Presence Of Metal Nanoparticles Research Articles

Tuning the chemiluminescence of a luminol flow using plasmonic nanoparticles.

We have discovered a strong increase in the intensity of the chemiluminescence of a luminol flow and a dramatic modification of its spectral shape in the presence of metallic nanoparticles. We observed that pumping gold and silver nanoparticles into a microfluidic device fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane prolongs the glow time of luminol. We have demonstrated that the intensity of chemiluminescence in the presence of nanospheres depends on the position along the microfluidic serpentine channel. We show that the enhancement factors can be controlled by the nanoparticle size and material. Spectrally, the emission peak of luminol overlaps with the absorption band of the nanospheres, which maximizes the effect of confined plasmons on the optical density of states in the vicinity of the luminol emission peak. These observations, interpreted in terms of the Purcell effect mediated by nano-plasmons, form an essential step toward the development of microfluidic chips with gain media. Practical implementation of the discovered effect will include improving the detection limits of chemiluminescence for forensic science, research in biology and chemistry, and a number of commercial applications.

Production of luster glaze on opal tableware using zarinfam technique and characterization of its structure and color

Lusters are potters that have attracted much attention due to their specific optical features, one of the most important of which is their sparkle that appears in various colors at different angles. This effect linked to the multilayer structure of luster and the presence of metallic nanoparticles in enamel layer. In this research, luster glaze was produced on Opal tableware, manufactured in Mahfam Jam Co., using Zarinfam technique. SEM micrograph image of the samples indicated that the glaze forms a multilayer structure, on the Opal tableware surface, consisting of a glassy superficial layer of some tens of nanometers and a composite layer of some hundreds of nanometers. The enamel composite layer contains silver nanoparticles embedded in a silica medium. Employing a multilayer model, we studied the influence of different parameters such as luster enamel thickness, nanoparticles volume fraction in enamel, nanoparticle size, observe angle, and glass layer thickness on luster color.

Effects of quantum coherence and interference in atoms near nanoparticles

Optical properties of ensembles of realistic quantum emitters coupled to plasmonic systems are studied by using adequate models that can take into account full atomic geometry. In particular, the coherent effects such as forming ``dark states,'' optical pumping, coherent Raman scattering, and the stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) are revisited in the presence of metallic nanoparticles. It is shown that the dark states are still formed but they have more complicated structure, and the optical pumping and the STIRAP cannot be employed in the vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures. Also, there is a huge difference in the behavior of the local atomic polarization and the atomic polarization averaged over an ensemble of atoms homogeneously spread near nanoparticles. The average polarization is strictly related to the polarization induced by the external field, while the local polarization can be very different from the one induced by the external field. This is important for the excitation of single molecules, e.g., different components of scattering from single molecules can be used for their efficient detection.

Heat and mass transfer analysis of unsteady MHD nanofluid flow through a channel with moving porous walls and medium

The paper presents the numerical study of heat and mass transfer analysis in a viscous unsteady MHD nanofluid flow through a channel with porous walls and medium in the presence of metallic nanoparticles. The two cases for effective thermal conductivity are discussed in the analysis through H-C model. The impacts of the governing parameters on the flow, heat and mass transfer aspects of the issue are talked about. Under the patronage of small values of permeable Reynolds number and relaxation/contraction parameter, we locate that, when wall contraction is together with suction, flow turning is encouraged close to the wall where the boundary layer is shaped. On the other hand, when the wall relaxation is coupled with injection, the flow adjacent to the porous walls decreased. The outcome of the exploration may be beneficial for applications of biotechnology. Numerical solutions for the velocity, heat and mass transfer rate at the boundary are obtained and analyzed.

The effect of metal nano particle on optical absorption coefficient of multi-layer spherical quantum dot

In this paper, we investigate the optical absorption coefficient of hybrid structure consisting of metal nano particle (MNP) coupled to multi-layer spherical quantum dot (MSQD). Energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of Schrödinger equation in this structure are obtained by using numerical solution (by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method). The effect of MNP in the vicinity of MSQD is calculated by considering local field theory. Then the variation of optical absorption coefficient hybrid structure is calculated. The results show that the presence of MNP near MSQD enhances the optical absorption coefficient. Also, by changing the distance between MNP and MSQD and radius of MNP, variation of optical absorption coefficient and refractive index changes are introduced.

