The Nanomorphological and Kinetic Evolution of Soft-Solids as Probed by Fluorescence

Abstract

Fluorescence techniques based on tracking the phonanomorphological and kinetic evolution. Only from a better fundamental understanding of soft-solid formatophysical properties of a molecular probe to indicate changes in local environment have earned a welltion at the molecular level we will be able to design and tailor specific materials. deserved reputation. This is because fluorescence has high sensitivity, even single molecules can be readily Sol-gels still remain an interesting challenge when we realise than the sol-gel process, which owes its oridetected, and it can be observed on a time frame spanning femtoseconds to typically microseconds, giving gins to the pioneering work of Graham and Ebelman in the 19th Century, still has many fundamental questions fluorescence the potential to resolve the many complex physical properties of soft solids. remaining unanswered, for example, how is the structure memorized from the sol to the gel, and what are the role Of the many soft-solid materials commonly studied by fluorescence techniques over the past two decades, and relation of the silica nanoparticles in pore formation and therefore gel surface area. Such answers are critical one in particular stands out, namely sol-gel materials. This is probably because there are few more important for a better understanding of silica-based materials, such as silica gel and chromatography silicas, which are materials than silica and water; the former constitutes the most abundant material in the earth’s crust and the multimillion dollar industries worldwide. In this special issue we have invited leading-edge latter occupies most of the surface of the earth. The combined properties of the two are inextricably linked scientists who have engaged these different complex questions and sought answers using a variety of fluoresin the search for a better understanding of the molecular dynamics responsible for the sol to gel phase transitions cence techniques and methodologies, such as using polarity sensitive probes, fluorescence lifetimes, and that underpin applications as diverse as cleaning agents, fining agents, polishing, printing and adhesives, to name approaches based on fluorescence anisotropy. We have organized this Special Issue in such a way as to include but just a few. Moreover, because of their ease of forming an optically clear glass, even when doped with high contributions that will hopefully give readers a chance to visualise the extent of research currently being underconcentrations of aromatic dyes, these soft solids make excellent fluorescent matrices for use as laser gain taken in this important area. In conclusion, I would like to thank all the authors media, solar collectors, nonlinear optical components, and sensors. Further, the ease of molding these materials, for their invaluable and timely contributions, which demonstrate the power of fluorescence for providing their graded refractive index capabilities and a typically shorter wavelength of transmission than silica fused at both kinetic and structural information on silicates, silicas, sol-gels, and soft solids in general, in which more high temperatures, has fueled research in studying their often than not, many physical processes overlap or occur simultaneously, making them difficult to study by 1 Institute of Fluorescence and Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, other techniques. Medical Biotechnology Center, University of Maryland Biotechnology Finally, in closing, I would like thank Mary RosenInstitute, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, 21201, Maryland. email: Chris@cfs.umbi.umd.edu feld for helping me put this special issue together.