Nonlinear optical limiters of pulsed laser radiation based on carbon‐containing nanostructures in viscous and solid matrices

Results of the study of optical limiters of pulsed laser radiation based on nonlinear effects in carbon nanostructures placed into viscous and solid matrices are presented. A nonlinear optical limiting was studied by nanomaterials based on multi‐wall polyhedral carbon nanostructures (astralens) placed in a sol–gel matrix. Similar studies for single‐wall and multi‐wall carbon‐containing nanotubes placed in polymer matrices with various viscosities were performed. No additional mechanism of optical limiting due to electron structure of single‐wall carbon‐containing nanotubes at their introduction into viscous and solid composite media was found. An influence of polymer matrix composition containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a threshold and ratio of attenuation of laser radiation was demonstrated. The best limiting characteristics were observed at placing CNT into polymethylsiloxane matrix. An effect of “self‐healing” of a medium after laser radiation passage through high viscous liquids was obtained. The high parameters of nonlinear optical limiting (the threshold of limiting 10^?5 J, ratio of attenuation 10³) achieved for the composite material CNT (HiPCO High‐Pressure Carbon Monoxide) and carbon nanofibers in high viscous and solid polymethylsiloxane media allow the design of protective filters for laser radiation operating in wide spectral range. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Single carbon nanotube optical spectroscopy.

This Minireview discusses novel insights into the electronic structure of carbon nanotubes obtained using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectra from single nanotubes are well described by a single, Lorentzian lineshape. Nanotubes with identical structures fluoresce with different energies due to local electronic perturbations. Carbon nanotube fluorescence unexpectedly does not-show any intensity or spectral fluctuations at 300 K The lack of intensity blinking or bleaching demonstrates that carbon nanotubes have the potential to provide a stable, single-molecule infrared photon source, allowing for the exciting possibility of applications in quantum optics and biophotonics.     

Regulatory Peptides Are Susceptible to Oxidation by Metallic Impurities within Carbon Nanotubes

In this article, we show that the redox properties of the regulatory peptide L ‐glutathione are affected by the presence of nickel oxide impurities within single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress by removing free radicals and peroxides. We show that the L ‐cysteine moiety in L ‐glutathione is responsible for the susceptibility to oxidation by metallic impurities present in the carbon nanotubes. These results have great significance for assessing the toxicity of carbon‐nanotube materials. The SWCNTs were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.     

Reversible surface oxidation and efficient luminescence quenching in semiconductor single-wall carbon nanotubes

We have investigated reversible single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) oxidation by quantitative analysis of the oxide-induced absorption bleaching and luminescence quenching at low pH. These data, in combination with DFT structure calculations, suggest that the nanotube oxide is a 1,4-endoperoxide. At low pH, the endoperoxide protonates to create a hydroperoxide carbocation, introducing a hole in the SWNT valence band. Nanotube luminescence is extremely sensitive to quenching by hole-doping, while the absorption is relatively robust.     

Solution redox chemistry of carbon nanotubes

UV/vis/NIR absorbance spectra were used to monitor electron transfer between small-molecule redox reagents and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The oxidation of (6, 5)-enriched nanotubes in water with K(2)Ir(Cl)(6) reveals a valence electron density of 0.2-0.4 e(-)/100 carbon atoms and a reduction potential of approximately 800 mV versus NHE. The reduction potential of CNTs is found to increase with increasing band gap and to decrease with the introduction of an anionic dispersant. In light of this newly revealed redox chemistry of CNTs, we propose that the previously observed bleaching of the CNT absorbance spectrum at low pH is most likely a consequence of the oxidation of the nanotubes by oxygen. These results demonstrate facile oxidation and reduction of CNTs, provide a way to quantify the population of valence electrons, and point to possible applications of CNT in the catalysis of redox reactions.     