New route for development of electromagnetic shielding based on cellulosic nanofibers

A radically new innovation was established for development of electromagnetic interference shielding. The innovation emphasis synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl cellulose composite containing different metal nanoparticles (CMC-MNPs), and carboxymethyl cellulose nanofiber mat (CMC-NF) and carboxymethyl cellulose containing metal nanofiber mat (CMC-MNPs nanofiber mat) by electrospinning technique. Metal nanoparticles used include copper nanoparticles, iron nanoparticles, zinc nanoparticles, cadmium nanoparticles, and cobalt nanoparticles. Synthesized CMC–MNPs were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy coupled with high-energy dispersive X-ray and UV–visible spectroscopy that was used for confirmation of nanoparticles formation. The scanning electron microscopy images clearly showed regular flat shape with semiporous surface. All metal nanoparticles were well distributed inside the backbone of the cellulose without aggregation. The average particle diameter was 29–39 nm for zinc nanoparticles, 29–33 nm for cadmium nanoparticles, 25–33 nm for cobalt nanoparticles, 23–27 nm for copper nanoparticles, and 22–26 nm for iron nanoparticles. Electrospun carboxymethyl cellulose and CMC–MNPs nanofiber mats were synthesized by electrospinning technique and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images of electrospun carboxymethyl cellulose and CMC–MNPs nanofibers reveal smooth and uniformly distributed nanofibers without bead formation with average fiber diameters in the range of 300–450 nm. Moreover, the diameters of electrospun carboxymethyl cellulose nanofiber mat were not affected by the presence of metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles’ content inside the electrospun CMC–MNPs nanofibers was investigated by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Electromagnetic interference shielding of electrospun carboxymethyl cellulose and CMC–MNPs nanofiber mats was evaluated. Data showed that the EMI-SE was increased in presence of metal nanoparticles and depending on both the metal nanoparticle contents and the electrical conductivity of metal nanoparticles.

Metal nanoparticles reveal the organization of single-walled carbon nanotubes in bundles

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were decorated with Ag and Au nanoparticles. The smaller SWCNTs in bundles are preferentially affected by the presence of metal nanoparticles. We postulate that smaller diameter SWCNTs surround larger ones.

Reduction of Biomechanical and Welding Fume Exposures in Stud Welding.

The welding of shear stud connectors to structural steel in construction requires a prolonged stooped posture that exposes ironworkers to biomechanical and welding fume hazards. In this study, biomechanical and welding fume exposures during stud welding using conventional methods were compared to exposures associated with use of a prototype system that allowed participants to weld from an upright position. The effect of base material (i.e. bare structural beam versus galvanized decking) on welding fume concentration (particle number and mass), particle size distribution, and particle composition was also explored. Thirty participants completed a series of stud welding simulations in a local apprenticeship training facility. Use of the upright system was associated with substantial reductions in trunk inclination and the activity levels of several muscle groups. Inhalable mass concentrations of welding fume (averaged over ~18 min) when using conventional methods were high (18.2 mg m(-3) for bare beam; 65.7 mg m(-3) for through deck), with estimated mass concentrations of iron (7.8 mg m(-3) for bare beam; 15.8 mg m(-3) for through deck), zinc (0.2 mg m(-3) for bare beam; 15.8 mg m(-3) for through deck), and manganese (0.9 mg m(-3) for bare beam; 1.5 mg m(-3) for through deck) often exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). Number and mass concentrations were substantially reduced when using the upright system, although the total inhalable mass concentration remained above the TLV when welding through decking. The average diameters of the welding fume particles for both bare beam (31±17 nm) through deck conditions (34±34 nm) and the chemical composition of the particles indicated the presence of metallic nanoparticles. Stud welding exposes ironworkers to potentially high levels of biomechanical loading (primarily to the low back) and welding fume. The upright system used in this study improved exposure levels during stud welding simulations, but further development is needed before field deployment is possible.

Spectral study of interaction between chondroitin sulfate and nanoparticles and its application in quantitative analysis

In this work, the interaction between chondroitin sulfate (CS) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) was characterized for the first time. Plasma resonance scattering (PRS) and plasma resonance absorption (PRA) were used to investigate the characteristics of their spectrum. The results suggested that the CS with negative charge could interact with metal nanoparticles with negative charge and the adsorption of CS on the surface of SNPs was more regular than that of GNPs. The resonance scattering spectra also further confirmed the interaction between CS and SNPs. A new method for detection of CS based on the interaction was developed. CS concentrations in the range of 0.02–3.5μg/mL were proportional to the decreases of absorbance of SNPs. Compared with other reported methods, the proposed method is simple and workable without complex process, high consumption and expensive equipments. The developed method was applied to the determination of the CS contents from different biological origins and the results were compared with those obtained by the method of Chinese Pharmacopeia. The effects of matrix in plasma and other glycosaminoglycans on the determination of CS were also investigated. The results showed that a small quantity of blood plasma had no effect on the determination of CS and when the concentration ratio of CS to heparin was more than 10:1, the influence of heparin on the detection of CS could be ignored. This work gave a specific research direction for the detection of CS in the presence of metal nanoparticles.

