Investigation of the effect of the structure of large-area carbon nanotube/fuel composites on energy generation from thermopower waves

Thermopower waves are a recently developed energy conversion concept utilizing dynamic temperature and chemical potential gradients to harvest electrical energy while the combustion wave propagates along the hybrid layers of nanomaterials and chemical fuels. The intrinsic properties of the core nanomaterials and chemical fuels in the hybrid composites can broadly affect the energy generation, as well as the combustion process, of thermopower waves. So far, most research has focused on the application of new core nanomaterials to enhance energy generation. In this study, we demonstrate that the alignment of core nanomaterials can significantly influence a number of aspects of the thermopower waves, while the nanomaterials involved are identical carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Diversely structured, large-area CNT/fuel composites of one-dimensional aligned CNT arrays (1D CNT arrays), randomly oriented CNT films (2D CNT films), and randomly aggregated bulk CNT clusters (3D CNT clusters) were fabricated to evaluate the energy generation, as well as the propagation of the thermal wave, from thermopower waves. The more the core nanostructures were aligned, the less inversion of temperature gradients and the less cross-propagation of multiple thermopower waves occurred. These characteristics of the aligned structures prevented the cancellation of charge carrier movements among the core nanomaterials and produced the relative enhancement of the energy generation and the specific power with a single-polarity voltage signal. Understanding this effect of structure on energy generation from thermopower waves can help in the design of optimized hybrid composites of nanomaterials and fuels, especially designs based on the internal alignment of the materials. More generally, we believe that this work provides clues to the process of chemical to thermal to electrical energy conversion inside/outside hybrid nanostructured materials.     

Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Study on 1D-2D Graphene-based Structures

In order to explore novel functional nanomaterials, we have produced sp²-sp hybrid carbon structures composed of graphene layers (2D) and linear carbon chains (1D). A remarkable change of the graphene electronic and phononic behaviour is observed after the interaction with 1D carbon nanostructures. Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopies together with a density functional theory approach are used to explain charge transfer phenomena as a function of linear molecule orientation in the produced 1D-2D carbon-based structures, inducing hole-doping in graphene layers.     

Probing the morphology-device relation of Fe₂O₃ nanostructures towards photovoltaic and sensing applications

A lot of research on nanomaterials has been carried out in recent years. However, there is still a lack of nanostructures that have a combination of superior properties; both efficient electron transport and high surface area. Here, the authors have tried to develop hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) flower-like morphology which exhibits both superior electron transport and high surface area. Intrigued by the unique properties of Fe(2)O(3) at the nanoscale and its abundance in nature, we have demonstrated a facile template-free solution based synthesis of hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) comprising nanopetals nucleating radially from a 3D core. Due to its simplicity, the synthesis process can be easily reproduced and scaled up. We carried out in-depth studies on gas sensing and dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device characterization so as to gain an understanding of how surface area and transport properties are affected by variation in morphology. The hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) nanostructures are studied as potential candidates for gas sensors and for the first time as a working electrode for DSSC.     

Modification of hydrogenated Bisphenol A epoxy adhesives using nanomaterials

Color-stable hydrogenated Bisphenol A (HBA) epoxy adhesives, containing organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, were prepared and their properties investigated. Poly(propylene glycol)bis(2-aminopropyl ether) (D230) was used as the room temperature curing agent, and functional organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, to tailor the adhesives, were prepared by a sol-gel reaction of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane. The commercial polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) having epoxy functional groups were also used. The concentration dependence of different nanomaterials, containing epoxy functional group for HBA/D230 adhesives, was studied. The tensile strength increased with the addition of nanomaterials having glycidyl epoxy group; however, the dependence varied with the size, the number of functional groups, and the amount of the addition. HBA/D230 adhesives containing different amounts of nanomaterials, whose compositions are similar to that of granite, were applied to the Korean granite and the results were compared with those obtained by using commercial adhesives, which have the problem of significant color change and high viscosity. The mechanical properties of HBA/D230 adhesives, containing POSS having glycidyl epoxy group, are found to be similar to those of commercial adhesives. Besides, it has low viscosity and long-term color stability.     

Impacts of core-shell structures on properties of lanthanide-based nanocrystals: crystal phase, lattice strain, downconversion, upconversion and energy transfer

This feature article highlights the new development and current status of rare-earth (RE) based core-shell nanocrystals, which is one of the new classes of hybrid nanostructures. Attractive properties of rare-earth based nanomaterials include extremely narrow emission bands, long lifetimes, large Stoke's shifts, photostability and absence of blinking that can be exploited for biophotonic and photonic applications. Core-shell nanostructures have been attracting a great deal of interest to improve the luminescence efficiency by the elimination of deleterious cross-relaxation. The main focus of this feature article is to address the impacts of core-shell structures on the properties of lanthanide based nanocrystals including crystal phase, lattice strain, downconversion emission, upconversion emission and energy transfer. We describe general synthetic methodologies to design core-shell nanostructure materials. An interesting finding reported is that the local environment of an ion in the core-shell structure significantly affects the modifications of radiative and nonradiative relaxation mechanisms. Finally, a tentative outlook on future developments of this research field is given. Here, we attempt to identify the critical parameters governing the design of luminescent lanthanide based core-shell nanostructures.     

