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Nanomaterials, Volume 3, Issue 1 (March 2013) – 12 articles , Pages 1-203

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Research

Jump to: Review

4214 KiB  
Article
Empirical Equation Based Chirality (n, m) Assignment of Semiconducting Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes from Resonant Raman Scattering Data
by Md Shamsul Arefin
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 1-21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010001 - 24 Dec 2012
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7007
Abstract
This work presents a technique for the chirality (n, m) assignment of semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes by solving a set of empirical equations of the tight binding model parameters. The empirical equations of the nearest neighbor hopping parameters, relating [...] Read more.
This work presents a technique for the chirality (n, m) assignment of semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes by solving a set of empirical equations of the tight binding model parameters. The empirical equations of the nearest neighbor hopping parameters, relating the term (2n, m) with the first and second optical transition energies of the semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes, are also proposed. They provide almost the same level of accuracy for lower and higher diameter nanotubes. An algorithm is presented to determine the chiral index (n, m) of any unknown semiconducting tube by solving these empirical equations using values of radial breathing mode frequency and the first or second optical transition energy from resonant Raman spectroscopy. In this paper, the chirality of 55 semiconducting nanotubes is assigned using the first and second optical transition energies. Unlike the existing methods of chirality assignment, this technique does not require graphical comparison or pattern recognition between existing experimental and theoretical Kataura plot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CNT based Nanomaterials)
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408 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Ni-Al Montmorillonite-Like Phyllosilicates
by Marc X. Reinholdt, Jocelyne Brendlé, Marie-Hélène Tuilier, Serge Kaliaguine and Emmanuelle Ambroise
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 48-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010048 - 21 Jan 2013
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8080
Abstract
This work describes the first hydrothermal synthesis in fluoride medium of Ni-Al montmorillonite-like phyllosilicates, in which the only metallic elements in the octahedral sheet are Ni and Al. X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron [...] Read more.
This work describes the first hydrothermal synthesis in fluoride medium of Ni-Al montmorillonite-like phyllosilicates, in which the only metallic elements in the octahedral sheet are Ni and Al. X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm that the synthesized samples are montmorillonite-like phyllosilicates having the expected chemical composition. The specific surface areas of the samples are relatively large (>100 m2 g1) compared to naturally occurring montmorillonites. 29Si and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicate substitutions of Al for Si in the tetrahedral sheet. 19F NMR and Ni K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) local probes highlight a clustering of the metal elements and of the vacancies in the octahedral sheet of the samples. These Ni-Al phyllosilicates exhibit a higher local order than in previously synthesized Zn-Al phyllosilicates. Unlike natural montmorillonites, where the distribution of transition metal cations ensures a charge equilibrium allowing a stability of the framework, synthetic montmorillonites entail clustering and instability of the lattice when the content of divalent element in the octahedral sheet exceeds ca. 20%. Synthesis of Ni-Al montmorillonite-like phyllosilicates, was successfully achieved for the first time. These new synthetic materials may find potential applications as catalysts or as materials with magnetic, optical or staining properties. Full article
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1385 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Sonication Temperature on the Debundling Kinetics of Carbon Nanotubes in Propan-2-ol
by Ludovic Dumée, Kallista Sears, Jürg Schütz, Niall Finn, Mikel Duke and Stephen Gray
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 70-85; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010070 - 31 Jan 2013
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 11226
Abstract
The effect of sonication temperature on the debundling of carbon nanotube (CNT) macro-bundles is reported and demonstrated by analysis with different particle sizing methods. The change of bundle size over time and after several comparatively gentle sonication cycles of suspensions at various temperatures [...] Read more.
The effect of sonication temperature on the debundling of carbon nanotube (CNT) macro-bundles is reported and demonstrated by analysis with different particle sizing methods. The change of bundle size over time and after several comparatively gentle sonication cycles of suspensions at various temperatures is reported. A novel technique is presented that produces a more homogeneous nanotube dispersion by lowering the temperature during sonication. We produce evidence that temperature influences the suspension stability, and that low temperatures are preferable to obtain better dispersion without increasing damage to the CNT walls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CNT based Nanomaterials)
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1348 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Sub-100 nm Gold Nanoparticles for Laser-Induced Thermotherapy of Cancer
by Jennifer P. Leung, Sherry Wu, Keng C. Chou and Ruth Signorell
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 86-106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010086 - 31 Jan 2013
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 9446
Abstract
Specialized gold nanostructures are of interest for the development of alternative treatment methods in medicine. Photothermal therapy combined with gene therapy that supports hyperthermia is proposed as a novel multimodal treatment method for prostate cancer. In this work, photothermal therapy using small (<100 [...] Read more.