Possibilities for analysis of selected nanometals in solid environmental samples

AbstractNanotechnology is a field which is developing rapidly due to possibilities of applying nanoscale entities in most fields of human activity and everyday life. However, the presence of metal nanoparticles, including nano-oxides, free nanometals, in all fields of human economy and activity causes the volume of nanocompounds emitted to the biosphere to increase regularly. This is the reason for their gradual build-up in individual components of the environment, including soil and bottom sediments. Nanometals, as materials diversified in terms of chemical properties, require availability of analytical procedures which enable acquisition of reliable information on the presence, volume and physicochemical properties of nanometals. Traditional methods of environmental protection, as far as sample collection, processing and the analysis are concerned, must be adapted to the nanometals emitted into the environment. It must be added that, due to the wide range of nanometals, their selective determination con...

Following the Island Growth in Real Time: Ag Nanocluster Layer on Alq3 Thin Film

The progress of organic electronics demands an increased participation of nanotechnology, and it has already been shown that the presence of metallic nanoparticles and/or nanostructured thin films can enhance the device performance. Nevertheless, to gain control over the device final performance, it is crucial to achieve a profound understanding of the nanostructure development and assembly. We investigate the growth kinetics of silver (Ag) on a tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) thin film via sputter deposition. The increase of the average electron density of the Ag nanostructured film is observed to follow a sigmoidal shape development as a function of the deposited Ag thickness, as a consequence of dominant island-mediated growth. The nanoclustered film is percolated at around a thickness of 5.0 ± 0.1 nm. At this film thickness the effective film density is about 50%. Moreover, our simulation results indicate that the shape of the nanoclusters changes from truncated spheres to cylinders upon sur...

Mechanochemical activation and patterning of an adhesive surface toward nanoparticle deposition.

Mechanical pulling of adhesive tape creates radicals on the tape's surface. These radicals are capable of reducing metal salts to the corresponding metal nanoparticles. In this way, the mechanically activated tape can be decorated with various types of nanoparticles, including Au, Ag, Pd, or Cu. While retaining their mechanical properties and remaining "sticky," the tapes can exhibit new properties derived from the presence of metal nanoparticles (e.g., bacteriostaticity, increased electrical conductivity). They can also be patterned with nanoparticles only at selective locations of mechanical activation.

Ellipsometric in situ diagnostics of the growth of porous anodic oxide films on aluminum

An ellipsometric in situ study of the growth of porous aluminum anodic oxide films on aluminum substrate has been performed. Theoretical calculations have been carried out to interpret the experimental dependences of ellipsometric parameters; they made it possible to identify the most characteristic details of anodic oxidation. It is shown that the ellipsometric method allows one to control in situ in real time a number of important layer parameters: growth rate, porosity, depth uniformity, and the state of interface. The ellipsometric measurements have also revealed high sensitivity to the presence of metal nanoparticles both in the bulk of a layer and on its surface.

Kinetic Analysis of the Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol by Metallic Nanoparticles

We present a study on the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (Nip) to 4-aminophenol (Amp) by sodium borohydride (BH4–) in the presence of metal nanoparticles in aqueous solution. This reaction which proceeds via the intermediate 4-hydroxylaminophenol has been used abundantly as a model reaction to check the catalytic activity of metallic nanoparticles. Here we present a full kinetic scheme that includes the intermediate 4-hydroxylaminophenol. All steps of the reaction are assumed to proceed solely on the surface of metal nanoparticles (Langmuir–Hinshelwood model). The discussion of the resulting kinetic equations shows that there is a stationary state in which the concentration of the intermediate 4-hydroxylaminophenol stays approximately constant. The resulting kinetic expression had been used previously to evaluate the kinetic constants for this reaction. In this stationary state there are isosbestic points in the UV/vis-spectra which are in full agreement with most published data. We compare the full kinetic equations to experimental data given by the temporal decay of the concentration of Nip. Good agreement is found underlining the general validity of the scheme. The kinetic constants derived from this analysis demonstrate that the second step, namely the reduction of the 4-hydroxylaminophenol is the rate-determining step.

