Size‐Dependent Room Temperature Oxidation of Tin Particles

Using transmission electron microscopy, the size‐dependent room temperature oxidation of tin nanoparticles is studied. The oxide that forms during room temperature oxidation of Sn particles is amorphous SnO, and it retains this stoichiometry and structure over extended time periods. From the investigation of arrays of Sn nanoparticles with broad size distribution, under identical conditions, the Sn oxide thickness is evaluated as a function of size and oxidation time. The oxide thickness depends strongly on the size of the Sn nanoparticles, which is in excellent agreement with predictions for a Mott–Cabrera model corrected for a non‐uniform electric field. The results demonstrate the accelerated oxidation kinetics of nanoscale particles with high curvature, due to the amplified electric field at the interface to a continuously shrinking metal core.     

Transmission electron microscopy of single wall carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites: A first‐principles study

The physics of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image formation and electron diffraction of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a polymer matrix was investigated theoretically on the basis of the multislice method. The effect of the nanocomposite thickness on both image contrast and typical electron diffraction reflections of the nanofillers was explored. The implications of the results on the experimental applicability to study dispersion, chirality and diameter of nanofillers are discussed. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Metal–Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Correlative High‐Resolution Light and Electron Microscopy

The combination of fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy promises a deeper insight into the ultrastructural features of cell organelles, e.g., after drug administration. Both methods complement each other and provide, as a correlative approach, a keen insight into the fate of nanoparticles within the cell. Moreover, it represents a promising tool to determine alterations of the cellular environment as a response to particle uptake. However, the availability of suitable correlative markers is mandatory for such correlative approaches. In this contribution, the utilization of poly(ethylene imine) based metal–polymer hybrid particles labeled with small gold nanoparticles and Rhodamine B facilitating the observation of the particles by means of fluorescence as well as by transmission electron microscopy is suggested. Correlative light and electron microscopy is used to study uptake and intracellular fusion processes of endosomal/lysosomal structures.     

Generating Metallic Amorphous Core–Shell Nanoparticles by a Solid‐State Amorphization Process

Metallic crystalline/amorphous core–shell nanoparticles consisting of a crystalline Pd core (c‐Pd) surrounded by an amorphous Fe₂₅Sc₇₅ shell (a‐FeSc) are prepared by inert‐gas condensation. A phase transformation of the c‐Pd by a solid‐state diffusion process resulting in an amorphous core (a‐PdSc) surrounded by an amorphous FeSc shell is observed if the core–shell structure is irradiated at ambient temperature with 300 keV electrons. The amorphization process seems to involve the diffusion of irradiation‐induced defects and is presumably driven by the large negative heat of mixing of Pd and Sc, as well as by the excess enthalpy of the interfaces between the c‐Pd regions and the surrounding a‐FeSc. The structural transformation reported here opens a new way to producing metallic amorphous core–shell nanoparticles of different chemical compositions and probably novel properties.     

High–Yield Production of Uniform Gold Nanoparticles with Sizes from 31 to 577 nm via One‐Pot Seeded Growth and Size‐Dependent SERS Property

In this work, uniform, quasi‐spherical gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with sizes of 31–577 nm are prepared via one‐pot seeded growth with the aid of tris‐base (TB). Distinct from the seeded growth methods available in literature, the present method can be simply implemented by subsequently adding the aqueous dispersion of the 17 nm Au‐NP seeds and the aqueous solution of HAuCl₄ into the boiling aqueous TB solution. It is found that at the optimal pH range, the sizes of the final Au NPs and their concentrations are simply controlled by either the particle number of the Au seed dispersion or the concentration of the HAuCl₄ solution, while the latter enables us to produce large Au NPs at very high concentration. Moreover, as‐prepared Au NPs of various sizes are coated on glass substrates to test their surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities by using 4‐aminothiophenol (4‐ATP) molecules as probes, which exhibit “volcano type” dependence on the Au NP sizes at fixed excitation wavelength. Furthermore, the Au NPs with sizes of ≈97 and 408 nm exhibit the largest SERS enhancement at the excitation wavelength of 633 and 785 nm, respectively.     

Au-Pd共晶纳米粒子熔化行为的分子动力学研究

采用分子动力学方法结合嵌入原子势, 对Au-Pd共晶纳米粒子的热稳定性进行了模拟研究. 计算结果表明: Au-Pd纳米粒子的熔点明显高于Au单质纳米粒子而低于Pd纳米粒子. 通过计算Lindemann指数发现Au-Pd共晶纳米粒子中的Au原子首先熔化, 然后带动Pd原子的熔化; 熔化所经历的温度区间明显要宽于单质纳米粒子.     

