Metal nanoparticle catalysts decorated with metal oxide clusters

Au nanoparticles decorated with mononuclear Ti-oxo units dispersed in silica clusters were formed by activating Au nanoparticles (～2 nm) stabilized with Ti- and amine-functionalized siloxane oligomers. These Au nanoparticles were active catalysts for selective oxidation of propane to acetone, and the activity increased with increasing Ti density.     

Energy levels of small titanium oxide clusters obtained from SCF calculations

The energy levels of small titanium oxide clusters [(TiO₂)₂, and (TiO₂H)₃, and (TiO₂H)₂] have been calculated using ab initio SCF methods. Both crystal and relaxed geometries have been considered. Systematic changes in the valencelevel structure resulting from geometry relaxation are found, which may be related to band-gap changes experimentally observed for small titanium oxide particles. In addition, a Ti? OH local surface state is found to be well described within a limited cluster model. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Planar gold nanoparticle clusters as microscale mirrors

Dispersible microscale mirror particles were synthesized by linkage of citrate-coated gold nanoparticles and 3-aminopropylsilyl-modified Ca2Nb3O10 perovskite nanoplates. The mirror particles reflect 14-19% of light in the 500-800 nm wavelength interval with retention of polarization. Due to their directional reflection properties, laser-irradiated micromirror dispersions in solvents exhibit Brownian motion-driven multicolor blinking behavior.     

Formation of antimony oxide clusters by gas aggregation

Sb_xO_y clusters are produced by using a gas aggregation technique. Antimony vapor is mixed with He/O₂ or He/N₂O and cooled in a reaction channel. After photoionisation with a KrF (248 nm) or ArF (193 nm) excimer laser the products are mass analyzed in a time of flight mass spectrometer. In the presence of N₂O no oxide clusters besides SbO⁺ can be detected, while with oxygen under similar experimental conditions dramatic changes can be observed. At low oxygen partial pressure the obtained spectra are dominated by the pure Sb _x ⁺ clusters with low intensity of Sb_xO _y ⁺ , whereas at high oxygen partial pressure antimony oxides following the general sequence SbO⁺(Sb₂O₃)n are most abundant. The same stable species can furthermore be produced via aggregation of vaporised solid antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃). Within these experiments another new Series of antimony oxides tentatively assigned to (Sb₂O₃) _n ⁺ appeared in the mass spectra.     

Zinc oxide clusters encapsulated by organozinc phosphazenate assemblies

Phosphazenes (ⁱBuNH)₆P₃N₃ and (BzNH)₆P₃N₃ were combined with 1.5 equivalents of water and 7.5 equivalents of diethylzinc resulting in the formation of zinc oxide phosphazenate complexes Zn₃O₂[(ⁱBuN)₆P₃N₃(EtZn)₅]₂ (6) and Zn₂O₂[(BzN)₆P₃N₃(EtZn)₆]₂ (7), respectively. X-ray structure analysis showed that in both complexes the organozinc phosphazenate moieties encapsulate the zinc oxide clusters, Zn₃O₂ (in 6) and Zn₂O₂ (in 7), which were generated in situ by hydrolysis of Et₂Zn. The geometry and nuclearity of the encapsulated zinc oxide clusters is largely controlled by the steric bulk of the host phosphazenate arrangement, which offers well-defined arrays of Lewis acidic Zn and Lewis basic N sites for coordinating both zinc and oxide ions.     

Hydrodynamic fractionation of finite size gold nanoparticle clusters

We demonstrate a high-resolution in situ experimental method for performing simultaneous size classification and characterization of functional gold nanoparticle clusters (GNCs) based on asymmetric-flow field flow fractionation (AFFF). Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, multi-angle light scattering (MALS), and in situ ultraviolet-visible optical spectroscopy provide complementary data and imagery confirming the cluster state (e.g., dimer, trimer, tetramer), packing structure, and purity of fractionated populations. An orthogonal analysis of GNC size distributions is obtained using electrospray-differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA). We find a linear correlation between the normalized MALS intensity (measured during AFFF elution) and the corresponding number concentration (measured by ES-DMA), establishing the capacity for AFFF to quantify the absolute number concentration of GNCs. The results and corresponding methodology summarized here provide the proof of concept for general applications involving the formation, isolation, and in situ analysis of both functional and adventitious nanoparticle clusters of finite size.     

