Enhanced electrochemical performance of graphene nanosheet thin film anode decorated with tin nanoparticles

Graphene nanosheet (GNS) was synthesized by using microwave plasma enhanced CVD on copper substrate and followed by evaporation of tin metal. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy show that nanosize Sn particles are well embedded into the GNS matrix. The composition, structure, and electrochemical properties were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chrono-potentiometry. The first discharge capacity of as-deposited and annealed SnGNS obtained was 1551 mA h/g and 975 mA h/g, respectively. The anodes show excellent cyclic performance and coulombic efficiency.

Metal nanoparticles as better protein-aggregation prevention agents than chaperones

Prevention or suppression of protein aggregation is of great importance in the context of protein storage, transportation and delivery. Traditionally chaperones or other chemically active agents are used to stop or diffuse native protein aggregation. We have used gold nanoparticles to prevent thermal aggregation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), a protein that maintains the alcohol level in the liver and stomach. A light-scattering assay has been used to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles on thermal aggregation of ADH and the result of our study has been summarized in Fig. 1. The scattered light intensity from the solution containing ADH decreases when 45 nm gold nanoparticles are added prior to heating (thermal denaturation) the solution, which indicates prevention of aggregation. The aggregation of the protein is suppressed to the extent of 96% with picomolar concentration of 45 nm gold nanoparticles while micromolar amounts of other proteins and biological substances are necessary to achieve the same effect. The extent varies with the size and the concentration of the gold NPs for the same protein concentration.

Controlled synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles and nanospheres using a microwave assisted approach for their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Rapid and facile synthesis of similar to 7 nm and similar to 100-400 nm nano-structures of anatase titania is achieved by exploiting the chemical nature of solvents through a microwave based approach. After using these nanostructures as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells, a modest yet appreciable efficiency of 6.5% was achieved under the illumination of AM 1.5 G one sun (100 mW cm(-2)).

Impedance spectroscopy of novel hybrid composite films of polyvinylbutyral (PVB)/functionalized mesoporous silica

Polyvinyl butyral/functionalized mesoporous silica hybrid composite films have been fabricated by solution casting technique with various weight percentages of functionalized silica. A polyol (tripentaerythritol-electron rich component), which acts as an electron donor to the polymer backbone, was added to enhance the conductivity. The prepared composites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and the morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Dielectric properties of these freestanding composites were studied using the two-probe method. The dielectric constant and impedance value decreased with the increase in applied frequency as well as with the increase in functionalized silica content in the polyvinyl butyral matrix. An increase in conductivity of the PVB/functionalized silica composites was also observed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In Vivo Genotoxicity Assessment of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Allium cepa Root Tip Assay at High Exposure Concentrations

The industrial production and commercial applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles have increased considerably in recent times, which has increased the probability of environmental contamination with these agents and their adverse effects on living systems. This study was designed to assess the genotoxicity potential of TiO2 NPs at high exposure concentrations, its bio-uptake, and the oxidative stress it generated, a recognised cause of genotoxicity. Allium cepa root tips were treated with TiO2 NP dispersions at four different concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 100 mu g/mL). A dose dependant decrease in the mitotic index (69 to 21) and an increase in the number of distinctive chromosomal aberrations were observed. Optical, fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed chromosomal aberrations, including chromosomal breaks and sticky, multipolar, and laggard chromosomes, and micronucleus formation. The chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage were also validated by the comet assay. The bio-uptake of TiO2 in particulate form was the key cause of reactive oxygen species generation, which in turn was probably the cause of the DNA aberrations and genotoxicity observed in this study.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Studies of Hemoglobin Confined Inside Silica Tubes of Varying Sizes

In addition to the chemical nature of the surface, the dimensions of the confining host exert a significant influence on confined protein structures; this results in immense biological implications, especially those concerning the enzymatic activities of the protein. This study probes the structure of hemoglobin (Hb), a model protein, confined inside silica tubes with pore diameters that vary by one order of magnitude (approximate to 20-200 nm). The effect of confinement on the protein structure is probed by comparison with the structure of the protein in solution. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), which provides information on protein tertiary and quaternary structures, is employed to study the influence of the tube pore diameter on the structure and configuration of the confined protein in detail. Confinement significantly influences the structural stability of Hb and the structure depends on the Si-tube pore diameter. The high radius of gyration (R-g) and polydispersity of Hb in the 20 nm diameter Si-tube indicates that Hb undergoes a significant amount of aggregation. However, for Si-tube diameters greater or equal to 100 nm, the R-g of Hb is found to be in very close proximity to that obtained from the protein data bank (PDB) reported structure (R-g of native Hb=23.8 angstrom). This strongly indicates that the protein has a preference for the more native-like non-aggregated state if confined inside tubes of diameter greater or equal to 100 nm. Further insight into the Hb structure is obtained from the distance distribution function, p(r), and ab initio models calculated from the SANS patterns. These also suggest that the Si-tube size is a key parameter for protein stability and structure.

A room temperature, templated synthesis of lanthanide trifluoride nanoparticles and their unusual self-assembly

A new methodology has been developed for synthesizing lanthanide trifluoride (LnF(3)) nanoparticles using a simple diffusion technique. The approach uses a lanthanide based hydrogel matrix to control the kinetics of the reaction, which also acts as a stabilizing platform, thus enabling the room temperature, in situ synthesis of finely sized (3-5 nm), monodisperse nanoparticles that were found to form in an ordered pattern on the gel fibers.

