Preparation and surface properties of the polysiloxane material modified with fluorocarbon side chains

The novel polysiloxane material modified with fluorocarbon side chains was synthesized. FTIR, FNMR were used to characterize the copolymer structure. The emulsion of the modified polysiloxane was prepared. The reflectance spectrum of the dyed polyester fabric treated with the polymer was also discussed. The effect of the modified polysiloxane on the color fastness of the dyed polyester fabric was investigated. The results show that the novel polysiloxane material modified with fluorocarbon side chains had excellent surface activity. It did not affect the shade of color and the fastnesses of the dyed fabrics and could improve the handle of fabrics. The treated fabric with the modified polysiloxane showed excellent repellency to water.     

Construction of an inexpensive surface plasmon resonance instrument for use in teaching and research

The construction of an inexpensive SPR instrument that can be used for both teaching and research is described. Using a 2′ × 2′ optical table to construct this instrument allows both scientists and students full access to the operation of the spectrometer. Furthermore, the use of open platform instrumentation has the advantage of maintaining the focus on the relationship between emerging technology and analytical chemistry as well as allowing the user to modify the instrument to enhance the measurement process for a particular application. This is a change from the learning paradigm used in most research and teaching laboratories where commercial instrumentation is treated as a black box due to its complexity. Three studies, which were performed using this instrument, are presented to demonstrate the suitability of this instrument for both teaching and research. These studies include measuring the refractive index of alcohols, investigating the partitioning of ruthenium (II) trisbipyridine chloride into Nafion, and understanding the mechanism controlling metal ion adsorption by polyacrylamide hydrogels.     

Functional Molecular Thin Films: Topological Templates for the Chemoselective Ligation of Antigenic Peptides to Self-Assembled Monolayers

The combination of self-assembly and regioselective surface chemistry has made it possible to immobilize peptide recognition sites 1 on a template attached to a gold surface. Each of the seven individual reaction steps, including the final functional biomolecular recognition, was controlled in situ with surface-sensitive detection techniques. The presented strategy is of general importance for the formation of complex supramolecular structures with biologically interesting functionalities at the interfaces.     

传感器用镓掺杂氧化锌纳米盘/纳米花状结构催化剂的制备及表面表征

采用简便的旋涂过程和一步水热法在压电基片上制备了Ga掺杂的ZnO纳米薄膜(GZO)。在水热处理过程中,通过添加不同的聚合物可形成纳米盘和纳米花状形貌的薄膜。采用场发射扫描电镜(Fe-SEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)和Raman光谱表征了样品的形貌、微结构和组成。 XRD和FE-SEM结果证明,在AlN/Si压电基片上形成的纳米盘、纳米棒和纳米花状GZO均为纤维锌矿相。采用浸渍法进一步在所制GZO样品上固定了绿色的荧光蛋白质(GFP)。运用原子力显微镜和荧光光谱分析了GFP与GZO表面结合的性质,考察了其用于传感器和生物成像技术的可行性。痕量GFP的固定使该材料产生荧光响应,表明其用于紫外光传感器时具有较好活性。     

Manipulating the surface properties of polyacrylamide with nitrogen plasma

Polyacrylamide (PAL) was physically adsorbed onto a hydroxylated silicon surface to form a uniform PAL film and the up-top PAL thin film was treated by nitrogen (N₂) plasma for surface modification. The atomic composition of the modified surface of the PAL film adsorbed on silicon substrate was analyzed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface energy of PAL film was calculated from the data of contact angle of three-probe liquid. The FTIR results show an increase of peak intensity at 1214 cm⁻¹ (NH₂ stretch vibration) after the nitrogen plasma treatment, which confirms that the nitrogen was grafted to the PAL surface in the process of N₂-plasma treatment. The XPS results show that the ratio of relative intensity of N1s to O1s increases with increasing the plasma treatment time, which further affirms the formation of the amine groups on the PAL surface after the nitrogen plasma treatment. The surface tension increases with increasing the plasma grafting time. However, the surface energy decreases rapidly at the early stage when stored in air and approaches to an equilibrium value. It suggests that some physically-adsorbed ions and alkyl radicals on PAL surface can rapidly lose their activities. The increase of the surface tension of the plasma treated PLA films is due to the amine groups covalently grafted to PAL surface.     