Colloid and nanosized catalysts in organic synthesis: V. Reactions of alkyl halides and alcohols with β-diketones in the presence of metal nanoparticles

Reaction of copper, nickel, and iron nanoparticles with β-diketones directly yields corresponding metal β-diketonates. Reaction of alkyl halides, β-diketones, and nanodispersed metals leads to a mixture of monoketone and the alkylated β-diketone. When alcohol is used as the alkylating agent instead of alkyl halide, corresponding ester is formed.

Colloid and nanodimensional catalysts in organic synthesis: I. Investigation of hydrogenation selectivity of unsaturated compounds with hydrazine hydrate and aluminum hydride

Results of investigation of selective hydrogenation of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds with hydrazine hydrate or complex metal hydrides in the presence of metal nanoparticles are reported. Conditions of exhaustive and partial hydrogenation of some derivatives of norbornene, styrene, and unsaturated carboxylic acids are developed.

Simulations of dose enhancement for heavy atom nanoparticles irradiated by protons

A possible dose enhancement effect by proton or electron irradiation in the vicinity of nanoparticles consisting of different high Z atomic materials has been investigated using the track structure Monte Carlo code TRAX. In the simulations, Fe, Ag, Gd, Pt and Au nanoparticles (r = 22 and 2 nm) were irradiated with monoenergetic proton beams at energies of therapeutic interest (2, 80 and 300 MeV) and 44 keV electrons. Due to the large number of electrons in atoms with high atomic numbers, many electrons can be released in Auger cascades in addition to the primary ionization process. The potential additional nanoscopic radial dose contributions in the presence of metallic nanoparticles are assessed by comparison with liquid water and water simulated with the same density as the metallic materials. We find a noticeable impact of Auger electrons emitted from the nanoparticles. Special focus has been given to the assessment of complete sets of low-energy electron cross sections for the nanoparticle materials.

Description of phenomenological process during thermal formation of an epoxy system in presence of metal nanoparticles using advanced kinetics analysis

The curing process of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)–isophoronediamine (IPDA) system filled with different contents of Fe nanoparticles (nano-Fe) has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis in order to understand the effect of nano-Fe. These studies revealed that high percentage of the nanofiller, i.e. 10 %, results in improved epoxy matrix as evidenced by increasing in the reaction heat and conversion degree. Kinetics of DGEBA/IPDA/10 % nano-Fe cure was studied by calorimetry measurements at isothermal mode. Isothermal kinetic parameters, including k 1, k 2, m, and n were determined and it was shown that the reaction kinetics could be expressed well by dα/dt = (k 1 + k 2 α m)(1−α)n which called Kamal model. The results also showed that the diffusion control does not occur. The excellent fitting Kamal model with experimental data at the end of the isothermal cure process could be mentioned as evidences here. The dispersion of 10 % nano-Fe into epoxy matrix was analyzed by atomic force microscopy observations.

Metal Nanoparticles/Ionic Liquid/Cellulose: Polymeric Membrane for Hydrogenation Reactions

Rhodium and platinum nanoparticles were supported in polymeric membranes with 10, 20 and 40 µm thickness. The polymeric membranes were prepared combining cellulose acetate and the ionic liquid (IL) 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (BMI.(NTf)2. The presence of metal nanoparticles induced an increase in the polymeric membrane surface areas. The increase of the IL content resulted in an improvement of elasticity and decrease in tenacity and toughness, whereas the stress at break was not affected. The presence of IL probably causes an increase in the separation between the cellulose molecules that result in a higher flexibility and processability of the polymeric membrane. The CA/IL/M(0) combinations exhibit an excellent synergistic effect that enhances the activity and durability of the catalyst for the hydrogenation of cyclohexene. The CA/IL/M(0) polymeric membrane displays higher catalytic activity (up to 7.353 h-1) for the 20 mm of CA/IL/Pt(0) and stability than the nanoparticles dispersed only in the IL.

Triplet and SERS study of crystal violet in presence of metal nanoparticles

Recently, it has been shown that triplet of methylene blue gets quenched by Au nanoparticles (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 132 (2010) 6298). Herein, we have shown that the reactivity of triplet crystal violet (CV), produced by ionizing radiation, is low towards Ag nanoparticles contrary to Au nanoparticles. Using absorption and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) we have further examined the interaction of CV with Ag and Au nanoparticles. It has been shown that the polarizability of CV changes with the excitation wavelength and it is independent of metal nanoparticles.