Formation of Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles by variation of the surface ligand: preparation, structure, and insulating-to-metallic transition

Copper and copper (I) oxide nanoparticles protected by self-assembled monolayers of thiol, carboxyl, and amine functionalities [X(CH(2))(n)-CH(3), where X can be -COOH, -NH(2), or -SH] have been prepared by the controlled reduction of aqueous copper salts using Brust synthesis. The optical absorption spectrum (lambda(max)=289 nm) is found to be invariant with the nature of the capping molecule while the particle shape and distribution are found to depend strongly on it. A comparison of the protection efficiency for different capping agents such as dodecanethiol (DDT), tridecylamine (TDA), and lauric acid (LA) suggests that although zerovalent Cu is initially formed for dodecanethiol, all other cases allow oxidation to Cu(2)O nanoparticles. Despite the variation in particle size and relative stability, nanoparticles have been found to form oxides after a few days, especially for the case of LA and TDA surface capping. For all the samples studied, the size has been found to be 4-8 nm by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The protective ability is found to be better for dodecanethiol SAM (similar to the case of Au and Ag nanoparticles), while the order of capping efficiency varies as Cu-DDT>Cu-TDA>Cu-LA. In the present study we also demonstrate a reversible metal-insulator transition (MIT) in capped nanoparticles of Cu using temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurement. However, the LA-capped sample does not show any such transition, possibly due to the oxide formation.     

Laser induced long-lived emission spectra of laser dyes in rigid glasses at 77 K

Phosphorescence decay of 3-(2′-N-methylbenzimidazolyl)-7-N, N-diethylaminocoumarin; 2,3,5,6-1H, 4H-tetrahydro-8-methylquinolizino-〈9, 9a, 1-gh〉 coumarin; 2,3,5,6-1H, 4H-tetrahydro-8-trifluormethylquinolizino-〈9,9a,1-gh〉 coumarin; 9(10H)-acridone; 9-aminocridine hydrochloride, 1-hydrate and 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3, 4-oxadiazole dyes in EPA glass at 77 K have been recorded using N₂ laser. The results were used to determine lifetimes. Emission intensities from the first two dyes have been examined in relation to dye concentration and excitation intensity. The results are discussed.     

Base-promoted ruthenium carbonyl cluster complexes: From fundamental reactions to catalysis

An attempt to establish a link between the rich chemistry of ruthenium carbonyl clusters doped by nucleophilic anions, and the known effect of promoters in some ruthenium-based catalytic processes.     

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanocomposites: Effect of Inorganic Nanoparticles Reinforcement on Its Performance and Food Packaging Applications

Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a compostable, as well as recyclable, sustainable, versatile and environmentally friendly alternative, because the monomer of PLA-lactide (LA) is extracted from natural sources. PLA’s techno-functional properties are fairly similar to fossil-based polymers; however, in pristine state, its brittleness and delicacy during processing pose challenges to its potential exploitation in diverse food packaging applications. PLA is, therefore, re-engineered to improve its thermal, rheological, barrier and mechanical properties through nanoparticle (NP) reinforcement. This review summarises the studies on PLA-based nanocomposites (PLA NCs) developed by reinforcing inorganic metal/metallic oxide, graphite and silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) that exhibit remarkable improvement in terms of storage modulus, tensile strength, crystallinity, glass transition temperature (Tg) value, antimicrobial property and a decrease in water vapour and oxygen permeability when compared with the pristine PLA films. This review has also discussed the regulations around the use of metal oxide-based NPs in food packaging, PLA NC biodegradability and their applications in food systems. The industrial acceptance of NCs shows highly promising perspectives for the replacement of traditional petrochemical-based polymers currently being used for food packaging.