Model of electrochromic and related phenomena in tungsten oxide thin films

We have developed a model of electrochromic and related phenomena in tungsten oxide thin films based on the assumption that the constitution of such films is heterogeneous and built up of nanosized particles, pores and adsorbed substances (mainly water). It is discussed why a high-efficiency reversible blue colour is observed in amorphous tungsten oxide films (α-WO₃ films) as well as why such porous thin films with polycrystalline or amorphous constitution and with a variety of particle properties can be easily obtained by a physical vapour deposition process in a low-pressure atmosphere in the presence of water. A substrate temperature in the range 450–550 K corresponds to some plateau on the water desorption curves which divided physically adsorbed water from chemically adsorbed water. Two types of structural units based on tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated tungsten ions have the main role in the formation of the film constitution. The tetrahedral structural units have a glass-forming function, but the octahedral ones have a modification function. From the electrochemistry point of view, the internal multiphase interfaces in such films are distributed multiphase electrodes. The adsorbed water together with defects of the oxide particles provide reagents for reversible coloration reactions in the film. The colour centres can be induced thermally (oxygen nonstoichiometry) or electrically (injected ions) or by radiation (photoinjected hydrogen). The electrochromism and related phenomenon of α-WO₃ films can be directly related to ion insertion/extraction processes controlled by external forces. Electronic Publication     

Influence of surface treatments in the initial stages of anodizing Al–Ag alloys in neutral electrolytes

Using voltage-time responses and cyclic voltammetry, the initial stages of anodizing of Al–2.1 at.% Ag and Al–4 at.% Ag alloys are shown to depend upon the heat treatment of the alloys and the pre-treatment of the alloy surfaces. Chemical polishing of solution-treated alloys leads to relatively uniform anodic oxidation on a relatively smooth alloy surface, in the absence of significant effects of coarse, silver-rich intermetallics. In contrast, losses of current to oxygen generation arise for the roughened alloy surface from mechanical polishing. With ageing, secondary reactions at the relatively silver-rich intermetallics are more prevalent, although the effects on the voltage-time response depend upon the balance between processes occurring on the matrix and intermetallic regions, including film growth, oxygen generation within the anodic film, film damage due to release of oxygen, dissolution of silver species and re-growth of damaged film.     

State of partial oxidation of the regioregular sexi (3-octyl thiophene) oligomer in solid phase on electrode surface

An existence of a new, stable oligomer state of the solid film is reported, which is produced under electrochemical conditions. In this state, a formal charge exchanged in the redox process is about one-half of electron per oligomer molecule. The procedure, which allows controlling precisely the amount of oligomer on the electrode surface, is proposed that together with the coulometric evaluation of the electric charge provides the number of electrons involved in a redox process. This is demonstrated for a case of α-monochloro-substituted regioregular sexi (3-octylthiophene) oligomer (6OTCl). The electrochemical results are discussed together with UV–Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemical data obtained for both solution and solid phase that support the proposed interpretation.

Preparation of magnetic nanoparticles by the use of self-assembled fluorinated oligomeric aggregates—A new approach to the dispersion of magnetic particles on poly(methyl methacrylate) film surface

Fluoroalkyl end-capped acrylic acid oligomer-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by the coprecipitation of aqueous ferric and ferrous ions in the presence of the corresponding oligomers under alkaline conditions. The dynamic light scattering measurements showed that these fluorinated oligomer magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in the self-assemblies of fluoroalkyl end-capped oligomers. Fluoroalkyl end-capped oligomer-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles thus obtained were applied to the dispersion of magnetic particles on the poly(methyl methacrylate) film surface to exhibit not only the surface active property imparted by fluorine but also magnetic behavior toward a permanent magnet.     

