐corrected) TEM experiments, we show that the interaction between the support and the gas environment greatly changes the contact surface area between the metal and support, which further leads to the critical change in the perimeter interface. The dynamic changes of the interface in reactive environments can thus be predicted and be included in the rational design of supported metal nanocatalysts. In particular, our multiscale model shows quantitative consistency with experimental observations. This work offers possibilities for obtaining atomic‐scale structures and insights beyond the experimental limits.     

Acquired Superoxide‐Scavenging Ability of Ceria Nanoparticles

Ceria nanoparticles (nanoceria) are well known as a superoxide scavenger. However, inherent superoxide‐scavenging ability has only been found in the nanoceria with sizes of less than 5 nm and with very limited shape diversity. Reported herein is a strategy to significantly improve the superoxide‐scavenging activity of nanoceria sized at greater than 5 nm. The nanoceria with sizes of greater than 5 nm, with different shapes, and with a negligible Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio can acquire remarkable superoxide‐scavenging abilities through electron transfer. This method will make it possible to develop nanoceria‐based superoxide‐scavengers with long‐acting activity and tailorable characteristics.     

Influence of the Preparation Procedure on the Catalytic Activity of Gold Supported on Diamond Nanoparticles for Phenol Peroxidation

The catalytic activity of diamond‐supported gold nanoparticle (Au/D) samples prepared by the deposition/precipitation method have been correlated as a function of the pH and the reduction treatment. It was found that the most active material is the one prepared at pH 5 followed by subsequent thermal treatment at 300 °C under hydrogen. TEM images show that Au/D prepared under optimal conditions contain very small gold nanoparticles with sizes below 2 nm that are proposed to be responsible for the catalytic activity. Tests of productivity using large phenol (50 g L ^?1) and H₂O₂ excesses (100 g L ^?1) and reuse gives a minimum TON of 458,759 moles of phenol degraded per gold atom. Analysis of the organic compounds extracted from the deactivated solid catalyst indicates that the poisons are mostly hydroxylated dicarboxylic acids arising from the degradative oxidation of the phenyl ring. By determining the efficiency for phenol degradation and the amount of O₂ evolved two different reactions of H₂O₂ decomposition (the Fenton reaction at acidic pH values and spurious O₂ evolution at basic pH values) are proposed for Au/D catalysis. The activation energy of the two processes is very similar (ranging between 30 and 35 kJ mol^?1). By using dimethylsulfoxide as a radical scavenger and N‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone as a spin trap under aerated conditions, the EPR spectrum of the expected PBN? OCH₃ adduct was detected, supporting the generation of HO^., characteristic of Fenton chemistry in the process. Phenol degradation, on the other hand, exhibits the same activation energy as H₂O₂ decomposition at pH 4 (due to the barrierless attack of HO^. to phenol), but increases the activation energy gradually up to about 90 kJ mol^?1 at pH 7 and then undergoes a subsequent reduction as the pH increases reaching another minimum at pH 8.5 (49 kJ mol^?1).     

Electrochemistry of Nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) find widespread application as a result of their unique physical and chemical properties. NPs have generated considerable interest in catalysis and electrocatalysis, where they provide a high surface area to mass ratio and can be tailored to promote particular reaction pathways. The activity of NPs can be analyzed especially well using electrochemistry, which probes interfacial chemistry directly. In this Review, we discuss key issues related to the electrochemistry of NPs. We highlight model studies that demonstrate exceptional control over the NP shape and size, or mass‐transport conditions, which can provide key insights into the behavior of ensembles of NPs. Particular focus is on the challenge of ultimately measuring reactions at individual NPs, and relating the response to their structure, which is leading to imaginative experiments that have an impact on electrochemistry in general as well as broader surface and colloid science.     

Synthesis of Holmium-Oxide Nanoparticles for Near-Infrared Imaging and Dye-Photodegradation

The development of multifunctional nanomaterials has received growing research interest, thanks to its ability to combine multiple properties for severing highly demanding purposes. In this work, holmium oxide nanoparticles are synthesized and characterized by various tools including XRD, XPS, and TEM. These nanoparticles are found to emit near-infrared fluorescence (800–1100 nm) under a 785 nm excitation source. Imaging of the animal tissues was demonstrated, and the maximum imaging depth was found to be 2.2 cm. The synthesized nanoparticles also show the capability of facilitating dye (fluorescein sodium salt and rhodamine 6G) degradation under white light irradiation. The synthesized holmium oxide nanoparticles are envisioned to be useful for near-infrared tissue imaging and dye-degradation.     

