Electro-deposition of platinum nanoparticles on 4-mercaptobenzene-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A new method to electro-deposit platinum nanoparticles on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with 4-mercaptobenzene has been described. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that 4-mercaptobenzene was attached to the surface of MWNTs. Transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis confirm that platinum nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the surface of MWNTs, and the average size of the platinum particle is 4.2 nm. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/MWNT composite electrode for methanol oxidation were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and the results show that the fabricated composites exhibit high catalytic activity and good long-term stability. The study provides a feasible approach to fabricate Pt/MWNT composite electrode for direct methanol fuel cell.     

Size-dependent electrocatalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on HOPG and highly boron-doped diamond surfaces

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by electrochemical deposition on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and boron-doped, epitaxial 100-oriented diamond layers. Using a potentiostatic double pulse technique, the average particle size was varied in the range from 5 nm to 30 nm in the case of HOPG as a support and between < 1 nm and 15 nm on diamond surfaces, while keeping the particle density constant. The distribution of particle sizes was very narrow, with standard deviations of around 20% on HOPG and around 30% on diamond. The electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction of these carbon supported gold nanoparticles in dependence of the particle sizes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. For oxygen reduction the current density normalized to the gold surface (specific current density) increased for decreasing particle size. In contrast, the specific current density of hydrogen evolution showed no dependence on particle size. For both reactions, no effect of the different carbon supports on electrocatalytic activity was observed.     

A facile approach to synthesize poly(4-vinylpyridine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites: highly water-dispersible carbon nanotubes decorated with gold nanoparticles

A facile approach to attach high-density and uniform gold nanoparticles on individual multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is achieved. By simple grinding, water-soluble linear polymers poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP)-wrapped around nanotubes and thus rendered them reversibly soluble in water, ethanol, and DMF. Individual tubes are clearly observed after PVP-wrapped nanotubes were spin-coated onto a silicon wafer. Subsequently, Au nanoparticles were densely decorated on the individual MWNTs by in situ reduction of HAuCl₄ in the homogeneous aqueous solution of MWNTs–PVP to form stable water-dispersible Au/PVP/MWNTs hybrid. Morphology of Au nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The diameter of the Au nanoparticles is controlled in the range of 3.5 to 13.5 nm. The presence of gold nanoparticles with decreased particle size was also detected by UV–Vis spectroscopy.     

甲烷氧化菌素功能化金纳米层层自组装修饰电极上过氧化氢的催化还原

借助巯基试剂,在纳米金颗粒表面修饰生物活性物质Mb,制备保持有Mb生物活性的功能化金纳米巯基乙胺-Au NPs-Mb.采用UV-Vis、FTIR光谱和投射电镜表征其结构,该纳米颗粒分布均匀且粒径均一,并显著改善了金纳米颗粒团聚现象.以Mb功能化金纳米为基元,采用单层自组装及层层自组装方式将其修饰到裸金电极表面.各Mb或Mb-Cu电极的电化学测试并未借助电子传递媒介.配位Cu~(2+)后,修饰有Mb的单层及层层自组装修饰的催化还原能力均显著提升.其中Cu~(2+)配位的{巯基乙胺-Au NPs-Mb}3/Au修饰电极作为一种新型H2O2生物传感器,响应时间大约为2 s,米氏常数KappM为0.787 mmol/L,表现出了较强的还原H2O2的催化活性,且稳定性较好.     

Synthesis and surface structure of thymine-functionalized, self-assembled monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles

Thymine-functionalized SAM-protected gold nanoparticles with diameters of 2.2 +/- 0.3 nm and 7.0 +/- 1.0 nm were prepared via a modified two-phase transfer method. UV-vis spectra showed that particle size and solvent type, as well as surface charge, influenced the gold surface plasmon band absorption, along with the interaction between thymine terminal groups in the solution. Although the bulky thymine end groups interacted strongly on the particle surface, a well-ordered monolayer of thyminethiol derivatives with a long hydrocarbon chain was formed on the particle surface, exhibiting an ordered, all-trans conformation of the methylene backbone, similar to those of corresponding self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) generated from normal alkanethiols. A larger particle size and a longer reaction time facilitated the formation of more ordered thymine-terminated thiol SAMs. Thermal analysis indicated that reorientation of the SAMs during heat treatment occurred by two processes, caused possibly by the separate recrystallization of the hydrocarbon long chains and thymine units. More ordered SAMs with a higher thermal stability were formed on the larger particle surfaces when compared with those on the smaller ones. A greater density of molecular packing was found on the smaller particle surfaces. However, SAMs formed on the larger gold particles resembled 2D SAMs on the smooth, flat gold surfaces. XPS results confirmed the thymine structure as well as the chemical bond between gold and sulfur. One type of adsorbed sulfur species was observed for the smaller particles and two for the larger ones, but a slightly higher binding energy of thiolate was found for the smaller ones.     

Biodistribution of colloidal gold nanoparticles after intravenous administration: effect of particle size

Purpose of the present research work was to evaluate the biological distribution of differently size gold nanoparticles (NP) up on intravenous administration in mice. Another objective was to study effect of particle size on biological distribution of gold NP to enable their diverse applications in nanotechnology. Gold NP of different particle sizes, mainly 15, 50, 100 and 200nm, were synthesized by modifying citrate ion concentration. Synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and their size distribution was studied by particle size analyzer. Gold NP was suspended in sodium alginate solution (0.5%, w/v) and administered to mice (1g/kg, intravenously) [n=3]. After 24h of administration of gold NP, blood was collected under light ether anesthesia, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and various tissues/organs were removed. The tissues were then washed with saline, homogenized and lysed with aqua regia. The determination of gold in samples was carried out quantitatively by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). SEM study revealed spherical morphology of gold NP with narrow particle size distribution. Biodistribution study revealed gold NPs of all sizes were mainly accumulated in organs like liver, lung and spleen. The accumulation of gold NP in various tissues was found to be depending on particle size. 15nm gold NP revealed higher amount of gold and number of particles in all the tissues including blood, liver, lung, spleen, kidney, brain, heart, stomach. Interestingly, 15 and 50nm gold NP were able to pass blood-brain barrier as evident from gold concentration in brain. Two-hundred nanometers gold NP showed very minute presence in organs including blood, brain, stomach and pancreas. The results revealed that tissue distribution of gold nanoparticles is size-dependent with the smallest 15nm nanoparticles showing the most widespread organ distribution.     

碳纳米管担载PtSn阳极催化剂对乙醇的电催化氧化性能研究

以多壁碳纳米管(MWNTs)为载体制备了担载型PtSn纳米催化剂,对其微观形貌和电催化性能进行了表征.透射电镜(TEM)及X射线衍射(XRD)测试结果表明,以MWNTs为载体提高了PtSn金属粒子的分散度,粒径分布范围在1.5-6.5nm之间,PtSn/MWNTs催化剂的平均粒径为3.6nm.循环伏安、计时电流及DEFC单池的实验结果表明,由于MWNTs具有独特的结构及丰富的表面基团和较高的导电率,PtSn/MWNTs催化剂对乙醇的催化氧化表现出比PtSn/XC-72更高的活性.     

Kinetically controlled seeded growth synthesis of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles of up to 200 nm: size focusing versus Ostwald ripening

Monodisperse citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles with a uniform quasi-spherical shape of up to ～200 nm and a narrow size distribution were synthesized following a kinetically controlled seeded growth strategy via the reduction of HAuCl(4) by sodium citrate. The inhibition of any secondary nucleation during homogeneous growth was controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions: temperature, gold precursor to seed particle concentration, and pH. This method presents improved results regarding the traditional Frens method in several aspects: (i) it produces particles of higher monodispersity; (ii) it allows better control of the gold nanoparticle size and size distribution; and (iii) it leads to higher concentrations. Gold nanoparticles synthesized following this method can be further functionalized with a wide variety of molecules, hence this method appears to be a promising candidate for application in the fields of biomedicine, photonics, and electronics, among others.     

