Synthesis and Characterization of Core‐Shell Selenium/Carbon Colloids and Hollow Carbon Capsules

A novel Se/C nanocomposite with core‐shell structures has been prepared through a facile one‐pot microwave‐induced hydrothermal process. The new material consists of a trigonal‐Se (t‐Se) core and an amorphous‐C (a‐C) shell. The Se/C composite can be converted to hollow carbon capsules by thermal treatment. These products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).     

Engineering a Cu‐MOF Nano‐Catalyst by using Post‐Synthetic Modification for the Preparation of 5‐Substituted 1H‐Tetrazoles

A new nano scale Cu‐MOF has been obtained via post‐synthetic metalation by immersing a Zn‐MOF as a template in DMF solutions of copper(II) salts. The Cu‐MOF serves as recyclable nano‐catalyst for the preparation of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles via [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of various nitriles and sodium azide in a green medium (PEG). The post‐synthetic metalated MOF were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The morphology and size of the nano‐catalyst were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM).     

Multianalytical study of corrosion layers in some archaeological copper alloy artefacts

Corrosion layers in some copper and bronze archaeological objects from Haft Tappeh archaeological site, southwest Iran, were studied. For this purpose, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, micro‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods were applied to observe corrosion stratigraphy and their characteristics as well as identification of chemical composition and phase determination of different corrosion layers. Based on optical and electron microscopy, three different corrosion strata were identified in cross section of different metallic objects including various red, green, white‐grey powdery and dark internal compact layers. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis on different corrosion layers revealed that Cu, Sn and Cl are the main elements in the chemical composition of different layers. Tin‐rich phases were detected in white‐grey and dark layers that may be formed because of the internal oxidation of tin as well as the decuprification (selective dissolution of copper) phenomena occurring during long‐term burial period in the soil. Also, the XRD and micro‐Raman spectroscopy results proved that the main corrosion products are nantokite (CuCl), copper trihydroxychlorides and copper oxides. The combination of these analytical methods allows us to explore the surface and internal corrosion layers of the archaeological copper and bronze samples, and major interest is on studying their chemistry, microstructural properties and corrosion stratigraphy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Formation of PdNiZn thin film at oil‐water interface: XPS study and application as Suzuki‐Miyaura catalyst

Nanosheet of PdNiZn and nanosphere of PdNiZn/reduced‐graphene oxide (RGO) with sub‐3 nm spheres have been successfully synthesized through a facile oil‐water interfacial strategy. The morphology and composition of the films were determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray (EDAX) and elemental mapping. In the present study, we have developed a method to minimize the usage of precious Pd element. Due to the special structure and intermetallic synergies, the PdNiZn and PdNiZn/RGO nanoalloys exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and durability relative to Pd nanoparticles in Suzuki‐Miyaura C‐C cross‐coupling reaction. Compared to classical cross‐coupling reactions, this method has the advantages of a green solvent, short reaction times, low catalyst loading, high yields and reusability of the catalysts.     

Microbial synthesis of gold nanoparticles: Current status and future prospects

Gold nanoparticles have been employed in biomedicine since the last decade because of their unique optical, electrical and photothermal properties. Present review discusses the microbial synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles. Different microbial synthesis strategies used so far for obtaining better yield and stability have been described. It also includes different methods used for the characterization and analysis of gold nanoparticles, viz. UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ransmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron dispersive X ray, X ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltametry. The different mechanisms involved in microbial synthesis of gold nanoparticles have been discussed. The information related to applications of microbially synthesized gold nanoparticles and patents on microbial synthesis of gold nanoparticles has been summarized.     

Assembly of Ring‐Shaped Phosphorus within Carbon Nanotube Nanoreactors

A phosphorus allotrope that has not been observed so far, ring‐shaped phosphorus consisting of alternate P₈ and P₂ structural units, has been assembled inside multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanoreactors with inner diameters of 5–8 nm by a chemical vapor transport and reaction of red phosphorus at 500 °C. The ring‐shaped nanostructures with surrounding graphene walls are stable under ambient conditions. The nanostructures were characterized by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Raman scattering, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.     

