Research

17 pages, 3062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach to the Formation of Nanosized Gold and Beryllium Films by Ion-Beam Sputtering Deposition

by Sergei A. Sharko, Aleksandra I. Serokurova, Nikolai N. Novitskii, Valerii A. Ketsko, Maria N. Smirnova, Aljawhara H. Almuqrin, M. I. Sayyed, Sergei V. Trukhanov and Alex V. Trukhanov

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030470 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

Thin films of beryllium and gold that are several tens of nanometers thick were obtained, for the first time, on silicon and quartz substrates by the ion-beam method with tenfold alternation of deposition and partial sputtering of the nanosized metal layer. Scanning electron [...] Read more.

Thin films of beryllium and gold that are several tens of nanometers thick were obtained, for the first time, on silicon and quartz substrates by the ion-beam method with tenfold alternation of deposition and partial sputtering of the nanosized metal layer. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy indicate the predominant lateral growth of nanosized metal layers along the substrate surface. Optical spectra indicate the suppression of the localized plasmon resonance. The growth of the film occurs under the influence of the high-energy component of the sputtered metal atoms’ flux. The main role in the formation of the nanosized metal film is played by the processes of the elastic collision of incident metal atoms with the atoms of a substrate and a growing metal film. Metal films that are obtained by the tenfold application of the deposition–sputtering of a nanoscale metal layer are characterized by stronger adhesion to the substrate and have better morphological, electrical, and optical characteristics than those that are obtained by means of direct single deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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13 pages, 2247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bimetallic PdAu Catalysts within Hierarchically Porous Architectures for Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

by Priyanka Verma, Matthew E. Potter, Alice E. Oakley, Panashe M. Mhembere and Robert Raja

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020350 - 01 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

Hierarchically porous (HP) zeotype materials (possessing both micropores and mesopores) offer improved diffusional access to intra-framework active sites, analogous to mesoporous materials, yet retain the high selectivity of the microporous (MP) bulk. We have recently designed crystalline hierarchically porous silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) with enhanced [...] Read more.

Hierarchically porous (HP) zeotype materials (possessing both micropores and mesopores) offer improved diffusional access to intra-framework active sites, analogous to mesoporous materials, yet retain the high selectivity of the microporous (MP) bulk. We have recently designed crystalline hierarchically porous silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) with enhanced mass-transport characteristics, which can lead to significant improvement in catalytic activity and catalyst lifetime. In this study, we have prepared PdAu bimetallic nanostructures supported on HP-SAPO frameworks by an incipient impregnation of metal precursors followed by H₂ reduction at 300 °C, for the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. PdAu NPs supported on HP framework displayed significantly enhanced catalytic activities, when compared with their MP analogues, clearly highlighting the benefits of introducing hierarchical porosity in the SAPO support matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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14 pages, 6950 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Patchy Core/Shell, Magnetite/Silver Nanoparticles via Green and Facile Synthesis: Routes to Assure Biocompatibility

by Carlos M. Ramírez-Acosta, Javier Cifuentes, Juan C. Cruz and Luis H. Reyes

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1857; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10091857 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3746

Abstract

Nanomedicine is entering a high maturity stage and is ready to reach full translation into the clinical practice. This is because of the ample spectrum of applications enabled by a large arsenal of nanostructured materials. In particular, bimetallic patchy core/shell nanoparticles offer tunable [...] Read more.

Nanomedicine is entering a high maturity stage and is ready to reach full translation into the clinical practice. This is because of the ample spectrum of applications enabled by a large arsenal of nanostructured materials. In particular, bimetallic patchy core/shell nanoparticles offer tunable surfaces that allow multifunctional responses. Despite their attractiveness, major challenges regarding the environmental impact and biocompatibility of the obtained materials are yet to be solved. Here, we developed a green synthesis scheme to prepare highly biocompatible patchy core/shell magnetite/silver nanoparticles for biological and biomedical applications. The magnetite core was synthesized by the co-precipitation of ferric chloride and ferrous chloride in the presence of NaOH. This was followed by the patchy silver shell’s growth by a green synthesis approach based on natural honey as a reducing agent. A purification process allowed selecting the target patchy nanoparticles and removing excess toxic reagents from the synthesis very efficiently. The obtained patchy magnetite/silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM + EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology, patchiness level, and size of the nanoparticles were determined via SEM and TEM. In addition, the spectrophotometric characterization confirmed the presence of the patchy silver coating on the surface of the magnetite core. The nanoparticles show high biocompatibility, as evidenced by low cytotoxicity, hemolytic effect, and platelet aggregation tendency. Our study also provides details for the conjugation of multiples chemistries on the surface of the patchy bimetallic nanoparticles, which might be useful for emerging applications in nanomedicine, where high biocompatibility is of the utmost importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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17 pages, 4665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early-Stage Growth Mechanism and Synthesis Conditions-Dependent Morphology of Nanocrystalline Bi Films Electrodeposited from Perchlorate Electrolyte

