| 1. |
- Agostini, Marco, 1987, et al.
(författare)
-
Designing Highly Conductive Functional Groups Improving Guest-Host Interactions in Li/S Batteries
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:2
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Li-sulfur batteries are of great interest due to their potential to surpass the energy densities of other battery types, but the low electronic conductivity of both sulfur and its discharge products requires the use of a conductive host material. The most common is the use of different porous carbons which normally are hydrophobic and hardly retain the polar discharge products of the Li/S reaction, such as Li2S and lithium polysulfides (LiPs), at the working electrode. Functionalized hosts have been proposed as a strategy to improve LiPs interactions, including the use of heteroatom doping, organic frameworks, metals, metal oxides, sulfide particles, and conductive polymers. Despite demonstrating an improved cycle life, the functionalized structures often have an intrinsic limitation related to a low electronic conductivity resulting in slow kinetics and poor rate capability of Li/S cells. Herein, recent research trends aimed at designing sulfur electrodes with highly conductive functional groups on nanostructured hosts surface are reviewed. The main concepts, key developments, and parameters for building 3D hosts architectures that enable fast charge rates and long cycle life at high sulfur loadings are discussed.
|
|
| 2. |
- Baldwin, William J., et al.
(författare)
-
Dynamic Local Structure in Caesium Lead Iodide: Spatial Correlation and Transient Domains
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Metal halide perovskites are multifunctional semiconductors with tunable structures and properties. They are highly dynamic crystals with complex octahedral tilting patterns and strongly anharmonic atomic behavior. In the higher temperature, higher symmetry phases of these materials, several complex structural features are observed. The local structure can differ greatly from the average structure and there is evidence that dynamic 2D structures of correlated octahedral motion form. An understanding of the underlying complex atomistic dynamics is, however, still lacking. In this work, the local structure of the inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 is investigated using a new machine learning force field based on the atomic cluster expansion framework. Through analysis of the temporal and spatial correlation observed during large-scale simulations, it is revealed that the low frequency motion of octahedral tilts implies a double-well effective potential landscape, even well into the cubic phase. Moreover, dynamic local regions of lower symmetry are present within both higher symmetry phases. These regions are planar and the length and timescales of the motion are reported. Finally, the spatial arrangement of these features and their interactions are investigated and visualized, providing a comprehensive picture of local structure in the higher symmetry phases.
|
|
| 3. |
- Behi, Mohammadreza, et al.
(författare)
-
Nanoassembled Peptide Biosensors for Rapid Detection of Matrilysin Cancer Biomarker
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:16
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early detection of cancer is likely to be one of the most effective means of reducing the cancer mortality rate. Hence, simple and ultra-quick methods for noninvasive detection of early-stage tumors are highly sought-after. In this study, a nanobiosensing platform with a rapid response time of nearly 30 s is introduced for the detection of matrilysin—the salivary gland cancer biomarker—with a limit of detection as low as 30 nm. This sensing platform is based on matrilysin-digestible peptides that bridge gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) cores (≈30–50 nm) and carbon quantum dot (CDs) satellites (≈9 nm). A stepwise synthesis procedure is used for self-assembly of AuNP-peptide-CDs, ensuring their long-term stability. The AuNP-peptide-CDs produce ideal optical signals, with noticeable fluorescence quenching effects. Upon peptide cleavage by matrilysin, CDs leave the surface of AuNPs, resulting in ultra-fast detectable violet and visible fluorescent signals.
|
|
| 4. |
- Boraschi, Diana, et al.
(författare)
-
Addressing Nanomaterial Immunosafety by Evaluating Innate Immunity across Living Species
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - Weinheim : Wiley - VCH Verlag GmbH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:21
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The interaction of a living organism with external foreign agents is a central issue for its survival and adaptation to the environment. Nanosafety should be considered within this perspective, and it should be examined that how different organisms interact with engineered nanomaterials (NM) by either mounting a defensive response or by physiologically adapting to them. Herein, the interaction of NM with one of the major biological systems deputed to recognition of and response to foreign challenges, i.e., the immune system, is specifically addressed. The main focus is innate immunity, the only type of immunity in plants, invertebrates, and lower vertebrates, and that coexists with adaptive immunity in higher vertebrates. Because of their presence in the majority of eukaryotic living organisms, innate immune responses can be viewed in a comparative context. In the majority of cases, the interaction of NM with living organisms results in innate immune reactions that eliminate the possible danger with mechanisms that do not lead to damage. While in some cases such interaction may lead to pathological consequences, in some other cases beneficial effects can be identified.
|
|
| 5. |
- Boschi, Alex, et al.
(författare)
-
Mesoscopic 3D Charge Transport in Solution-Processed Graphene-Based Thin Films: A Multiscale Analysis
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:42
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Graphene and related 2D material (GRM) thin films consist of 3D assembly of billions of 2D nanosheets randomly distributed and interacting via van der Waals forces. Their complexity and the multiscale nature yield a wide variety of electrical characteristics ranging from doped semiconductor to glassy metals depending on the crystalline quality of the nanosheets, their specific structural organization ant the operating temperature. Here, the charge transport (CT) mechanisms are studied that are occurring in GRM thin films near the metal-insulator transition (MIT) highlighting the role of defect density and local arrangement of the nanosheets. Two prototypical nanosheet types are compared, i.e., 2D reduced graphene oxide and few-layer-thick electrochemically exfoliated graphene flakes, forming thin films with comparable composition, morphology and room temperature conductivity, but different defect density and crystallinity. By investigating their structure, morphology, and the dependence of their electrical conductivity on temperature, noise and magnetic-field, a general model is developed describing the multiscale nature of CT in GRM thin films in terms of hopping among mesoscopic bricks, i.e., grains. The results suggest a general approach to describe disordered van der Waals thin films.
|
|
| 6. |
- Caselli, Lucrezia, et al.