Alumina and Silica based Epoxy Nano-composites for Electrical Insulation

Plain epoxy resins or resin impregnated cellulose have found application as electrical insulation in power equipment. In the past, their performance was improved by the use of inorganic oxide fillers of microscopic dimensions. In the recent past nano-particle doped epoxy insulation came into use with a view to further enhance the dielectric properties. This paper reports dielectric investigations into epoxy nano-composites based on a class of metal oxides, Al2O3 and SiO2. In particular, consideration has been given to the partial discharge performance and electrical breakdown under different voltage profiles as a function of the volumetric composition of the nano-particles in epoxy resin.

Size Control and Magnetic Property Trends in Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized Using an Aqueous Chemical Route

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) is an engineering material which is used for applications such as magnetic cores, magnetic switches, hyperthermia based tumor treatment, and as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Utility of ferrites nanoparticles hinges on its size, dispersibility in solutions, and synthetic control over its coercivity. In this work, we establish correlations between room temperature co-precipitation conditions, and these crucial materials parameters. Furthermore, post-synthesis annealing conditions are correlated with morphology, changes in crystal structure and magnetic properties. We disclose the synthesis and process conditions helpful in obtaining easily sinterable CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with coercive magnetic flux density (H-c) in the range 5.5-31.9 kA/m and M-s in the range 47.9-84.9 A.m(2)Kg(-1). At a grain size of similar to 54 +/- 2 nm (corresponding to 1073 K sintering temperature), multi-domain behavior sets in, which is indicated by a decrease in H-c. In addition, we observe an increase in lattice constant with respect to grain size, which is the inverse of what is expected of in ferrites. Our results suggest that oxygen deficiency plays a crucial role in explaining this inverse trend. We expect the method disclosed here to be a viable and scalable alternative to thermal decomposition based CoFe2O4 synthesis. The magnetic trends reported will aid in the optimization of functional CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of carbon nanoparticles and possible application as white light phosphors and catalysts for the reduction of nitrophenol

We report a simple hydrothermal synthesis of highly reproducible carbon nanoparticles in a size range between 2 and 7 nmfroma single precursor sucrose without either surface passivating agents or acids and bases. The carbon nanoparticles can be used as white light phosphors, especially for ultraviolet light emitting diodes and metal-free catalyst for the reduction of nitrophenol.

Tailor-Made Hollow Silver Nanoparticle Cages Assembled with Silver Nanoparticles: An Efficient Catalyst for Epoxidation

A novel approach toward the synthesis of hollow silver nanoparticle (NP) cages built with building blocks of silver NPs by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is demonstrated. The size of the NP cage depends on the size of template used for the LbL assembly. The microcages showed a uniform distribution of spherical silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20 +/- 5 nm, which increased to 40 +/- S nm when the AgNO3 concentration was increased from 25 to 50 mM. Heat treatment of the polyelectrolyte capsules at 80 degrees C near their pK(a) values yielded intact nano/micro cages. These cages produced a higher conversion for the epoxidation of olefins and maintained their catalytic activity even after four successive uses. The nanocages exhibited unique and attractive characteristics for metal catalytic systems, thus offering the scope for further development as heterogeneous catalysts.

Multivalent Cu-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles with Full Solar Spectrum Absorbance and Enhanced Photoactivity

Full solar spectrum absorbers are widely pursued for applications related to photocatalysis and photovoltaics. Here we report multivalent Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles which exhibit full solar spectrum absorbance and high photoactivity. Metathesis-based, green-chemical approaches with synthesis yield of similar to 100% are used. Cu incorporation in ZnO results in an increase of average solar spectrum absorbance from a mere 0.4% to 34%. On the other hand, (Zn, Cu)0 composites result in materials with up to 64% average solar spectrum absorbance. Doped systems operate well under both visible and UV illumination. The nanomaterials prepared are characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photocatalysts explored have particle sizes >= 50 nm. This is deliberately done in order to avoid the nanotoxic size regime of ZnO. Despite the large particle size and low specific surface area (<20 m(2).g(-1)), the best catalyst reported here compare favorably with recent reports on ZnO based systems. Using X-photoelectron spectroscopy and synthesis property correlations, we infer that the presence of multivalent Cu (most likely in the form of Cu1+delta) on ZnO surface is responsible for the observed photoactivity enhancement.

Density Functional Theoretical Modeling, Electrostatic Surface Potential and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Studies on Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles: Observation of 400 pM Sensitivity to Explosives

Interaction of adsorbate on charged surfaces, orientation of the analyte on the surface, and surface enhancement aspects have been studied. These aspects have been explored in details to explain the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) spectra of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW or CL-20), a well-known explosive, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) using one-pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles via biosynthetic route using natural precursor extracts of clove and pepper. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (bio Ag Nps) have been characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. SERS studies conducted using bio Ag Nps on different water insoluble analytes, such as CL-20 and TNT, lead to SERS signals at concentration levels of 400 pM. The experimental findings have been corroborated with density functional computational results, electrostatic surface potential calculations, Fukui functions and potential measurements.

The influence of mesoporous silica in low T-g cyclic olefin copolymer nanocomposite films: Mechanical and moisture barrier studies

In this study, mesoporous silica-cyclic olefin copolymer nanocomposite films were fabricated by solution casting. With an increase in silica loading, the stiffness of the matrix increased. The nanocomposite film shows increased strain to failure with moisture after aging by matrix plasticization. The storage modulus and loss factor for samples with silica content show better results compared with pristine polymer, as indicated by dynamic mechanical analysis. The interaction between filler-polymer chain exhibit hydrophobicity compared to the neat polymer. Water absorption studies at room temperature and near the T-g of the polymer (similar to 64 degrees C) were carried out. The nanocomposites up to 4 wt% filler reduces the water diffusion by forming hydrogen and chemical bonding. The result by calcium degradation test method for moisture permeability and Schottky structured organic device encapsulation under weathering condition confirms the effective reinforcement effect of silica particles in the matrix. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.