by Daria Tishkevich, Sergey Grabchikov, Tatiana Zubar, Denis Vasin, Sergei Trukhanov, Alla Vorobjova, Dmitry Yakimchuk, Artem Kozlovskiy, Maxim Zdorovets, Sholpan Giniyatova, Dmitriy Shimanovich, Dmitry Lyakhov, Dominik Michels, Mengge Dong, Svetlana Gudkova and Alex Trukhanov

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1245; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10061245 - 27 Jun 2020

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Bi nanocrystalline films were formed from perchlorate electrolyte (PE) on Cu substrate via electrochemical deposition with different duration and current densities. The microstructural, morphological properties, and elemental composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis [...] Read more.

Bi nanocrystalline films were formed from perchlorate electrolyte (PE) on Cu substrate via electrochemical deposition with different duration and current densities. The microstructural, morphological properties, and elemental composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The optimal range of current densities for Bi electrodeposition in PE using polarization measurements was demonstrated. For the first time, it was shown and explained why, with a deposition duration of 1 s, co-deposition of Pb and Bi occurs. The correlation between synthesis conditions and chemical composition and microstructure for Bi films was discussed. The analysis of the microstructure evolution revealed the changing mechanism of the films’ growth from pillar-like (for Pb-rich phase) to layered granular form (for Bi) with deposition duration rising. This abnormal behavior is explained by the appearance of a strong Bi growth texture and coalescence effects. The investigations of porosity showed that Bi films have a closely-packed microstructure. The main stages and the growth mechanism of Bi films in the galvanostatic regime in PE with a deposition duration of 1–30 s are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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14 pages, 2993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2D Nanostructured Au/NiFe System

by Tatiana Zubar, Valery Fedosyuk, Daria Tishkevich, Oleg Kanafyev, Ksenia Astapovich, Artem Kozlovskiy, Maxim Zdorovets, Denis Vinnik, Svetlana Gudkova, Egor Kaniukov, Antonio Sergio B. Sombra, Di Zhou, Rajshree B. Jotania, Charanjeet Singh, Sergei Trukhanov and Alex Trukhanov

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1077; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10061077 - 31 May 2020

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 4128

Abstract

Nanostructured NiFe film was obtained on silicon with a thin gold sublayer via pulsed electrodeposition and annealed at a temperature from 100 to 400 °C in order to study the effect of heat treatment on the surface microstructure and mechanical properties. High-resolution atomic [...] Read more.

Nanostructured NiFe film was obtained on silicon with a thin gold sublayer via pulsed electrodeposition and annealed at a temperature from 100 to 400 °C in order to study the effect of heat treatment on the surface microstructure and mechanical properties. High-resolution atomic force microscopy made it possible to trace stepwise evolving microstructure under the influence of heat treatment. It was found that NiFe film grains undergo coalescence twice—at ~100 and ~300 °C—in the process of a gradual increase in grain size. The mechanical properties of the Au/NiFe nanostructured system have been investigated by nanoindentation at two various indentation depths, 10 and 50 nm. The results showed the opposite effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties in the near-surface layer and in the material volume. Surface homogenization in combination with oxidation activation leads to abnormal strengthening and hardening-up of the near-surface layer. At the same time, a nonlinear decrease in hardness and Young’s modulus with increasing temperature of heat treatment characterizes the internal volume of nanostructured NiFe. An explanation of this phenomenon was found in the complex effect of changing the ratio of grain volume/grain boundaries and increasing the concentration of thermally activated diffuse gold atoms from the sublayer to the NiFe film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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13 pages, 2922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Ultrasensitive Non-Enzymatic Sensor for Quantitation of Anti-Cancer Substance Chicoric Acid Based on Bimetallic Nanoalloy with Polyetherimide-Capped Reduced Graphene Oxide

by Jun Jiao, Meixin Pan, Xinran Liu, Jian Liu, Binshuai Li and Qiang Chen

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10030499 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2909

Abstract

Exploiting effective therapies to fight tumor growth is an important part of modern cancer research. The anti-cancer activities of many plant-derived substances are well known, in part because the substances are often extensively distributed. Chicoric acid, a phenolic compound widely distributed in many [...] Read more.