Specialized gold nanostructures are of interest for the development of alternative treatment methods in medicine. Photothermal therapy combined with gene therapy that supports hyperthermia is proposed as a novel multimodal treatment method for prostate cancer. In this work, photothermal therapy using small (<100 nm) gold nanoparticles and near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation combined with gene therapy targeting heat shock protein (HSP) 27 was investigated. A series of nanoparticles: nanoshells, nanorods, core-corona nanoparticles and hollow nanoshells, were synthesized and examined to compare their properties and suitability as photothermal agents. In vitro cellular uptake studies of the nanoparticles into prostate cancer cell lines were performed using light scattering microscopy to provide three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Small gold nanoshells (40 nm) displayed the greatest cellular uptake of the nanoparticles studied and were used in photothermal studies. Photothermal treatment of the cancer cell lines with laser irradiation at 800 nm at 4 W on a spot size of 4 mm (FWHM) for 6 or 10 min resulted in an increase in temperature of ~12 °C and decrease in cell viability of up to 70%. However, in vitro studies combining photothermal therapy with gene therapy targeting HSP27 did not result in additional sensitization of the prostate cancer cells to hyperthermia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends of Nanomaterials in Life Sciences)
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5189 KiB  
Article
Assembl y of Poly-3-Hexylthiophene Nano-Crystallites into Low Dimensional Structures Using Indandione Derivatives
by Nicolas Cheval, Valdis Kampars, Clifford Fowkes, Neil Shirtcliffe and Amir Fahmi
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 107-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010107 - 01 Feb 2013
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6954
Abstract
Conductive polymer poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) needles were self-assembled using a second component (indandione derivatives) as a linking agent to enhance their long range alignment. The morphologies of the hybrid organic/organic materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both linear and branched structures could [...] Read more.
Conductive polymer poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) needles were self-assembled using a second component (indandione derivatives) as a linking agent to enhance their long range alignment. The morphologies of the hybrid organic/organic materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both linear and branched structures could be produced, with the degree of branching depending upon the linker used. Incorporation of indandione derivatives broadened the UV absorbance band of P3HT without significant change to its photoluminescence. This hybrid material could open a promising avenue in photovoltaic applications due to its interesting morphologies and optical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanomaterials)
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1347 KiB  
Communication
A Novel Fluoride Route for the Synthesis of Aluminosilicate Nanotubes
by Atika Chemmi, Jocelyne Brendlé, Claire Marichal and Bénédicte Lebeau
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 117-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010117 - 06 Feb 2013
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5302
Abstract
In this work we present a novel method for synthesis of aluminosilicate nanotubes: the fluoride route. F-containing imogolite (F-IMO) exhibits an improved crystallization rate and improved yield. The structure of F-IMO was investigated and compared with F-free imogolite (IMO) by means of X-ray [...] Read more.
In this work we present a novel method for synthesis of aluminosilicate nanotubes: the fluoride route. F-containing imogolite (F-IMO) exhibits an improved crystallization rate and improved yield. The structure of F-IMO was investigated and compared with F-free imogolite (IMO) by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirming imogolite structure. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses show an increased crystallization rate for F-IMO and confirm the incorporation of fluorine ion in the structure. Full article
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2303 KiB  
Article
Kinetic and Surface Study of Single-Walled Aluminosilicate Nanotubes and Their Precursors
by Nicolás Arancibia-Miranda, Mauricio Escudey, Mauricio Molina and María Teresa García-González
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 126-140; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010126 - 01 Mar 2013
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7413
Abstract
The structural and surface changes undergone by the different precursors that are produced during the synthesis of imogolite are reported. The surface changes that occur during the synthesis of imogolite were determined by electrophoretic migration (EM) measurements, which enabled the identification of the [...] Read more.