用于渗透汽化的有机—无机杂化膜研究进展

近年来,有机-无机杂化膜的研究受到学术界广泛关注,随着有机-无机杂化膜制备方法的多样化和分离性能的提高,其研究前景也越来越广阔。该文首先分析了有机-无机杂化膜相比于普通无机膜和有机膜在结构和性能上存在的优势,其次综述了有机-无机杂化膜的制备方法以及其在醇类、有机酸等有机溶剂或有机混合物中的分离提纯应用,重点讨论了其在渗透汽化中的应用。最后,对有机-无机杂化膜的研究前景进行展望。未来有机-无机杂化膜的研究应借助于新的计算工具,侧重于材料的选择或制备方法的改进,如探索具有多功能化学基团和具有明确层次结构的多孔填料的聚合物材料等,使有机-无机杂化膜具有更加广阔的应用前景。     

One-dimensional hybrid nanostructures: synthesis via layer-by-layer assembly and applications

Assembly techniques are being intensely sought for preparing nanocomposites with tunable compositions and structures. Compared to other assembly techniques, the layer-by-layer (LBL) technique, which is based on the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged species, provides a simple, versatile and powerful method to synthesize various types of one-dimensional (1D) hybrid nanostructures. In this review, we begin with the developments in the LBL synthesis of nanocomposites, with a focus on our recent results for synthesizing 1D hybrid nanostructures via LBL assembly. Compared to previous LBL processes, we conducted the in situ reaction on the surface of 1D nanostructures via electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged 1D nanostructures and ions in the solution in an attempt to produce 1D hybrid nanostructures. Moreover, these core-shell nanostructures can be transformed into nanotubes by the removal of the templates. The as-synthesized 1D hybrid nanostructures and nanotubes with tunable composition exhibited enhanced performance for various applications such as gas sensors, lithium-ion batteries and cellular imaging.     

Advances and Prospect of Nanotechnology in Stem Cells

In recent years, stem cell nanotechnology has emerged as a new exciting field. Theoretical and experimental studies of interaction between nanomaterials or nanostructures and stem cells have made great advances. The importance of nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanotechnology to the fundamental developments in stem cells-based therapies for injuries and degenerative diseases has been recognized. In particular, the effects of structure and properties of nanomaterials on the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells have become a new interdisciplinary frontier in regeneration medicine and material science. Here we review some of the main advances in this field over the past few years, explore the application prospects, and discuss the issues, approaches and challenges, with the aim of improving application of nanotechnology in the stem cells research and development.     

Facile synthesis of two-dimensional graphene/SnO₂ /Pt ternary hybrid nanomaterials and their catalytic properties

In this paper, we reported a simple, aqueous-phase route to the synthesis of two-dimensional graphene/SnO(2) composite nanosheets (GSCN) hybrid nanostructures consisting of 5 nm Pt nanoparticles supported on the both sides of GSCN. Functional two-dimensional GSCN were obtained through the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using SnCl(2) in the presence of polyelectrolyte poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The main advantages of this preparation are that the reduction of GO, the formation of SnO(2) and the functionalization of GSCN were achieved simultaneously through one-pot reaction. GSCN/Pt ternary hybrid nanomaterials were generated by in situ reduction of negatively charged PtCl(6)(2-) precursors adsorbed on the positively charged surface of GSCN through electrostatic attraction. The as-synthesized GSCN/Pt ternary hybrid nanomaterials exhibited high cycle stabilization during the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol into p-aminophenol by NaBH(4). Additionally, our approach is expected to extend to other hybrid nanomaterials. We believe that the obtained GSCN/Pt ternary hybrid nanomaterials have great potential for applications in other field, such as electrochemical energy storage, sensors, and so on.     

Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Its Use for Synthesis of CNT–ZnO Heterostructures

In this article, direct coating of ZnO on PECVD-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is achieved using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Transmission electron microscopy investigation shows that the deposited ZnO shell is continuous and uniform, in contrast to the previously reported particle morphology. The ZnO layer has a good crystalline quality as indicated by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. We also show that such ZnO layer can be used as seed layer for subsequent hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods, resulting in branched CNT–inorganic hybrid nanostructures. Potentially, this method can also apply to the fabrication of ZnO-based hybrid nanostructures on other carbon nanomaterials.     