DNA‐Directed Attachment of Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Label‐Free Electrochemical Detection of DNA Hybridization

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were used as nanowires, which combined DNA molecules to a carbon paste electrode (CPE). The attachment of MWNT on the electrode surface was controlled by a hybridization assay between adenine and thymine containing oligonucleotides. The appearance of guanine oxidation signal after hybridization with target DNA greatly simplified the specific sequence DNA detection mechanism. Combination of sidewall‐ and end‐functionalization of MWNT provided a significant enhancement in the voltammetric signal of guanine oxidation in comparison with the signals obtained from only end‐oxidized MWNT modified CPE and a bare CPE. A control experiment involving adenine containing polynucleotide (poly(A)) instead of adenine probe modified MWNT was performed. The effect of target and noncomplementary DNA concentration on the guanine signal was also monitored. Discrimination against single‐base mismatch and noncomplementary DNA was achieved by surfactant containing washing solution. The promising conductivity of carbon nanotubes, and the creation of a larger surface area for DNA immobilization by sidewall‐ and end‐oxidation of MWNT provided a detection limit down to 10 pg/mL, which is compatible with the demand of the genetic tests.     

Dispersible Shortened Boron Nitride Nanotubes with Improved Molecule‐Loading Capacity

The oxidation process of boron nitride nanotubes was thoroughly investigated, and a slow oxidation characteristic was clearly revealed. Subsequently, the controllable oxidation process was utilized to break the sturdy structure of the boron nitride nanotubes to fabricate shortened nanotubes. The shortened boronnitride nanotubes were found to possess good solubility in water and many organic solvents. Further experiments demonstrated remarkably improved molecule‐loading capacity of the shortened boron nitride nanotubes. These dispersible shortened boron nitride nanotubes might have the potential to be developed as effective delivery systems for various molecules, which may find applications in bio‐related fields.     

Solid Supramolecular Architecture of a Perylene Diimide Derivative for Fluorescent Enhancement

A new p‐phenylenevinylene‐linked perylene diimide has been synthesized and self‐assembled for the formation of zero‐dimensional molecular aggregate structures of nanospheres and vesicles through solvent tuning. The solid‐state optical properties induced by a special wavelength laser were studied and the results indicated excellent fluorescent enhancement properties. The emission intensity of these aggregates increased with elongation of the laser irradiation time. Based on the analysis of variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectra, DFT calculations, and the single‐crystal structure of the linkage group, a conformation‐dependent fluorescent enhancement mechanism could be demonstrated. The mechanism is different from the fluorescent bleaching of normal solid‐state fluorescent materials and offers potential applications in optical devices.     

Probing the Selectivity of Azomethine Imine Cycloaddition to Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

Selective covalent surface modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is of great importance to various carbon nanotube‐based applications as it might offer an alternative method for enriching metallic and semiconducting nanotubes. Herein, we report on the surface modification of SWNTs through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 3‐phenyl‐phthalazinium‐1‐olate, which is a stable and reactive azomethine imine. For this reaction, microwave heating was found to be more efficient than conventional and solvent‐free heating. The sensitivity of cycloaddition to the molecular structure of SWNTs was probed using resonance Raman spectroscopy with three different laser excitations. Based on the obtained results, azomethine imine addition to the surface of nanotubes is selective for metallic and large‐diameter semiconducting SWNTs. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry showed that fragments released at high temperatures corresponded to the phenylphthalazine group, thus confirming the covalent surface functionalization. Modified SWNTs were further characterized by X‐ray photoelectron and UV/Vis‐NIR spectroscopies.     

Direct DNA Hybridization on the Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Sensors Detected by Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Carboxylic acid functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes modified graphite sensors (SWCNT‐PGEs) were developed for electrochemical monitoring of direct DNA hybridization related to specific sequence of Hepatitis B virus, which substantially enhance the electrochemical transduction resulting from guanine oxidation signal comparison to bare PGEs. The performance characteristics of DNA hybridization on disposable CNT‐PGE were explored measuring the guanine signal in terms of optimum analytical conditions; probe and target concentration, hybridization time, and selectivity. The voltammetric results were also complemented with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), that was used to characterize the successful construction of carbon nanotubes modification onto the surface of PGEs.     