Preparation of 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles over magnetic core–shell titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Magnetic core–shell titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@TiO₂) were applied for the efficient preparation of 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives by the one‐pot multi‐component condensation of benzil with aldehydes, primary amines and ammonium acetate under solvent‐free conditions. The catalyst was synthesized and studied using several techniques including X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Facile synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxanthenones via a one‐pot three‐component reaction using an eco‐friendly and magnetized biopolymer chitosan‐based heterogeneous nanocatalyst

A chitosan‐based magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized by an eco‐friendly and simple procedure, and was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was then used for the efficient synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxanthen‐11‐one derivatives via a one‐pot three‐component condensation of 2‐naphthol, various aldehydes and dimedone in ethanol. The catalyst was recovered easily and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles by Sapindus mukorossi seed extract and use in efficient room temperature Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction

A simple and green method for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi seed has been demonstrated. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, powxder X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocatalyst was successfully utilized in an efficient Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction at room temperature.     

Photophysical and Electrochemical Studies of Anchored Chromium (III) Complex on Reduced Graphene Oxide via Diazonium Chemistry

Covalently anchored chromium complex on reduced graphene oxide (rGO‐Cr) is successfully synthesised through trimethoxy silyl propanamine (TMSPA) and phenyl azo salicylaldehyde (PAS) coupling. The rGO‐Cr is characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDAX), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Absorption and emission properties of rGO‐TMSPA‐PAS are studied by excitation dependent photoluminescence emissions at room temperature. Electrochemical sensing activity of rGO‐Cr is monitored for paracetamol using modified glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry measurements indicated that rGO‐Cr substantially enhance the eletrochemical response of paracetamol. The experimental factors are investigated and optimized.     

Biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles as a heterogeneous and reusable nanocatalyst for reduction of nitroarenes and Suzuki coupling reactions

A facile and green route for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐NPs) was developed utilizing non‐toxic and renewable natural green tea extract as the reducing, stabilizing and capping agent. The as‐prepared Pd‐NPs@Oak Gum catalyst was characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The Pd‐NPs@Oak Gum catalyst could be used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions between phenylboronic acid and a range of aryl halides containing iodo, bromo and chloro moieties and also for the reduction of nitroarenes using sodium borohydride in an environmental friendly medium. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled multiple times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design,synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of a new cellulose‐based magnetic nanocomposite in the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of α‐aminonitriles

A sulfonated magnetic cellulose‐based nanocomposite was prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, it was used as a green nanocatalyst for the synthesis of α‐aminonitriles by a one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction of aldehydes or ketones, amines and trimethylsilylcyanide in ethanol at room temperature. The reaction procedure is simple, yields are very high, reaction time is very short and the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused in subsequent reactions without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Layered double hydroxide – montmorillonite – a new nano‐dimensional material

A new nano‐dimensional material, layered double hydroxide – montmorillonite (LDH‐MMT), has been synthesized by the formation of an LDH in the presence of MMT. The structure is studied using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. The LDH‐MMT shows a novel layered structure containing negatively charged MMT layers and positively charged LDH layers with some sodium ions required to balance the charge. LDH‐MMT can be ion‐exchanged to obtain organically modified LDH‐MMT, and this material can be well‐dispersed in polystyrene. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A High Sensitive TNT Sensor Based on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Poly(amidoamine) Modified Electrode

In this paper, the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide‐poly(amidoamine) hybrid (ErGO‐PAMAM) have been used for fabrication of TNT electrochemical sensor. The prepared modified electrode is characterized with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Based on obtained results, it is can be seen that the ErGO‐PAMAM/GCE has high response to TNT than the other graphene based modified electrodes. The resulting electrochemical sensor exhibited good response to TNT with linear range from 0.05 to 1.2 ppm with a low detection limit of 0.0015 ppm.     

Nanoelectrocatalyst Based on High‐Density Au/Pt Hybrid Nanoparticles Supported on a Silica Nanosphere

A high‐efficiency nanoelectrocatalyst based on high‐density Au/Pt hybrid nanoparticles supported on a silica nanosphere (Au‐Pt/SiO₂) has been prepared by a facile wet chemical method. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to characterize the obtained Au‐Pt/SiO₂. It was found that each hybrid nanosphere is composed of high‐density small Au/Pt hybrid nanoparticles with rough surfaces. These small Au/Pt hybrid nanoparticles interconnect and form a porous nanostructure, which provides highly accessible activity sites, as required for high electrocatalytic activity. We suggest that the particular morphology of the Au‐Pt/SiO₂ may be the reason for the high catalytic activity. Thus, this hybrid nanomaterial may find a potential application in fuel cells.     