Planar polarized light emission from CdSe nanoparticle clusters

This paper describes synthesis and optical properties of planar clusters of CdSe nanocrystals. The clusters emit linearly polarized light in the plane of the cluster. The emission wavelength of the clusters can be adjusted between 568 and 639 nm with the size of the CdSe nanocrystals. Planar CdSe microclusters were synthesized by reaction of trioctylphosphine oxide-coated CdSe/CdS nanocrystals with 3-aminopropylsilyl-modified Ca(2)Nb(3)O(10) nanosheets in THF. The clusters are 3.92 +/- 1.18 mum length/width and 91 +/- 37 nm thickness, and they consist of alternating layers of Ca(2)Nb(3)O(10) to which CdSe nanocrystals are attached with densities of 5300 +/-310 particles per side of a single Ca(2)Nb(3)O(10) sheet. The chemical inertness of the clusters in coordinating solvents suggests covalent interactions between the aminopropyl groups and CdSe nanocrystals. Upon excitation at lambda(exc) = 400 nm, the clusters emit green (568 nm), orange (589 nm), or red (639 nm) light, depending on the size of the CdSe crystals. The light is emitted preferentially in the cluster plane and it is linearly polarized along the cluster edges. Combined fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy reveal that the directional emission efficiency depends linearly on the thickness of the clusters, which varies between 70 and 180 nm. The ability to manipulate the direction and polarization of the photoemission of CdSe nanoparticles via assembly into 2D structures is of interest for applications of these and similar structures in advanced optical materials and devices.     

Enantioselective complexation of chiral propylene oxide by an enantiopure water-soluble cryptophane

ECD and NMR experiments show that the complexation of propylene oxide (PrO) within the cavity of an enantiopure water-soluble cryptophane 1 in NaOH solution is enantioselective and that the (R)-PrO@PP-1 diastereomer is more stable than the (S)-PrO@PP-1 diastereomer with a free energy difference of 1.7 kJ/mol. This result has been confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) and ab initio calculations. The enantioselectivity is preserved in LiOH and KOH solutions even though the binding constants decrease, whereas PrO is not complexed in CsOH solution.     

Multi-metal complexation and partially templated synthesis of metal clusters by using triangular trisaloph ligands

On the basis of the concept of partial template, triangular trisaloph ligands 2a and 2b reacted with excess Zn^II to give heptanuclear Zn clusters with a similar geometry. The Zn complex of 2c, which was difficult to be prepared according to a previous procedure, was synthesized in high yield in a one-pot fashion. Various multi-nuclear complexes of 2a with Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu were also produced, although the trinuclear Mn^II and Co^II complexes were smoothly oxidized to the Mn^III and Co^III complexes.     

Collective and individual plasmon resonances in nanoparticle films obtained by spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly

Nanoscale uniform films containing gold nanoparticle and polyelectrolyte multilayer structures were fabricated by the using spin-assembly or spin-assisted layer-by-layer (SA-LbL) deposition technique. These SA-LbL films with a general formula [Au/(PAH-PSS)nPAH]m possessed a well-organized microstructure with uniform surface morphology and high surface quality at a large scale (tens of micrometers across). Plasmon resonance peaks from isolated nanoparticles and interparticle interactions were revealed in the UV-visible extinction spectra of the SA-LbL films. All films showed the strong extinction peak in the region of 510-550 nm, which is due to the plasmon resonance of the individual gold nanoparticles redshifted because of a local dielectric environment. For films with sufficient density of gold nanoparticles within the layers, the second strong peak was consistently observed between 620 and 660 nm, which is the collective plasmon resonance from intralayer interparticle coupling. Finally, we suggested that, for certain film designs, interlayer interparticle resonance might be revealed as an independent contribution at 800 nm in UV-visible spectra. The observation of independent and concurrent individual, intralayer, and interlayer plasmon resonances can be critical for sensing applications, which involve monitoring of optomechanical properties of ultrathin optically active compliant membranes.     

ZnO-CdSe nanoparticle clusters as directional photoemitters with tunable wavelength

Reaction of 3-aminopropylsilyl-modified ZnO microrods with trioctylphosphineoxide-coated CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals in THF produces rod-shaped nanoparticle clusters that show directional photoemission that can be tuned with the size of the CdSe nanocrystals. The observed waveguiding effect of these microstructures is due to total internal reflection of light at the cluster-air interface.     

Synthesis and purification of oxide nanoparticle dispersions by modified emulsion precipitation