Nuclear Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles Deduced Using Dual‐Angle X‐Ray Fluorescence Mapping

Studies into the cell nucleus' incorporation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often limited by ambiguities arising from conventional imaging techniques. Indeed, it is suggested that to date there is no unambiguous imaging evidence for such uptake in whole cells, particularly at the single nanoparticle level. This shortcoming in understanding exists despite the nucleus being the most important subcellular compartment in eukaryotes and gold being the most commonly used metal nanoparticle in medical applications. Here, dual‐angle X‐ray flouresence is used to show individually resolved nanoparticles within the cell nucleus, finding them to be well separated and 79% of the intranuclear population to be monodispersed. These findings have important implications for nanomedicine, illustrated here through a specific exemplar of the predicted enhancement of radiation effects arising from the observed AuNPs, finding intranuclear dose enhancements spanning nearly five orders of magnitude.     

Phosphonated Polyethylenimine‐Coated Nanoparticles: Size‐ and Zeta‐Potential‐Adjustable Nanomaterials

Novel partially phosphonated polyethylenimine polymers are developed in order to control the modification of nanoparticle (NP) surfaces. This polymer is built by an accessible one‐step process. The numerous phosphonate functions assume both a strong covalent anchoring on metal oxide NPs and a modulation of electric charges, while amino groups are associated with dispersion preservation and subsequent biofunctionalization. The zwitterionic nanomaterials obtained display a good stability toward pH and ionic strength. According to the selected percentage of phosphonation and the polymer size, zeta potential, and diameter of the particles are controlled.     

[110]Au纳米线在加温过程中结构与热稳定性的原子级模拟研究

采用分子动力学方法结合量子修正Sutton-Chen型多体力场,对[110]Au纳米线在升温过程中的结构与热稳定性进行了研究,并引入Lindemann指数和最小半径来研究它的熔化机理和形状演化.结果表明:纳米线在预熔之前,局部区域发生了由fcc到hcp的结构转变.纳米线的预熔首先出现表面上,然后向内部传播,最后才完全熔化为液态结构.纳米线在完全熔化后才开始出现径缩,并最终断裂成为球形纳米团簇.     

AgCl团簇的熔化行为

用遗传算法结合经验势搜索了(AgCl)_n(n=2~12)团簇的可能稳定结构,并用微正则分子动力学方法研究了它们的熔化行为.(AgCl)_n团簇的稳定结构主要以四元环和六元环相接的笼状结构为主.基态结构的熔化行为:(AgCl)_n(n=9~12) 与一般原子团簇的熔化行为相类似;(AgCl)_7在熔化前较大温度范围内发生正侧面轮换;(AgCl)_8在129K时转变为双层八元环结构,也存在正侧面轮换现象.能量较高的异构体在熔化之前均转变为基态结构,按照基态结构的熔化模式熔化.     

Mo高压熔化的分子动力学模拟

 采用第一原理方法计算了钼在零温下的结构,表明钼在500 GPa以下一直保持bcc结构（常温）,与实验一致。在零压附近计算了E-V关系,利用Murnaghan物态方程拟合得到了零压体积及其模量,与实验结果符合得很好。采用第一原理分子动力学模拟了钼的高压熔化性质。采用NVT系综计算了128个原子的系统,初始构形为bcc结构,体积分别为0.015 48、0.012 19、0.010 98、0.009 84、0.009 10 nm³/atom,计算了几个温度点,拟合得到了熔化曲线,熔化温度明显高于金刚石压砧（DAC）实验结果;将初始构形改变为fcc结构,模拟其熔化特性,得到的熔化温度明显下降,与激光加载DAC实验结果一致,认为可能的原因是钼熔化后形成的液体结构类似于fcc结构,而不是常态时的bcc结构。     

Tuning Carbon Content and Morphology of FeCo/Graphitic Carbon Core–Shell Nanoparticles using a Salt‐Matrix‐Assisted CVD Process

Large‐scale and tunable synthesis of FeCo/graphitic carbon (FeCo/GC) core–shell nanoparticles as a promising material for multipurpose biomedical applications is reported. The high‐quality graphitic structure of the carbon shells is demonstrated through high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. A saturation magnetization of 80.2 emu g^?1 is reached for the pure FeCo/GC core–shell nanoparticles. A decrease in the saturation magnetization of the samples is observed with an increase in their carbon content with different carbon morphologies evolved in the process. It is also shown how hybrid nanostructures, including mixtures of the FeCo/GC nanoparticles and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) or carbon nanorods (CNRs), can be obtained only by manipulation of the carbon‐bearing gas flow rate.     