The structural and surface changes undergone by the different precursors that are produced during the synthesis of imogolite are reported. The surface changes that occur during the synthesis of imogolite were determined by electrophoretic migration (EM) measurements, which enabled the identification of the time at which the critical precursor of the nanoparticles was generated. A critical parameter for understanding the evolution of these precursors is the isoelectric point (IEP), of which variation revealed that the precursors modify the number of active ≡Al-OH and ≡Si-OH sites during the formation of imogolite. We also found that the IEP is displaced to a higher pH level as a consequence of the surface differentiation that occurs during the synthesis. At the same time, we established that the pH of the reaction (pHrx) decreases with the evolution and condensation of the precursors during aging. Integration of all of the obtained results related to the structural and surface properties allows an overall understanding of the different processes that occur and the products that are formed during the synthesis of imogolite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Nanomaterial Analysis)
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1984 KiB  
Article
Grafting of Polycaprolactone on Oxidized Nanocelluloses by Click Chemistry
by Abdelhaq Benkaddour, Khalil Jradi, Sylvain Robert and Claude Daneault
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 141-157; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010141 - 01 Mar 2013
Cited by 83 | Viewed by 13681
Abstract
The main objective of this work is the grafting of polycaprolactone diol (PCL) on the surface of oxidized nanocelluloses (ONC) in order to enhance the compatibility between the hydrophilic cellulose nanofibres and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. This grafting was successfully realized with a [...] Read more.
The main objective of this work is the grafting of polycaprolactone diol (PCL) on the surface of oxidized nanocelluloses (ONC) in order to enhance the compatibility between the hydrophilic cellulose nanofibres and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. This grafting was successfully realized with a new strategy known as click chemistry. In this context, the oxidized nanocelluloses bearing alkyl groups (ONC-PR) were prepared by reacting amino groups of propargylamine (PR) with carboxyl groups of ONC. In parallel, PCL was converted into azido-polycaprolactone (PCL-N3) in two steps: (i) tosylation of polycaprolactone (PCL-OTs) and (ii) conversion of PCL-OTs into PCL-N3 by nucleophilic displacement using sodium azide. Finally, ONC-PR was reacted with PCL-N3 in heterogeneous conditions through click chemistry in order to prepare polycaprolactone grafted oxidized nanocellulose (ONC-g-PCL), which could be suitable for improving the interfacial adhesion in the composite materials. The grafted samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C-NMR) spectroscopic techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Nanomaterials)
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2569 KiB  
Article
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Studies of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Ablation
by Gloria M. Herrera, Amira C. Padilla and Samuel P. Hernandez-Rivera
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 158-172; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010158 - 01 Mar 2013
Cited by 113 | Viewed by 16784
Abstract
Gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in water, acetonitrile and isopropanol by laser ablation methodologies. The average characteristic (longer) size of the NPs obtained ranged from 3 to 70 nm. 4-Aminobenzebethiol (4-ABT) was chosen as the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe [...] Read more.
Gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in water, acetonitrile and isopropanol by laser ablation methodologies. The average characteristic (longer) size of the NPs obtained ranged from 3 to 70 nm. 4-Aminobenzebethiol (4-ABT) was chosen as the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe molecule to determine the optimum irradiation time and the pH of aqueous synthesis of the laser ablation-based synthesis of metallic NPs. The synthesized NPs were used to evaluate their capacity as substrates for developing more analytical applications based on SERS measurements. A highly energetic material, TNT, was used as the target compound in the SERS experiments. The Raman spectra were measured with a Raman microspectrometer. The results demonstrate that gold and silver NP substrates fabricated by the methods developed show promising results for SERS-based studies and could lead to the development of micro sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Nanomaterial Analysis)
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933 KiB  
Article
Liquid-State and Solid-State Properties of Nanotube/Polypropylene Nanocomposites Elaborated via a Simple Procedure
by Arrate Huegun, Mercedes Fernández, Juanjo Peña, María Eugenia Muñoz and Antxon Santamaría
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 173-191; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010173 - 06 Mar 2013
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6561
Abstract
Non-modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) and polypropylene (PP) in absence of compatibilizer have been chosen to elaborate MWCNT/PP nanocomposites using a simple melt-mixing dispersing method. Calorimetry results indicate little effect of MWCNTs on crystallinity of PP, revealing not much interaction between nanotubes and [...] Read more.