ZrO2 and Fe2O3 precursor nanoparticles are synthesized, well-dispersed in decane, via a modified emulsion precipitation (MEP) method. This method starts with preparing two thermostable water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions with nonylphenol tetra(ethylene glycol) ether (Arkopal-40) as the main surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DiDAB) as the cosurfactant, decane as the continuous oil phase, and either a metal salt solution or a hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) precipitation agent solution as the dispersed water phase. After mixing of the two emulsions, individual precursor particles are formed by precipitation in the confinement of the aqueous solution droplets. Excess water is removed by azeotropic distillation, and steric stabilization of the particles in the remaining oil medium is achieved with poly(octadecyl methacrylate) (PODMA), initially present dissolved in the oil phase. A purification process is conducted to remove the precipitation reaction byproduct and excess surfactants from the nanoparticle dispersions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization shows that the ZrO2 and Fe2O3 precursor nanoparticles are both non-agglomerated, spherical, and have a narrow particle size distribution, centered at 4 nm in diameter. The precipitation from the dispersion of byproduct NH4Cl after water removal, and insoluble surfactant DiDAB after dilution with pure decane, is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). NMR results show that most of the oil-soluble surfactant Arkopal-40 can be removed from the dispersion by a 3x repeated dead-end pressure filtration process. It is shown that, after purification, the nanoparticle dispersions can be used for the preparation of homogeneous nanostructured coatings. The purification procedure as discussed provides guidelines for up-scaling the process and reuse of emulsifiers.     

Computational studies of complexation of nitrous oxide by borane-phosphine frustrated Lewis pairs

Computational studies of complexes Ar(3)B-ONN-PR(3) derived from reactions between borane-phosphine frustrated Lewis pairs and N(2)O reveal several interesting facets. Natural resonance theory calculations support a change in the preferred resonance structure as the Lewis acidity of the borane increases. Potential constitutional isomers where phosphorus binds to oxygen and boron to nitrogen are predicted to be unstable with respect to loss of phosphine oxide and free N(2). Other constitutional isomers represent stationary points on the potential energy surface; most are considerably less stable than the observed complexes, but one is predicted to be as stable. This arises because the dominant resonance form combines alternating charge with the presence of a stabilizing NO double bond. The relationship between Lewis acidity and complex formation for a variety of boranes was explored; the results are consistent with the idea that greater Lewis acidity stabilizes both classical and frustrated Lewis acid-base pairs, but to differing degrees such that both types can entrap N(2)O. Calculations addressing the mechanism of complex formation suggest that N(2)O binds first through the nitrogen to the phosphine phosphorus of the FLP, whereupon boron coordinates the oxygen atom. Studies of the mechanism of the degenerate exchange reaction between (4-F-H(4)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and B(C(6)H(4)-4-F)(3), involves a "transition state", with relatively short B-O distances, and so resembles a classical I(a) process. The process involves two barriers, one associated with bringing the incoming borane into proximity with the oxygen, and the other associated with isomerising from a ladle-shaped cis-trans ct conformer to the observed trans-trans tt-type structure. The overall barrier for degenerate exchange was predicted to be between 65 and 110 kJ mol(-1), in fair agreement with experiment. Similar studies of the reaction between (4-F-H(4)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and B(C(6)F(5))(3) indicate that this process more closely resembles a classical I(d) process, in that the "transition state" involves long B-O distances. Derivatization of the complexed NNO fragment appears possible; interaction between (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and MeLi suggests stability for the ion pairs (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ON(Me)N-P(t-Bu)(3)(-)/Li(+) and (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ONN(Me)-P(t-Bu)(3)(-)/Li(+).     

Controlling the assembly of nanoparticle mixtures with two orthogonal polymer complexation reactions

Self-assembly from mixed dispersions of three sizes of monodisperse polystyrene nanoparticles, large (L), medium (M), and small (S), was controlled by coating each particle type with either a monofunctional or bifunctional polymer capable of participating in specific complexation reactions. The complexation reactions were (1) complexation between phenolic polymers and polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing polymers and (2) condensation of phenylboronic acid containing polymers with polyols. These complexation reactions function independently and can be "turned off" independently; phenylboronic acid complexation was reversed by lowering the pH, whereas the interactions of phenolic copolymers with PEG copolymers could be reversed by adding excess PEG homopolymer. The specificity and reversibility of the interactions was demonstrated by the formation of simple binary aggregates from mixtures. The bifunctional copolymers were poly(vinyl phenol-co-diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), Ph-DADMAC, and poly(3-acrylamide phenylboronic acid-co-PEG methacrylate), PBA-PEG. The monofunctional polymer was polyvinylalcohol, PVA. Ph-DADMAC forms complexes with PBA-PEG (H-bonding) and with anionic surfaces or polymers (electrostatic/polyelectrolyte complexation). PBA-PEG complexes with Ph-DADMAC (H-bonding) and with PVA (boronate ester formation). PVA does not interact with Ph-DADMAC; therefore, PVA coated particles do not deposit onto Ph-DADMAC coated particles.     

Stable clusters in the condensed state and some possibilities for gas phase clusters

The classical naked cluster ions of the post-transition elements that are stable in solid compounds and their lower charged analogues observed in mixed metal beams reflect the reduced number of good bonding orbitals. New cluster ions of indium that are hypoelectronic (fewer than 2n+2 skeletal bonding electrons) because of distortions or the bonding of heterometal atoms within the clusters are described. A large family of new, orbital-rich clusters of the group III and IV transition metals sheathed by halide are all centered by a wide variety of heteroatoms. Factors in their stability, possible analogous naked cluster targets, and some calculations are considered.     