Implementation of low temperature physical changes on silicone elastomers to achieve sensitivity gains through CPMAS NMR

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) has been used on several occasions to investigate the biodurability of silicone elastomers used in silicone breast implants. In all of these cases conclusions have been convoluted by lack of sensitivity. We have improved the sensitivity of solid state NMR characterizations of silicone elastomers used in silicone breast implants by changing the physical state of the elastomer. This was achieved by cooling the sample to −90 ^∘C, below its crystalline transition temperatures, and acquiring ²⁹Si Cross Polarization MAS (CPMAS) NMR. This approach yielded signal to noise enhancements as high as 8.5 fold for the elastomer backbone and modest improvements for (CH₃)₂RSiO_1/2 and silica filler signals.     

Recent advances in studies of bubble-solid interactions and wetting film stability

Research in the area of bubble-solid interactions is reviewed and highlighted, with a focus on studies of wetting film drainage using theoretical approaches and experimental (interferometric) approaches, and also studies probing the stability of wetting films, where the stability has been affected by physical and chemical modification/factors. Significant advances have been made in recent years in the area of interferometry and force measurement of bubble-surface encounters, with multiple light wavelengths used to improve accuracy and certainty with regard to thickness of wetting films, as well as high speed interferometry. These advances have been accompanied with improvements to models to describe nonequilibrium aspects of opposing interfaces. Experimental studies of the influence of air bubbles and surface roughness have highlighted the importance of dissolved gas and surface condition in determining whether wetting films are stable. Finally, many new studies on the influence of polymer layers on wetting film stability and rupture have been published, and these are described in relation to the increase in our understanding of the role of adsorbed polymers in altering surface chemistry and physics of the underlying substrate.     

Kinetics of the surface catalyzed reactions: Application of power rate law

Oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane to benzene, catalyzed by copperchromia catalyst, has been carried out. Data was analyzed according to the first order rate law. It is concluded that the rate is affected by changes in the volume flow rate due to changes, in the value of the contact time as well as the distribution of the molecules transformed over a larger or smaller volume.     

高催化活性M-BHT(M=Co， Cu)电催化还原CO2为CH4的密度泛函理论研究

具有独特电子结构和丰富催化位点的二维金属有机框架材料是具有高活性的CO₂还原反应的电催化剂. 本文基于密度泛函理论(DFT)计算, 发现单层Co-BHT(BHT=benzenehexathiol, 苯六硫醇)将CO₂还原为CH₄时具有很高的催化活性. 吉布斯自由能变化计算结果表明, 在Co-BHT上将CO₂还原成CH₄的最佳反应路径为CO₂→^*COOH→^*CO→^*CHO→^*CHOH→^*CH→^*CH₂→^*CH₃→CH₄; 整个反应的速度控制步骤为^*CO→^*CHO; 速度控制步骤的吉布斯自由能变化(ΔG_L)为0.66 eV, 比在二维Cu-C₃N₄(ΔG_L=0.75 eV)和传统的Cu(211) 表面(ΔG_L=0.74 eV) 将CO₂还原为CH₄的吉布斯自由能变化都小. 而在单层Cu-BHT表面的反应路径和速度控制步骤 (CO₂→^*COOH)与Co-BHT均不同, 且ΔG_L为0.76 eV. 与Cu-BHT相比, Co-BHT将CO₂还原为CH₄的ΔG_L更低, 这可能归因于Co-BHT的d能带中心高于Cu-BHT, 导致Co-BHT与中间体的相互作用更强.     