Electron Density of Polymeric Nanoparticles Determined by Image Processing of Transmission Electron Micrographs: Insights into Heavy Metal Staining Processes

A crucial parameter for the investigation of in particular low electron scattering materials by transmission electron microscopy is their ability to attenuate the electron beam and by this to generate appropriate contrast. Surprisingly little attempts have been devoted to at least qualitatively judge on this property of materials. Here an automated imaging analysis algorithm is introduced for the determination of a characteristic electron attenuation factor for homo‐ and (co)polymer nanoparticles which provides a means to access a measure for the contrast in a systematic study of the inherent contrast as well as of the contrast of the nanoparticles after staining procedures. The determination is based on similar imaging conditions for different nanoparticle systems, which enables a comparative approach. Additionally, based on the importance and versatility of osmium tetroxide staining, experiments are conducted elucidating the staining process of model nanoparticle systems bearing olefinic groups. The binding of osmium tetroxide in the environment of the nanoparticle is investigated by means of high‐resolution electrospray mass spectrometry.     

Influence of Size on Melting Thermodynamics of Nanoparticles: Mechanism,Factors, Range,and Degree

Particle size plays a crucial role in melting process of nanoparticles, but the mechanism, factors, range, and degree of the size effect are still unclear. Here, the precise equations of the integral melting enthalpy and entropy with radius of nanoparticles are deduced, without any adjustable parameters, and the influencing mechanism and the factors are discussed. Experimentally, the melting of spherical nano‐Au with different radii (0.9–37.4 nm) is taken as a system to research the melting behavior of nanoparticles. Combining the results of theory and experiments, the influencing regularities, range, and degree are discussed. The results indicate that there are significant effects of particle size on the temperature, integral enthalpy, and integral entropy of melting, which decrease with the radius decreasing. These effects can be attributed to specific surface area, surface tension, and its temperature coefficient. When the radius exceeds 10 nm, specific surface area is the decisive factor, there exists the linear relationships of temperature, integral enthalpy, and integral entropy of melting with the reciprocal of radius. However, when the radius is less than 10 nm, the effects of surface tension and its temperature coefficient gradually hold the main position, the linear relations do not exist.     

小尺寸铝纳米团簇的相变行为

采用分子动力学方法模拟了半径从0.3–1.3 nm变化的小尺寸铝纳米团簇的熔化、凝固行为. 基于势能-温度曲线、热容-温度曲线分析, 获得了熔点、凝固点与尺寸的依变关系, 并利用表面能理论、小尺寸效应开展了现象分析.研究表明, 铝团簇原子数小于80时, 熔点和凝固点的尺寸依赖性出现无规律的异常变化; 而大于该原子数, 熔、凝固点则随着团簇尺寸的减小而单调下降; 当原子数为27时, 团簇熔点高于块材熔点近40 K. 同时, 铝纳米团簇呈现出凝固滞后现象, 即凝固点低于熔点. 关键词： 纳米团簇 熔点 凝固点 分子动力学     

Design of Gold Nanoparticles in Dendritic Cell‐Based Vaccines

The design of effective cancer vaccines must be able to activate dendritic cells (DCs) of the innate immune system in order to induce immunity to pathogens and cancer. DCs patrol the body and once they encounter antigens, they orchestrate a complex mechanism of events and signals that can alert the adaptive immune system to action. However, DC‐based vaccines remain a challenge in part because the source and quality of antigens, the DC targeting molecule, type of adjuvant, and delivery vehicle must be optimized to induce a robust immune response. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have now entered clinical trials as carriers due to their ease of functionalization with antigens, adjuvants, and targeting molecules. This progress report discusses how AuNPs can influence DC activation and maturation, as well as their potential impact on T helper (Th) differentiation. Ultimately, successful AuNP‐based DC vaccines are able to induce phagocytosis, activation/maturation, migration, T cell costimulation, and cytokine secretion, which is named AuNP‐induced DC tuning (AuNP‐DC tuning). Although at its infancy, understanding the processes of AuNP‐DC tuning will give a better understanding of how best to engineer AuNPs and will redefine the next generation of DC‐based vaccines.     

The Dual Mode Microwave Afterglow Apparatus for Measuring the Electron Temperature Dependence of the Electron‐Ion Recombination

Three dual mode microwave apparatus (one using S ‐band and two using X ‐band) have been developed to determine ambipolar diffusion and electron‐ion recombination rates under conditions such that T_gas = 300K and T_e is varied from 300 K to 6300 K, in the afterglow period of the dc glow discharge. TheTM₀₁₀ cylindrical cavity (in S ‐band) and TM₀₁₁ open cylindrical cavity (X ‐band) are used to determine the electron density during the afterglow period and a non‐resonant waveguide mode is used to apply a constant microwave heating field to the electrons. To test the properties of the apparatus the neon afterglow plasma has been investigated. At T_e = 300 K a value of α (Ne⁺₂) = (1.7± 0.2) × 10^–7cm³/s is obtained which is in good agreement with values of other investigators. Also similar variations of α as T^–0.4_e (S ‐band) and as T^–0.42_e (X ‐band) obeyed over the range 300 ≤ Te ≤ 6300K are in good agreement with some other previous measurements. The simplicity of the X‐band microwave apparatus also allows the measurements of the gas temperature dependency and the study of electron attachment and may be used simultaneously with optical or mass spectrometry investigations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)