The AFM observation of linear chain and crystalline conformations of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene molecules on mica and graphite

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been applied to visualize expanded linear chain and compact crystalline conformations of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (PE) molecules deposited on mica and graphite from diluted solutions at elevated temperatures. Isolated PE chains are visualized on mica with the apparent negative AFM height and the contour length much shorter than the molecular length. The chain conformations have both the kinked random‐coil sites and the sites of the unexpectedly large two‐dimensional expansion. The crystalline conformations on mica are small single‐molecule rod‐like nanocrystallites and the isolated block‐type “edge‐on” nanolamellae comprising several PE molecules. Noticeable fluctuations of the fold length in the range of approximately 10–20 nm around the averaged value of about 15 nm are observed for nanocrystallites and on tips of some nanolamellae. The explanation of the experimentally observed features of chain surface conformations on mica is proposed. It implies the immobilization of PE molecules in the nm‐thickness salt layer formed on mica surface at ambient conditions after PE deposition and the presence along the chain of multiple expanded chain folds. Only isolated lamellae and lamellar domains of a monolayer height are observed on graphite samples. The substrate/polymer epitaxial incommensurability important for the observation of the PE linear chain surface conformations is discussed from the comparison of the results obtained for mica and graphite, the coil‐to‐crystal intramolecular transformation is assumed to be inhibited on mica surface. The slow disintegration of the original gel structure of PE stock‐solution used for the high‐temperature depositions was found to result in the characteristic large‐scale morphological heterogeneity of the samples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 766–777, 2010     

Single‐Shell Carbon‐Encapsulated Iron Nanoparticles: Synthesis and High Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) through effective and inexpensive electrocatalysts is a valuable approach for clean and renewable energy systems. Here, single‐shell carbon‐encapsulated iron nanoparticles (SCEINs) decorated on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are introduced as a novel highly active and durable non‐noble‐metal catalyst for the HER. This catalyst exhibits catalytic properties superior to previously studied nonprecious materials and comparable to those of platinum. The SCEIN/SWNT is synthesized by a novel fast and low‐cost aerosol chemical vapor deposition method in a one‐step synthesis. In SCEINs the single carbon layer does not prevent desired access of the reactants to the vicinity of the iron nanoparticles but protects the active metallic core from oxidation. This finding opens new avenues for utilizing active transition metals such as iron in a wide range of applications.     

General Self‐Template Synthesis of Transition‐Metal Oxide and Chalcogenide Mesoporous Nanotubes with Enhanced Electrochemical Performances

The development of a general strategy for synthesizing hierarchical porous transition‐metal oxide and chalcogenide mesoporous nanotubes, is still highly challenging. Herein we present a facile self‐template strategy to synthesize Co₃O₄ mesoporous nanotubes with outstanding performances in both the electrocatalytic oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) and Li‐ion battery via the thermal‐oxidation‐induced transformation of cheap and easily‐prepared Co‐Asp(cobalt–aspartic acid) nanowires. The initially formed thin layers on the precursor surfaces, oxygen‐induced outward diffusion of interior precursors, the gas release of organic oxidation, and subsequent Kirkendall effect are important for the appearance of the mesoporous nanotubes. This self‐template strategy of low‐cost precursors is found to be a versatile method to prepare other functional mesoporous nanotubes of transition‐metal oxides and chalcogenides, such as NiO, NiCo₂O₄, Mn₅O₈, CoS₂ and CoSe₂.     

Enhanced Bioelectrocatalysis Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)/Polyaniline Hybrid Systems in Thin‐Film and Microrod Structures Associated with Electrodes

The charge transport properties in composites consisting of pyrene sulfonic acid‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes embedded in polyaniline, PAn/SWCNTs, and polystyrene sulfonate‐doped PAn, PAn/PSS, are compared in thin‐film and microrods configurations. The PAn/SWCNTs and PAn/PSS microrods were prepared by the electropolymerization of the respective components in porous alumina membranes coated with a conductive gold support, followed by the dissolution of the membrane template. The charge transport upon the oxidation of the PAn/SWCNTs planar film or microrods structures is ca. 3.5–4.0‐fold faster than upon the oxidation of the PAn/PSS planar film or microrods structures, respectively. The faster charge transport in the PAn/SWCNTs films and microrods is used to enhance the mediated bioelectrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOx). The bioelectrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose in the presence of the PAn/SWCNTs in the planar film and microrods structures is ca. 2‐fold and up to 6‐fold (depending on the potential) enhanced as compared to the respective PAn/PSS configurations.     