Glutathione Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles as Efficient Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate for Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl Detection

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful even at trace level in the environment, and they are difficult to detect. This work presents a simple method for preparation of glutathione (GSH) functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) (GSH-Au NPs) for the detection of PCBs and its isomers based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The prepared Au NPs show the surface plasmon band around 533 nm. The crystallinity and formation of GSH-Au NPs were confirmed by using X-ray diffraction and vibrational studies. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed the average particle size of GSH-Au NPs is around 16 nm. The morphology of the GSH-Au NPs indicates dumbbell-shaped structures with “hot spots” present. These hot spots increase the SERS activity significantly. Gas chromatography–mass spectrum showed that the soil extract contained PCBs, which, has also been detected using SERS. SERS based detection is simple and powerful for identifying the PCBs, as established here for PCBs in the real soil sample.Hence, from this investigation, a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective sensing method for detecting toxic PCBs in the environment was demonstrated.     

The fabrication of a colloidal gold-carbon nanotubes composite film on a gold electrode and its application for the determination of cytochrome c

Colloid Au (Au_nano) with a diameter of about 20 nm was prepared and used in combination with the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to modify a gold electrode. Dihexadecylphosphate (DHP) dispersed in Au_nano aqueous solution was used to solubilize MWNTs. Deposition of Au_nano on MWNTs was realized as illustrated by TEM micrographs. The DHP formed a network that connected Au_nano and MWNTs to the gold electrode surface. The Au_nano–MWNTs–DHP composite film on the gold electrode surface was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammmetry (CV). The composite film modified gold electrode was used to detect cytochrome c and a pair of well-defined redox waves was obtained. It was found that the composite film promoted the redox of horse heart cytochrome c and its effect was developed for the determination of cytochrome c.     

Extinction coefficient of gold nanoparticles with different sizes and different capping ligands

Extinction coefficients of gold nanoparticles with core size ranging from approximately 4 to 40 nm were determined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis and UV-vis absorption spectroscopic measurement. Three different types of gold nanoparticles were prepared and studied: citrate-stabilized nanoparticles in five different sizes; oleylamide-protected gold nanoparticles with a core diameter of 8 nm, and a decanethiol-protected nanoparticle with a diameter of around 4 nm. A linear relationship between the logarithms of extinction coefficients and core diameters of gold particles was found independent of the capping ligands on the particle surface and the solvents used to dissolve the nanoparticles. This linear relation may be used as a calibration curve to determine the concentration or average size of an unknown nanoparticle or nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugate sample.     

“Click” coupling between alkyne‐decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes and reactive PDMA‐PNIPAM micelles

Covalent functionalization of alkyne‐decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with a well‐defined, azide‐derivatized, thermoresponsive diblock copolymer, poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PDMA‐PNIPAM) was accomplished by the Cu(I)‐catalyzed [3 + 2] Huisgen cycloaddition. It was found that this reaction could simultaneously increase the molecular size and bonding density of grafted polymers when PDMA‐PNIPAM micelles were employed in the coupling system. On the other hand, attachment of molecularly dissolved unimers of high‐molecular weight onto the nanotube resulted in low‐graft density. The block copolymer bearing azide groups at the PDMA end was prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation transfer polymerization, which formed micelles with a diameter of ～40 nm at temperatures above its critical micelle temperature. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to demonstrate that the coupling reaction was successfully carried out between copolymer micelles and alkyne‐bearing MWNTs. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to follow the introduction and consumption of alkyne groups on the MWNTs. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the functionalized MWNTs consisted of about 45% polymer. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to image polymer‐functionalized MWNTs, showing relatively uniform polymer coatings present on the surface of nanotubes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7187–7199, 2008     

Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticle‐Functionalized Ordered Mesoporous Materials