Non-modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) and polypropylene (PP) in absence of compatibilizer have been chosen to elaborate MWCNT/PP nanocomposites using a simple melt-mixing dispersing method. Calorimetry results indicate little effect of MWCNTs on crystallinity of PP, revealing not much interaction between nanotubes and PP chains, which is compatible with the employed manufacturing procedure. In any case, a hindering of polymer chains motion by MWCNTs is observed in the molten state, using oscillatory flow experiments, and a rheological percolation threshold is determined. The percolation limit is not noticed by Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) measurements in the melt, because this technique rather detects local motions. Keeping the nanocomposites in the molten state provokes an electrical conductivity increase of several orders of magnitude, but on ulterior crystallization, the conductivity decreases, probably due to a reduction of the ionic conductivity. For a concentration of 2% MWCNTs, in the limit of percolation, the conductivity decreases considerably more, because percolation network constituted in the molten state is unstable and is destroyed during crystallization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CNT based Nanomaterials)
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1424 KiB  
Article
Controlling the Nanoscale Patterning of AuNPs on Silicon Surfaces
by Sophie E. Williams, Philip R. Davies, Jenna L. Bowen and Chris J. Allender
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 192-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010192 - 21 Mar 2013
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7606
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of vapour-phase deposition for creating sub-monolayer coverage of aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) on silicon in order to exert control over subsequent gold nanoparticle deposition. Surface coverage was evaluated indirectly by observing the extent to which gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of vapour-phase deposition for creating sub-monolayer coverage of aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) on silicon in order to exert control over subsequent gold nanoparticle deposition. Surface coverage was evaluated indirectly by observing the extent to which gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited onto the modified silicon surface. By varying the distance of the silicon wafer from the APTES source and concentration of APTES in the evaporating media, control over subsequent gold nanoparticle deposition was achievable to an extent. Fine control over AuNP deposition (AuNPs/μm2) however, was best achieved by adjusting the ionic concentration of the AuNP-depositing solution. Furthermore it was demonstrated that although APTES was fully removed from the silicon surface following four hours incubation in water, the gold nanoparticle-amino surface complex was stable under the same conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study these affects. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

1722 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Sun’s Energy with Quantum Dots Based Next Generation Solar Cell
by Mohammad A. Halim
Nanomaterials 2013, 3(1), 22-47; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano3010022 - 27 Dec 2012
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 11590
Abstract
Our energy consumption relies heavily on the three components of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) and nearly 83% of our current energy is consumed from those sources. The use of fossil fuels, however, has been viewed as a major environmental threat [...] Read more.
Our energy consumption relies heavily on the three components of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) and nearly 83% of our current energy is consumed from those sources. The use of fossil fuels, however, has been viewed as a major environmental threat because of their substantial contribution to greenhouse gases which are responsible for increasing the global average temperature. Last four decades, scientists have been searching for alternative sources of energy which need to be environmentally clean, efficient, cost-effective, renewable, and sustainable. One of the promising sustainable sources of energy can be achieved by harnessing sun energy through silicon wafer, organic polymer, inorganic dye, and quantum dots based solar cells. Among them, quantum dots have an exceptional property in that they can excite multiple electrons using only one photon. These dots can easily be synthesized, processed in solution, and incorporated into solar cell application. Interestingly, the quantum dots solar cells can exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit; however, it is a great challenge for other solar cell materials to exceed the limit. Theoretically, the quantum dots solar cell can boost the power conversion efficiency up to 66% and even higher to 80%. Moreover, in changing the size of the quantum dots one can utilize the Sun’s broad spectrum of visible and infrared ranges. This review briefly overviews the present performance of different materials-based solar cells including silicon wafer, dye-sensitized, and organic solar cells. In addition, recent advances of the quantum dots based solar cells which utilize cadmium sulfide/selenide, lead sulfide/selenide, and new carbon dots as light harvesting materials has been reviewed. A future outlook is sketched as to how one could improve the efficiency up to 10% from the current highest efficiency of 6.6%. Full article
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