Structural Characterization of Zirconia Nanoparticles Prepared by Microwave-Hydrothermal Synthesis

Nanocrystalline zirconia powders have been prepared by microwave-hydrothermal synthesis starting from aqueous solution of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O. Results of investigations on the aqueous suspension stability of the washed zirconia nanopowders by dynamic light scattering showed that the suspension, constituted by superaggregates of nanoparticles (131 ± 10 nm), was stable up to 15 days. Nanopowders were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and small angle x-ray scattering measurements which proved that the zirconia nanopowder is constituted by small primary nanoparticles of ca. 8 nm that agglomerate forming bigger aggregates of 50 ± 1 nm.     

Fabrication of Condensate Microdrop Self‐Propelling Porous Films of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Copper Surfaces

Condensate microdrop self‐propelling (CMDSP) surfaces have attracted intensive interest. However, it is still challenging to form metal‐based CMDSP surfaces. We design and fabricate a type of copper‐based CMDSP porous nanoparticle film. An electrodeposition method based on control over the preferential crystal growth of isotropic nanoparticles and synergistic utilization of tiny hydrogen bubbles as pore‐making templates is adopted for the in situ growth of cerium oxide porous nanoparticle films on copper surfaces. After characterizing their microscopic morphology, crystal structure and surface chemistry, we explore their CMDSP properties. The nanostructure can realize the efficient ejection of condensate microdrops with sizes below 50 μm.     

Structure and Properties of Electrochemically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution by High-Resolution Techniques

The aim of this work was to deeply investigate the structure and properties of electrochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through high-resolution techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zeta Potential measurements, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Strong brightness, tendency to generate nanoclusters containing an odd number of atoms, and absence of the free silver ions in solution were observed. The research also highlighted that the chemical and physical properties of the AgNPs seemed to be related to their peculiar oxidative state as suggested by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyses. Finally, the MTT assay tested the low cytotoxicity of the investigated AgNPs.     

磁性铁氧化物纳米粒子表面功能化及其应用

表面功能化的磁性铁氧化物纳米粒子是一种新型功能材料,可应用于各种生物活性物质如蛋白质、DNA等的富集和分离,药物的磁靶向,以及疾病的诊断和治疗等许多领域.本文在总结近年来国内外有关功能化磁性铁氧化物纳米粒子研究成果的基础上,阐述了功能化磁性铁氧化物纳米粒子的结构类型、特点、目前的各种功能化制备方法以及相关应用最新研究进展,指出了当前研究中的主要发展方向和仍需要解决的问题.     

Detailed Structural Examinations of Covalently Immobilized Gold Nanoparticles onto Hydrogen‐Terminated Silicon Surfaces

The modification of flat semiconductor surfaces with nanoscale materials has been the subject of considerable interest. This paper provides detailed structural examinations of gold nanoparticles covalently immobilized onto hydrogen‐terminated silicon surfaces by a convenient thermal hydrosilylation to form Si? C bonds. Gold nanoparticles stabilized by ω‐alkene‐1‐thiols with different alkyl chain lengths (C₃, C₆, and C₁₁), with average diameters of 2–3 nm and a narrow size distribution were used. The thermal hydrosilylation reactions of these nanoparticles with hydrogen‐terminated Si(111) surfaces were carried out in toluene at various conditions under N₂. The obtained modified surfaces were observed by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM). The obtained images indicate considerable changes in morphology with reaction time, reaction temperature, as well as the length of the stabilizing ω‐alkene‐1‐thiol molecules. These surfaces are stable and can be stored under ambient conditions for several weeks without measurable decomposition. It was also found that the aggregation of immobilized particles on a silicon surface occurred at high temperature (> 100 °C). Precise XPS measurements of modified surfaces were carried out by using a Au–S ligand‐exchange technique. The spectrum clearly showed the existence of Si? C bonds. Cross‐sectional HR‐TEM images also directly indicate that the particles were covalently attached to the silicon surface through Si? C bonds.     

球形纳米银与人血清白蛋白相互作用的研究

通过化学还原法合成了球形银纳米颗粒,并利用电子显微镜方法对其形貌进行了表征;利用紫外可见吸收光谱法(UV)、荧光光谱法(FL) 以及扫描电子显微镜(SEM) 研究了球形纳米银与人血清白蛋白(HSA) 的结合反应。随着纳米银溶液浓度的增加,混合溶液的紫外吸收峰强度增加,但荧光强度则发生了明显的猝灭。光谱学实验结果表明,球形纳米银与人血清白蛋白在溶液中发生了相互作用,此结果也通过扫描电子显微镜实验得到了验证。由荧光实验还可获得纳米银与HSA 相互作用的结合常数、结合位点数以及吉布斯自由能变,由这些热力学数据可知纳米银与人血清白蛋白可以自发结合发生反应,并形成缔合物。     