We report the synthesis and characterization of three different ordered mesoporous materials, labeled MCM‐48, SBA‐155, and SBA‐16 type materials, which were functionalized with gold nanoparticles using three different strategies. The functionalization strategies can be categorized as (i) in situ growth of gold nanoparticles, (ii) template loading, and (iii) diffusion loading of prefabricated gold nanoparticles. Two different particle sizes were employed in the latter two strategies, 5 nm and 10 nm. For all mesoporous structures, functionalization strategies, and particle sizes attempted, the materials retained their long‐range order upon incorporation of nanoparticles. From the adsorption isotherms, incorporation of gold nanoparticles altered the pore structure of the mesoporous support of some of the SBA‐15 and SBA‐16 type materials, with the effect on incorporation on the pore structure being particle size dependent in most cases. The majority of gold nanoparticles were found to reside on the external surface of the materials regardless of substrate and functionalization strategy; however, for the in situ synthesis and the template loading strategies, a significant fraction of the particles was determined to reside within the pore system of the material. In situ growth resulted in the highest content of gold nanoparticles in the solid phase. The relative effectiveness in retaining gold nanoparticles in the solid phase for each functionalization strategy was determined to be, in descending order, in situ synthesis, template loading, and diffusion loading.     

Preparation of NiO/MWNTs Nanocomposites by a Simple Chemical Precipitation Method

NiO/MWNTs nanocomposites have been prepared by a simple and efficient chemical precipitation method with the aid of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Hybrid materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, EDX, Zeta potential and FT‐IR techniques. Experimental results show that NiO nanoparticles with the size of less than 9 nm are well‐dispersed on the outside of MWNTs functionalized with SDS. Hydrogenated NiO/MWNTs hybrid materials exhibit good catalytic performance in the benzene hydrogenation reaction.     

Size-dependent surface CO stretching frequency investigations on nanodiamond particles

In this work, the spectroscopic properties of surface functionalized nanodiamond particles are investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The functionalization of the nanodiamond surface was achieved chemically using strong acid treatment method. The size dependent C=O stretching frequency (between 1680 and 1820 cm(-1)) are studied for particle diameter sizes from the 5 to 500 nm range. The surface C=O stretching frequencies at approximately 1820 cm(-1), for large particle size (500 nm), down shifted to 1725 cm(-1) (5 nm) with decreasing particle sizes. We attributed the shift as a result of hydrogen bond formation between the COOH groups in the carboxylated nanodiamond surfaces. Particle size was characterized with dynamic light scattering method and surface morphology of the particles was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The influence of pH value on C=O stretching frequency is also analyzed. This finding affords useful information for the studying of surface functionalized nanodiamonds with implications for their interaction with biomolecules.     

Carbosilane dendrons as stabilizing agents for the formation of gold nanoparticles

The synthesis and characterization of two new carbosilane dendrons functionalized in the focal point with a single thiol group is described. These molecules were used as stabilizing agents for the formation of gold nanoparticles. These materials were obtained by the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate phase-transferred into toluene in the presence of the carbosilane dendrons. The gold nanoparticle-cored dendrons (NCDs) were characterized by TEM, XPS, AFM, IR, UV, and NMR techniques. Average particle diameter ranged from 2.5 to 2.6 nm with narrow size distribution and remarkable stability; in particular, the elimination of the protecting shells to give naked gold, after NCDs deposition on a support, is more difficult using carbosilane dendrons than in the case of conventional dodecanethiol-protected gold nanoparticles.     

Simultaneous tailoring of surface topography and chemical structure for controlled wettability