多功能有机-无机杂化纳米涂层

利用溶胶-凝胶法得到有机-无机杂化纳米复合材料，其可用来制成具有多种功能的纳米涂层。由于无机相和有机相的联合作用，纳米涂层表现出优异的耐磨损性、耐腐蚀性、防油性、防雾性、抗静电性、抗折射性等。     

Functional micro/nanostructures: simple synthesis and application in sensors, fuel cells, and gene delivery

In order to develop new, high technology devices for a variety of applications, researchers would like to better control the structure and function of micro/nanomaterials through an understanding of the role of size, shape, architecture, composition, hybridization, molecular engineering, assembly, and microstructure. However, researchers continue to face great challenges in the construction of well-defined micro/nanomaterials with diverse morphologies. At the same time, the research interface where micro/nanomaterials meet electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedicine, and other fields provides rich opportunities to reveal new chemical, physical, and biological properties of micro/nanomaterials and to uncover many new functions and applications of these materials. In this Account, we describe our recent progress in the construction of novel inorganic and polymer nanostructures formed through different simple strategies. Our synthetic strategies include wet-chemical and electrochemical methods for the controlled production of inorganic and polymer nanomaterials with well-defined morphologies. These methods are both facile and reliable, allowing us to produce high-quality micro/nanostructures, such as nanoplates, micro/nanoflowers, monodisperse micro/nanoparticles, nanowires, nanobelts, and polyhedron and even diverse hybrid structures. We implemented a series of approaches to address the challenges in the preparation of new functional micro/nanomaterials for a variety of important applications This Account also highlights new or enhanced applications of certain micro/nanomaterials in sensing applications. We singled out analytical techniques that take advantage of particular properties of micro/nanomaterials. Then by rationally tailoring experimental parameters, we readily and selectively obtained different types of micro/nanomaterials with novel morphologies with high performance in applications such as electrochemical sensors, electrochemiluminescent sensors, gene delivery agents, and fuel cell catalysts. We expect that micro/nanomaterials with unique structural characteristics, properties, and functions will attract increasing research interest and will lead to new opportunities in various fields of research.     

Quantum dots coordinated with conjugated organic ligands: new nanomaterials with novel photophysics

CdSe quantum dots functionalized with oligo-(phenylene vinylene) (OPV) ligands (CdSe-OPV nanostructures) represent a new class of composite nanomaterials with significantly modified photophysics relative to bulk blends or isolated components. Single-molecule spectroscopy on these species have revealed novel photophysics such as enhanced energy transfer, spectral stability, and strongly modified excited state lifetimes and blinking statistics. Here, we review the role of ligands in quantum dot applications and summarize some of our recent efforts probing energy and charge transfer in hybrid CdSe-OPV composite nanostructures.     

In situ loading of well-dispersed gold nanoparticles on two-dimensional graphene oxide/SiO2 composite nanosheets and their catalytic properties

We demonstrated a simple, in situ reduction route to the synthesis of two-dimensional graphene oxide/SiO(2) (GSCN) hybrid nanostructures consisting of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) supported on the both sides of GSCN. The as-prepared GSCN/Au NPs hybrid nanomaterials exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. This approach provided a useful platform based on GO hybrid nanomaterials for the fabrication of GSCN/Au NPs hybrid nanomaterials, which could be very useful in catalytic applications.     

One dimensional nanostructure/nanoparticle composites as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) show potential as a low cost alternative to silicon solar cells. Power conversion efficiencies exceeding 12% have been achieved for DSCs. Typical DSCs are based on TiO(2) nanoparticle photoanodes, which have numerous grain boundaries, surface defects and trap states as electrons transport from one particle to the other. Such defects and trap states increase back charge transfer (charge recombination) from the photoanode to electrolyte. One dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as nanofibers, nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes can offer direct and fast electron transport to the electron collecting electrode. However, these 1D nanostructures have a major disadvantage of having insufficient surface area and inefficient dye attachment. To solve this challenge, mixtures of TiO(2) nanoparticles and 1D nanostructures (e.g. nanofibers, nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes) are used to take advantage of the large surface area of nanoparticles and efficient charge transport of 1D nanostructures. In this article, we review the recent developments in using mixtures of 1D nanostructures and nanoparticles as photoanodes for efficient DSCs. Various randomly oriented and vertically aligned 1D nanostructures and their composites with nanoparticles are discussed. Future increase of efficiency in DSCs using 1D nanostructure/nanoparticle composites will rely on the optimization of diameters of 1D nanostructures, control of ratios of 1D nanostructures and nanoparticles, increase of crystallinity, and reduction of surface defects on the 1D nanostructures. This work will provide guidance for designing and growing appropriate 1D nanostructures, and combining them with nanoparticles at an optimal ratio for efficient DSCs.     