Theory of two le successive electrochemical surface reactions (Erev Erev or Erev Eirr) associated with surface chemical reactions in polarography and cyclic voltammetry

The theory of a surface electrochemical reaction (strong adsorption) occurring in two le⁻ steps O?R? X, when R can undergo a dimerization R → D and X a first-order reaction X → Z is presented for polarography. It is assumed that adsorption obeys a Langmuir isotherm. The equation of the half-wave potentials as functions of the diverse parameters (rate constants, concentration, surface concentration, drop time) are given; the effects of the two chemical reactions are additive. Kinetic diagrams are constructed. The results can be used to diagnose the type of reaction and to calculate the chemical rate constants.The effects of the dimerization on the half-wave potentials of the two stages do not depend on their separation; in the case of a global 2e⁻ step, they remain hidden until the rate becomes large enough to cause a splitting into two le⁻ waves. These results are generalized to the case where the electrochemical reactions are heterogeneous, and the chemical reactions homogeneous.     

自组装超薄膜: 从纳米层状构筑到功能组装

总结了一种新型的超薄膜自组装技术－交替沉积组装技术的发展现状,着重对成膜推动力、生物分子的层状组装、无机／有机杂化结构、有机小分子化合物的层状组装、超薄膜化学修饰电极、层间化学反应及非平衡基底上的层状构筑等几个方面的问题进行了讨论。     

Approaches to Achieve Vertical Orientation of Microdomains in Block Copolymer Thin Films

有序纳米结构薄膜材料是电子、信息等新技术发展的重要材料,嵌段共聚物由于能够自组装形成长程有序的纳米结构因而吸引人们的研究兴趣。如何有效地调控嵌段共聚物薄膜的自组装过程从而获得相畴垂直取向的有序纳米结构是现代材料化学所面临的重大挑战之一。本文综述了对基板进行改性以及外场如温度场、溶剂场等的使用在嵌段共聚物薄膜自组装相畴垂直取向中的调控作用,并结合一些典型的嵌段共聚物,讨论了相畴垂直取向的调控机理。     

Effects of CNT‐film Pretreatment on the Characteristics of NiCo2O4/CNT Core‐shell Hybrids as Electrode Material for Electrochemistry Capacitor

NiCo₂O₄/CNT nanocomposite films were fabricated by in‐situ growing ultrafine NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles on acid‐modified carbon nanotube (CNT) films. The effects of CNT‐film pretreatment were investigated thoroughly by various characterization outfits including Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, RTS‐9 four‐point probes resistivity measurement system, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CHI660D electrochemical workstation. These results suggested that carbon nanotubes were uniformly wrapped by NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles forming a hierarchical core‐shell structure. And the crystallinity, conductivity of the CNTs and detail structure (both morphology and size) of the NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles varied with prolonged acid treatment time which resulted in increased functional groups and defects on CNT films and further affected the electrochemical properties. The composite film composed of the CNT film pretreated by mixed acid for 12 h exhibited excellent electrochemical properties: 828 F/g at 1 A/g and 656 F/g at 20 A/g, and maintained over 99 % of its capacitance after 3000 cycles of charge/discharge at 5 A/g. Acid treatment for either too long or too short is detrimental to the electrochemical properties of the composite films. Such work should be of fundamental importance for tailoring electrochemical properties by elaborate design of acid treatment on CNTs.     

Role of surface hydroxyl groups in promoting room temperature CO sensing by Pd-modified nanocrystalline SnO2

SnO₂/Pd nanocomposites were synthesized via sol-gel method followed by variable processing procedures. The materials are sensitive to CO gas in the concentration range 2-100 ppm at room operating temperature. It was shown that modification of nanocrystalline tin dioxide by Pd changes the temperature dependence of sensor response, decreasing the temperature of maximal signal. To understand the mechanism of room temperature CO sensitivity, a number of SnO₂/Pd materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, BET, XPS and TPR techniques. From the results of FTIR, impedance and sensing measurements under variable ambient conditions it was concluded that improvement in CO sensitivity for Pd-modified SnO₂ is due to alteration of CO oxidation pathway. The reaction of CO with surface OH-groups at room temperature was proposed, the latter being more reactive than oxygen species due to the possible chain character of the reactions. It was proposed that Pd additive may initiate chain processes at room temperature.