In situ Growth of Pd Nanoparticles in Crosslinked Polymer Matrices

Polymer nanocomposites continue to receive considerable attention as multifunctional hybrid materials, with most nanocomposites fabricated by physical dispersion of surface‐functionalized nanoscale objects. In this study, we explore the viability of growing Pd‐containing nanoparticles from Na₂PdCl₄ in two different polymers: hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS) and an aromatic polyimide (PIm). In HPS, single Pd‐containing nanoparticles possessing a relatively narrow size distribution (ca. 1–4 nm) form upon reduction of the divalent PdCl ions. Single nanoparticles with a broad size distribution ranging from ≈2 to 16 nm develop in PIm, which simultaneously undergoes chemical crosslinking during ion reduction. Such hybrid materials hold promise in molecular catalysis and gas separation.

     

Some Characteristics of Ion-Selective Electrode Membrane Surfaces

Abstract

Some studies of the features of surfaces of PVC based liquid ion-exchanger and neutral carrier membranes, and of solid-state membranes of ion-selective electrodes are reviewed with respect to the application of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Auger spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Among the membranes discussed are those responding to (i) calcium for organophosphate type membranes, (ii) barium and polyalkoxylate non-ionic surfactants for PVC membranes based on complexes of barium with polyalkoxylate s, (iii) copper(II) for solid-state membranes of mixed copper(II) sulphide and silver sulphide, and (iv) sulphide and thiols for membranes of silver sulphide.     

紫外光照射制备具有光学活性的银纳米粒子

以脱氧胆酸钠(NaDC)为还原剂、稳定剂,经紫外光辐照AgNO3溶液在室温下制备出尺寸30 nm左右的类球形的银纳米粒子。用紫外-可见光谱、透射电镜、圆二色谱和傅立叶变换红外光谱等测试手段对所制备的脱氧胆酸钠包裹的银纳米粒子进行了表征。红外光谱结果表明,在紫外光激发下,脱氧胆酸钠甾环上12α-OH发生氧化反应,同时还原Ag+为单质银,并聚集生成银纳米粒子。溶液的pH值对光化学氧化还原反应速度有着重要的影响,增加溶液的pH值,Ag+的还原反应速度明显加快。在吸附在银粒子表面的脱氧胆酸钠的手性氛围诱导下,生成的银纳米粒子在其表面等离子体共振区域出现手性信号。     

紫外光照射制备具有光学活性的银纳米粒子

以脱氧胆酸钠（NaDC）为还原剂、稳定剂,经紫外光辐照AgNO₃溶液在室温下制备出尺寸30nm左右的类球形的银纳米粒子。用紫外-可见光谱、透射电镜、圆二色谱和傅立叶变换红外光谱等测试手段对所制备的脱氧胆酸钠包裹的银纳米粒子进行了表征。红外光谱结果表明,在紫外光激发下,脱氧胆酸钠甾环上12α-OH发生氧化反应,同时还原Ag⁺为单质银,并聚集生成银纳米粒子。溶液的pH值对光化学氧化还原反应速度有着重要的影响,增加溶液的pH值,Ag⁺的还原反应速度明显加快。在吸附在银粒子表面的脱氧胆酸钠的手性氛围诱导下,生成的银纳米粒子在其表面等离子体共振区域出现手性信号。     

Size‐Controlled Synthesis of Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles in Confined Nanoreactors

Soluble conjugated polymeric nanoparticles are synthesized by Suzuki‐type polycondensation of two monomers (A_x + B_y, x>2, y≥2) in the channel of ordered mesoporous silica‐supported carbon nanomembranes (nanoreactors). These synthesized soluble conjugated microporous polymers (SCMPs) exhibit uniform particle‐size distributions and well‐controlled particle sizes. The control of particle size stems from the fact that the polycondensations exclusively take place inside the mesochannels of the nanoreactors. Photoluminescence studies show that polymeric nanoparticles with tetraphenylethene and pyrene substructures are highly fluorescent. The combination of both physical stability and processability offered by the soluble polymeric nanoparticles makes them particularly attractive in light emitting and other optoelectronic applications.     

Cucurbit[7]uril as a Tool in the Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles

A simple, green, one‐pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles was achieved through the reaction of an aqueous mixture of potassium tetrachloroaurate(III) and the macrocycle cucurbit[7]uril in the presence of sodium hydroxide at room temperature without introducing any kind of traditional reducing agents and/or external energy. The as‐prepared gold nanoparticles showed catalytic activity for the reduction reaction of 4‐nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH₄, which has been established by visual inspection and UV/Vis spectroscopy. This report is the first for the preparation of gold nanoparticles using cucurbit[7]uril in aqueous media through chemical reduction without employing conventional reducing agents and/or external energy.