Sexithiophene Encapsulated in a Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube: An In Situ Raman Spectroelectrochemical Study of a Peapod Structure

The interaction of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and α‐sexithiophene (6T) was studied by Raman spectroscopy and by in situ Raman spectroelectrochemistry. The encapsulation of 6T in SWCNT and its interaction causes a bleaching of its photoluminescence, and also small shifts of its Raman bands. The Raman features of the SWCNT with embedded 6T (6T‐peapods) change in both intensity and frequency compared to those of pristine SWCNT, which is a consequence of a change of the resonant condition. Electrochemical doping demonstrated that the electrode potential applied to the SWCNT wall causes changes in the embedded 6T. The effects of electrochemical charging on the Raman features of pristine SWCNT and 6T@SWCNT were compared. It is shown that the interaction of SWCNT with 6T also changes the electronic structure of SWCNT in its charged state. This change of electronic structure is demonstrated both for semiconducting and metallic tubes.     

Advanced Catalytic Performance of Au–Pt Double‐Walled Nanotubes and Their Fabrication through Galvanic Replacement Reaction

Bimetallic tubular nanostructures have been the focus of intensive research as they have very interesting potential applications in various fields including catalysis and electronics. In this paper, we demonstrate a facile method for the fabrication of Au–Pt double‐walled nanotubes (Au–Pt DWNTs). The DWNTs are fabricated through the galvanic displacement reaction between Ag nanowires and various metal ions, and the Au–Pt DWNT catalysts exhibit high active catalytic performances toward both methanol electro‐oxidation and 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) reduction. First, they have a high electrochemically active surface area of 61.66 m² g^?1, which is close to the value of commercial Pt/C catalysts (64.76 m² g^?1), and the peak current density of Au–Pt DWNTs in methanol oxidation is recorded as 138.25 mA mg^?1, whereas those of Pt nanotubes, Au/Pt nanotubes (simple mixture), and commercial Pt/C are 24.12, 40.95, and120.65 mA mg^?1, respectively. The Au–Pt DWNTs show a markedly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation compared with the other three catalysts. They also show an excellent catalytic performance in comparison with common Au nanotubes for 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) reduction. The attractive performance exhibited by these prepared Au–Pt DWNTs can be attributed to their unique structures, which make them promising candidates as high‐performance catalysts.     

In situ electrochemically tuned photoluminescence of [Ru(bpy)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(dppz)]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> aggregates with single-walled carbon nanotubes and DNA monitored by guanine oxidation

A classical ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) was combined with guanine and single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed with DNA (SWCNTs-DNA) to prepare electrochemically tunable photoluminescence materials. These multi-component aggregates were found to show enhanced luminescence by the electrocatalytic oxidation of guanine under the excitation of a continuous wave green laser at a constant anodic potential via an electrode-solution interface. The results from this study provide a significant foundation for better understanding of DNA-based luminescent devices.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Catechol at Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Electrode

In 0.05 mol/L phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0), carbon nanotubes modified electrode exhibits rapid response, strong catalytic activity with high stability toward the electrochemical oxidation of catechol. The electrochemical behavior of catechol on both the multi‐walled and single‐walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode was investigated. The experimental conditions, such as pH of the solution and scan rate were optimized. The currents (measured by constant potential amperometry) increase linearly with the concentrations of catechol in the range of 2.0×10^?5–1.2×10^?3 mol/L. Moreover, at the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode the electrochemical responses of catechol and ascorbic acid can be separated clearly.     

发光碳量子点的合成、性质和应用

基于碳量子点具有良好的水溶性、化学惰性、低毒性、易于功能化和抗光漂白性等优异性能,碳量子点和其它的碳纳米材料（如富勒烯、碳纳米管和石墨烯等）同样引起了研究者广泛的关注。 碳量子点可以通过很多较为廉价的一步法进行大规模的制备,包括化学氧化法、超声法、微波法和激光烧蚀法等。 本文主要介绍了不同碳量子点的合成方法,以及依赖于碳量子点尺寸和波长等性质的发光性能,并且讨论了碳量子点在生物成像、光催化、能量转换/储存、光电子、光限幅和传感器等方面的应用。     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of N‐Doped TiO2 Nanotubes

N‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes with high photocatalytic activity were prepared by the combination of sol‐gel process with hydrothermal treatment. The prepared materials are characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and UV‐vis spectra. Photocatalytic performance of the N‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes is studied by testing the degradation rate of methyl orange under UV irradiation. Obtained results indicate that N‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes have high catalytic activity for photocatalytic oxidation.