有机-无机复合相变材料的研究进展

有机相变材料具有过冷度小、无相分离、蓄热强等优势,在相变储热领域一直受到广泛的关注。然而,较低的热导率、液相泄漏和较差的热稳定性成为限制其应用的瓶颈缺陷。近几年,有机-无机复合相变材料的研究成为新的热点,极大地促进了有机相变材料的应用和发展。本文综述了常见的提高有机相变材料导热性能的高导热性纳米材料,以及制备有机-无机定形复合相变材料常选用的多孔支撑材料,并从制备方法、作用方式和热物性等方面介绍了有机-无机复合相变材料,复合相变材料相比于单一纯相变材料具有诸多优越的性能。预测有关结构优化、封装工艺并与高效储能系统结合的研究会成为有机-无机复合相变材料未来的发展趋势。     

Electron field emission from semiconducting nanowires

In this paper we report on investigations of field emission (FE) properties of semiconducting (SiC, ZnO) one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures – nanowire/nanorod arrays, and fabrication of low-voltage field emission display (FED) devices based on these 1D nanomaterials. SiC nanowires were grown on Ni-coated Si substrates using a thermal metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique, and ZnO nanostructures were grown on gold-coated Si substrates by a thermal CVD method. Electron field emission properties of SiC and ZnO nanostructures were examined in plane geometry using a flat phosphor screen. The interrelation between the FE characteristics (emission thresholds, current density, surface uniformity, etc.) and microstructure and surface morphology of the produced 1D nanostructures was established. Diode-type FED devices (flat vacuum lamps) with SiC-nanowire-based cathodes were developed and fabricated. The FEDs are characterized by low threshold and operating electric fields – lower 2 V/μm and 5 V/μm, respectively, high current density and brightness, and stable performance of the nanowire-based cathodes.     

Self-Assembly of Hybrid Peptide−DNA Nanostructures using Homotrimeric Coiled-Coil/Nucleic Acid Building Blocks

Peptides and DNA are two of the most commonly used self-assembling biological molecules for the construction of nanomaterials. However, there are only a few examples that combine these two self-assembly motifs as key structural elements in a nanostructure. We report on the synthesis of a peptide−DNA conjugate that self-assembles into a stable homotrimer based on the coiled-coil motif. The hybrid peptide−DNA trimer was then used as a novel three-way junction to link together either small DNA tile nanostructures, or to close up a triangular wireframe DNA structure. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by atomic force microscopy, and compared with a scrambled, non-assembling peptide as a control. These hybrid nanostructures enable the integration of peptide motifs and potentially bio-functionality with DNA nanostructures, and open the door to novel nano-materials that have the advantages of both molecules.     

硫化锑纳米材料制备研究进展

近年来,半导体纳米材料硫化锑(Sb2S3)由于在太阳能、红外光谱、热电领域的广泛应用而引起人们极大的兴趣。到目前为止,已经有多种方法可用来合成不同形貌的Sb2S3纳米材料。综述了Sb2S3纳米材料的制备研究进展,并对其发展趋势进行了展望。     

Aptamer-Functionalized Hybrid Nanostructures for Sensing,Drug Delivery,Catalysis and Mechanical Applications

Sequence-specific nucleic acids exhibiting selective recognition properties towards low-molecular-weight substrates and macromolecules (aptamers) find growing interest as functional biopolymers for analysis, medical applications such as imaging, drug delivery and even therapeutic agents, nanotechnology, material science and more. The present perspective article introduces a glossary of examples for diverse applications of aptamers mainly originated from our laboratory. These include the introduction of aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials such as graphene oxide, Ag nanoclusters and semiconductor quantum dots as functional hybrid nanomaterials for optical sensing of target analytes. The use of aptamer-functionalized DNA tetrahedra nanostructures for multiplex analysis and aptamer-loaded metal-organic framework nanoparticles acting as sense-and-treat are introduced. Aptamer-functionalized nano and microcarriers are presented as stimuli-responsive hybrid drug carriers for controlled and targeted drug release, including aptamer-functionalized SiO₂ nanoparticles, carbon dots, metal-organic frameworks and microcapsules. A further application of aptamers involves the conjugation of aptamers to catalytic units as a means to mimic enzyme functions “nucleoapzymes”. In addition, the formation and dissociation of aptamer-ligand complexes are applied to develop mechanical molecular devices and to switch nanostructures such as origami scaffolds. Finally, the article discusses future challenges in applying aptamers in material science, nanotechnology and catalysis.