Facile Chan‐Lam coupling using ferrocene tethered N‐heterocyclic carbene‐copper complex anchored on graphene

Ferrocene tethered N‐heterocyclic carbene‐copper complex anchored on graphene ([GrFemImi]NHC@Cu complex) has been synthesized by covalent grafting of ferrocenyl ionic liquid in the matrix of graphene followed by metallation with copper (I) iodide. The [GrFemImi]NHC@Cu complex has been characterized by fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman), CP‐MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis. This novel complex served as a robust heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of bioactive N‐aryl sulfonamides from variety of aryl boronic acids and sulfonyl azides in ethanol by Chan‐Lam coupling. Recyclability experiments were executed successfully for six consecutive runs.     

Solid luminescent CdSe‐thiolated porous phosphate heterostructures. Application in fingermark detection in different surfaces

A fluorescent hybrid material (PPH‐S‐CdSe), which comprises cadmium selenide sulphide nanoparticles assembled onto thiol functionalised porous phosphate heterostructures (PPH‐SH), was synthesised in aqueous media. This material presents a high stability towards photo‐degradation. The obtained nanocomposite was characterised by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. This fluorescent material showed a red emission at 576 nm combined with other at 473 nm, explained as different CdS_0.42Se_0.58 nanoparticles size, supported by TEM images. It was suitable for latent fingermark analysis in a wide range of surfaces. Because of its sensitivity and low cost, it is an actual alternative to conventional powdering materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fe3O4‐supported Schiff‐base copper (II) complex: A valuable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for one‐pot synthesis of new pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3‐carboxamide derivatives

A novel Cu (II) Schiff‐base complex immobilized on core‐shell magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SPNC) was successfully designed and synthesized. The structural features of these nanoparticles were studied and confirmed by using various techniques including FT‐IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (WDX), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). These newly synthesized nanoparticles have been used as efficient heterogeneous catalytic system for one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of new pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3‐carboxamide derivatives. Notably, the catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by using an external magnet and reused for several successive reaction runs with no significant loss of activity or copper leaching. The present protocol benefits from a hitherto unreported MNPs‐immobilized Cu (II) Schiff‐base complex as an efficient nanocatalyst for the synthesis of newly reported derivatives of pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3‐carboxamide from one‐pot multicomponent reactions.     

Copper nanoclusters conjugated silica nanoparticles modified on carbon paste as an electrochemical sensor for the determination of dopamine

An electrochemical sensor based on modification of carbon paste electrode by glutathione‐capped copper nanoclusters silica nanoparticles (CuNCs/SiO₂NPs) composite for determination of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid was presented. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐Ray analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for characterization of the developed electrode. The electrochemical behavior of dopamine on CuNCs/SiO₂NPs/carbon paste electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Dopamine was determined in the range of 10.0 – 900.0 μM, and the limit of detection was obtained as 0.43 μM. The electrochemical behaviors of the coexisting electroactive species, which often cause interference with the determination of dopamine, were investigated. The results show that the developed electrode does not show any interference with respect to coexisting species, even in the presence of ascorbic acid. The developed electrochemical sensor was further employed for the determination of dopamine in human blood plasma, with a good recovery.     

Oxide and nitride protective layers on stainless steel studied by AES,WDS and XPS

Protective surface layers on AISI 321 stainless steel were prepared by thermal treatments at two different temperatures in air and two controlled atmospheres. Different oxide and/or nitride layers were formed. Surface morphology of the layers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling of the samples was performed. Since depth profiling suggested layer thicknesses of the order of hundreds of nanometres, an attempt was made to obtain some fast, averaged information about the layer compositions using wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) at two different beam energies to obtain probing depths best suited to the layer thickness. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) profiling of one layer was also performed to obtain information about the chemical states of the elements inside the layer. The analysed samples showed considerable differences with respect to their surface morphology, oxide/nitride layer thicknesses, compositions and layer–metal interface thickness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.