Microstructure of zirconium oxide ceramic fibers obtained by template synthesis

Ceramic fibers of zirconium oxide partially stabilized by ceric oxide were obtained by the template synthesis using sols of initial metals oxides. The formation of the microstructure of ceramic fibers has been studied by the methods of thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray spectral analysis. Features of formation of a microstructure of fibers depending on conditions of their preparation were revealed.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of zeolite-encapsulated TiO2 clusters by complexation with organic additives and N-doping.

In the literature it was found that titanium oxide clusters of a few metal atoms encapsulated inside the micropores of zeolite Y exhibit large blue shifts in the Ti-O ligand-to-metal charge-transfer band as compared to non-encapsulated bulk titanium dioxide particles. This blue shift of the Ti-O absorption band is believed to have a negative effect on the photocatalytic activity of zeolite-encapsulated TiO2. We report here on circumventing this problem and increasing visible-light absorption by means of a red shift of the absorption band caused by addition of some organic molecular modifiers containing acidic OH groups that can strongly bind with titanol groups TiOH. In the studied series of zeolite-encapsulated TiO2 samples, the red shift of the optical spectrum follows the order: catechol > 4-aminobenzoic acid > benzoic acid. Also N-doping of zeolite-encapsulated TiO2 clusters by thermal treatment with urea leads to a red shift of the TiO2 absorption band that depends on the annealing and hydration conditions. By comparison to the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution, we have demonstrated that these changes in the absorption spectrum on addition of the organic modifier are also reflected in the photocatalytic activity of the samples; a greater increase in photocatalytic activity (about 30%) was observed for the additive catechol.     

Effect of microemulsion variables on copper oxide nanoparticle uptake by AOT microemulsions

Ultradispersed metal oxide nanoparticles have applications as heterogeneous catalysts for organic reactions. Their catalytic activity depends primarily on their surface area, which in turn, is dictated by their size, colloidal concentration and stability. This work presents a microemulsion approach for in situ preparation of ultradispersed copper oxide nanoparticles and discusses the effect of different microemulsion variables on their stability and highest possible time-invariant colloidal concentration (nanoparticle uptake). In addition, a model which describes the effect of the relevant variables on the nanoparticle uptake is evaluated. The preparation technique involved solubilizing CuCl(2) in single microemulsions followed by direct addition of NaOH. Upon addition of NaOH, copper hydroxide nanoparticles stabilized in the water pools formed in addition to a bulk copper hydroxide precipitate at the bottom. The copper hydroxide nanoparticles transformed with time into copper oxide. After reaching a time-independent concentration, mixing had limited effect on the nanoparticle uptake and particle size. Particle size increased with increasing the surfactant concentration, concentration of the precursor salt, and water to surfactant mol ratio; while the nanoparticle uptake increased linearly with the surfactant concentration, displayed an optimum with R and a power function with the concentration of the precursor salt. Surface areas per gram of nanoparticles were much higher than literature values. Even though lower area per gram of nanoparticles was obtained at higher uptake, higher surface area per unit volume of the reverse micellar system was attained. A model based on water uptake by Wisor type II microemulsions, and previously used to describe iron oxide nanoparticle uptake by the same microemulsions, agreed well with the experimental results.     

激光烧蚀硅酸盐的材料产生氧化硅氧化铝复合团簇

采用习飞行时间质谱技术,用308nm准分子激光烧蚀不同硅铝比的ZSM-5沸石,产生了氧化硅氧化铝复合团簇.在负离子通道测得含铝的新团簇系列[(SiO~2)~n~-~1(ALO~2)]^-和[(SiO~2)~nOAl]^-,讨论了这些系列的丰度分布和样品硅铝比之间的关系.由于AlO~2有较高电负性,激光烧蚀产生的团簇负离子系列[(SiO~2)~n~-~1(AlO~2)]^-具有以AlO~2为生长核心的生长机理。     

Size of elementary clusters and process period in silver nanoparticle formation

The time dependence of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) curves for silver nanoparticle formation was followed in situ at a time resolution of 0.18 ms, which is 3 orders of magnitude higher than that used in previous reports (ca. 100 ms). The starting materials were silver nitrate solutions that were reacted with reducing solutions containing trisodium citrate. The SAXS analyses showed that silver nanoparticles were formed in three distinct periods from a peak diameter of ca. 0.7 nm (corresponding to the size of a Ag(13) cluster) during the nucleation and the early growth period. The Ag(13) clusters are most likely elementary clusters that agglomerate to form silver nanoparticles.