Wettability was controlled in a rational manner by individually and simultaneously manipulating surface topography and surface chemical structure. The first stage of this research involved the adsorption of charged submicrometer polystyrene latex particles to oppositely charged poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film samples to form surfaces with different topographies/roughness; adsorption time, solution pH, solution ionic strength, latex particle size, and substrate charge density are external variables that were controlled. The introduction of discrete functional groups to smooth and rough surfaces through organic transformations was carried out in the second stage. Amine groups (-NH(2)) and alcohol groups (-OH) were introduced onto smooth PET surfaces by amidation with poly(allylamine) and adsorption with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), respectively. On latex particle adsorbed surfaces, a thin layer of gold was evaporated first to prevent particle redistribution before chemical transformation. Reactions with functionalized thiols and adsorption with PVOH on patterned gold surfaces successfully enhanced surface hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Particle size and biomodal particle size distribution affect both hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. A very hydrophobic surface exhibiting water contact angles of 150 degrees /126 degrees (theta(A)/theta(R)) prepared by adsorption of 1-octadecanethiol and a hydrophilic surface with water contact angles of 18 degrees /8 degrees (theta(A)/theta(R)) prepared by adsorption of PVOH were prepared on gold-coated surfaces containing both 0.35 and 0.1 microm latex particles. The combination of surface topography and surface-chemical functionality permits wettability control over a wide range.     

Coating MWNTs with Cu2O of different morphology by a polyol process

Homogeneous cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles with size of 8-10 nm are deposited on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a polyol process using Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O as a precursor and diethylene glycol as both solvent and reducing agent. The composition of the resulting Cu₂O/MWNTs composites is confirmed by XRD pattern, XPS spectrum and HRTEM images. With the change of the reaction conditions, it is found that Cu₂O nanoparticles on the surface of MWNTs can be leafage-like or big spherical particle coated on the surface of MWNTs. HRTEM images indicate that all the leafage-like and big spherical particles are assembled by small Cu₂O particles with size of about 2-5 nm. With the assistance of FTIR spectrum, a tentative mechanism is proposed for the formation of Cu₂O nanoparticles with different morphologies on the surface of MWNTs.     

Preparation and electrocatalytic activities of platinum nanoclusters deposited on modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes supports

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified by oxyfluorination treatment at several different temperatures of 20, 100, 200, and 300 °C. The changes of surface properties of oxyfluorinated MWNTs were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method. As a result, it was found that surface fluorine contents were varied with changing an oxyfluorination temperature and showed a maximum value at 100 °C. By changing the treatment temperature in the process of oxyfluorination for carbon supports, the surface characteristics of MWNTs had been modified, resulting that the size and loading content of deposited Pt on the modified carbon supports could be changed. Consequently, Pt deposited MWNTs that were treated at 100 °C (Pt/100-MWNTs) showed the best electroactivity among samples. The enhanced electroactivity was dependent on the higher surface area of electrochemical reaction for metal catalyst, which was related to the particle size and the morphology of the deposited particle catalysts.     

具有良好热稳定性的Al2O3改性Fe2O3基金催化剂

通过共沉淀法和沉积-沉淀法制备出了具有良好热稳定性的Al2O3改性Fe2O3基金催化剂, 并通过透射电镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、N2吸附-脱附及热重和差示扫描量热(TG-DSC)分析等表征手段对催化剂的结构与表面形貌进行了研究分析. TEM测试结果表明: 500 ℃焙烧后, 未掺杂Al2O3的催化剂中金颗粒粒径分布较宽, 平均粒径约为7.0 nm, 载体颗粒尺寸在50-100 nm范围内; 而掺杂Al2O3的催化剂中金颗粒粒径分布变窄, 平均粒径约为5.0 nm, 且载体颗粒大小也明显小于未掺杂Al2O3的催化剂, 保持在30-50 nm的范围内. N2吸附-脱附测试结果表明, Al2O3的掺杂有利于保持催化剂的介孔结构和比表面积, 从而提高了载体的热稳定性. XRD和TG-DSC测试结果表明, Al2O3的掺杂可以有效地抑制Fe2O3的结晶, 进而抑制了高温焙烧过程中金颗粒的长大. 选用CO低温氧化反应对催化剂的活性进行了评价, 即使在500 ℃高温下焙烧12 h, 掺杂了Al2O3的催化剂仍然可在26.7 ℃将CO完全转化, 而未掺杂Al2O3的催化剂CO最低完全转化温度(T100)高达61.6 ℃. Al2O3的掺杂显著提高了催化剂的热稳定性能.