Exploiting effective therapies to fight tumor growth is an important part of modern cancer research. The anti-cancer activities of many plant-derived substances are well known, in part because the substances are often extensively distributed. Chicoric acid, a phenolic compound widely distributed in many plants, has drawn widespread attention in recent years because of its extraordinary anti-cancer activities. However, traditional methods for quantifying chicoric acid are inefficient and time-consuming. In this study, an ultrasensitive non-enzymatic sensor for the determination of chicoric acid was developed based on the use of an Au@Pt-polyetherimide-reduced graphene oxide (PEI-RGO) nanohybrid-modified glassy carbon electrode. Owing to the considerable conductivity of PEI-functionalized RGO and the efficient electrocatalytic activity of Au@Pt nanoalloys, the designed sensor exhibited a high capacity for chicoric acid measurement, with a low detection limit of 4.8 nM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3) and a broad linear range of four orders of magnitude. With the advantages provided by the synergistic effects of Au@Pt nanocomposites and PEI-RGO, the developed sensor also revealed exceptional electrochemical characteristics, including superior sensitivity, fast response, acceptable long-term stability, and favorable selectivity. This work provides a powerful new platform for the highly accurate measurement of chicoric acid quantities, facilitating further research into its potential as a cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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11 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Formation of Nanostructured Carbon from [Ni(NH₃)₆]₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂

by Denis P. Domonov, Sophiya I. Pechenyuk, Alexander T. Belyaevskii and Kirill V. Yusenko

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10020389 - 23 Feb 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

The products of thermal decomposition in an argon atmosphere of [Ni(NH₃)₆]₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂ as a precursor has been studied. Decomposition products were studied up to 800 °C. Above 600 °C, all coordination bonds in the residues [...] Read more.

The products of thermal decomposition in an argon atmosphere of [Ni(NH₃)₆]₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂ as a precursor has been studied. Decomposition products were studied up to 800 °C. Above 600 °C, all coordination bonds in the residues are broken with a formation of Ni₃Fe, Fe, and free carbon with a small admixture of nitrogen. Elementary carbon can be easily separated from metals by treatment with a water solution of hydrochloric acid. Only carbon is responsible for the specific surface of the composite products. The released carbon has a high degree of graphitization and begins to oxidize in air above 500 °C and is completely oxidized above 700 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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11 pages, 10269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Acetone Sensing Property of a Sacrificial Template Based on Cubic-Like MOF-5 Doped by Ni Nanoparticles

by Ning Zhang, Huijun Li, Zhouqing Xu, Rui Yuan, Yongkun Xu and Yanyu Cui

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10020386 - 22 Feb 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3651

Abstract

Studying an acetone sensor with prominent sensitivity and selectivity is of great significance for the development of portable diabetes monitoring system. In this paper, cubic-like NiO/ZnO composites with different contents of Ni²⁺ were successfully synthesized by modifying MOF-5 with Ni²⁺-doped. [...] Read more.

Studying an acetone sensor with prominent sensitivity and selectivity is of great significance for the development of portable diabetes monitoring system. In this paper, cubic-like NiO/ZnO composites with different contents of Ni²⁺ were successfully synthesized by modifying MOF-5 with Ni²⁺-doped. The structure and morphology of the prepared composites were characterized by XRD, XPS, and SEM. The experimental results show that the NiO/ZnO composite showed an enhanced gas sensing property to acetone compared to pure ZnO, and the composites showed the maximum response value when Ni²⁺ loading amount was 5 at%. The response value of the 5% NiO/ZnO composite to acetone (500 ppm) at the optimum operating temperature (340 °C) is 7.3 times as that of pure ZnO. At the same time, the 5% NiO/ZnO composite has excellent selectivity and reproducibility for acetone. The gas sensing mechanism of the heterojunction sensor was described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bimetallic Nanoparticles)

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