(författare)
-
Boosting Membrane Interactions and Antimicrobial Effects of Photocatalytic Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Peptide Coating
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Photocatalytic nanoparticles offer antimicrobial effects under illumination due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), capable of degrading bacterial membranes. ROS may, however, also degrade human cell membranes and trigger toxicity. Since antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may display excellent selectivity between human cells and bacteria, these may offer opportunities to effectively “target” nanoparticles to bacterial membranes for increased selectivity. Investigating this, photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are coated with the AMP LL-37, and ROS generation is found by C11-BODIPY to be essentially unaffected after AMP coating. Furthermore, peptide-coated TiO2 NPs retain their positive ζ-potential also after 1–2 h of UV illumination, showing peptide degradation to be sufficiently limited to allow peptide-mediated targeting. In line with this, quartz crystal microbalance measurements show peptide coating to promote membrane binding of TiO2 NPs, particularly so for bacteria-like anionic and cholesterol-void membranes. As a result, membrane degradation during illumination is strongly promoted for such membranes, but not so for mammalian-like membranes. The mechanisms of these effects are elucidated by neutron reflectometry. Analogously, LL-37 coating promoted membrane rupture by TiO2 NPs for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, but not for human monocytes. These findings demonstrate that AMP coating may selectively boost the antimicrobial effects of photocatalytic NPs. © 2024 The Authors.
|
|
| 7. |
- Cavallaro, Sara, et al.
(författare)
-
Multiparametric Profiling of Single Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicles by Combined Atomic Force and Fluorescence Microscopy : Correlation and Heterogeneity in Their Molecular and Biophysical Features
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:14
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Being a key player in intercellular communications, nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer unique opportunities for both diagnostics and therapeutics. However, their cellular origin and functional identity remain elusive due to the high heterogeneity in their molecular and physical features. Here, for the first time, multiple EV parameters involving membrane protein composition, size and mechanical properties on single small EVs (sEVs) are simultaneously studied by combined fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, their correlation and heterogeneity in different cellular sources are investigated. The study, performed on sEVs derived from human embryonic kidney 293, cord blood mesenchymal stromal and human acute monocytic leukemia cell lines, identifies both common and cell line-specific sEV subpopulations bearing distinct distributions of the common tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81) and biophysical properties. Although the tetraspanin abundances of individual sEVs are independent of their sizes, the expression levels of CD9 and CD63 are strongly correlated. A sEV population co-expressing all the three tetraspanins in relatively high abundance, however, having average diameters of <100 nm and relatively low Young moduli, is also found in all cell lines. Such a multiparametric approach is expected to provide new insights regarding EV biology and functions, potentially deciphering unsolved questions in this field.
|
|
| 8. |
- Chen, Hualong, et al.
(författare)
-
Direct Observation of Photon Induced Giant Band Renormalization in 2D PdSe2 Dichalcogenide by Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:46
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Insight into fundamental light-matter interaction as well as underlying photo-physical processes is crucial for the development of novel optoelectronic devices. Palladium diselenide (PdSe2), an important representative of emerging 2D noble metal dichalcogenides, has gain considerable attention owing to its unique optical, physical, and chemical properties. In this study, 2D PdSe2 nanosheets (NSs) are prepared using the liquid-phase exfoliation method. A broadband carrier relaxation dynamics from visible to near-infrared bands are revealed using a time-resolved transient absorption spectrometer, giving results that indicate band filling and bandgap renormalization (BGR) effects in the 2D PdSe2 NSs. The observed blue-shift of the transient absorption spectra at the primary stage and the subsequent red-shift can be ascribed to this BGR effect. These findings reveal the many-body character of the 2D TMDs material and may hold keys for applications in the field of optoelectronics and ultrafast photonics.
|
|
| 9. |
- Chen, Jun, et al.
(författare)
-
Novel Intrinsic Self-Healing Poly-Silicone-Urea with Super-Low Ice Adhesion Strength
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:22
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accumulation of snow and ice often causes problems and even dangerous situations for both industry and the general population. Passive de-icing technologies, e.g., hydrophobic, liquid-infused bionic surfaces, have attracted more and more attention compared with active de-icing technologies, e.g., electric heating, hot air heating, due to the passive de-icing technology's lower energy consumption and sustainability footprint. Using passive de-icing coatings seems to be one of the most promising solutions. However, the previously reported de-icing coatings suffer from high ice adhesion strength or short service life caused by wear. An intrinsic self-healing material based on poly-silicone-urea is developed in this work to address these problems. The material is prepared by introducing dynamic disulfide bonds into the hard phase of the polymer. Experimental results indicate that this poly-silicone-urea has a self-healing efficiency of close to 99%. More interestingly, it is found that the coating prepared from this poly-silicone-urea has a super low ice adhesion force, only 7 ± 1 kPa, which is almost the lowest value compared with previous intrinsic self-healing de-/anti-icing reports. This material can maintain low ice adhesion strength after healing. This intrinsic self-healing poly-silicone-urea can meet several practical applications, opening the door for future sustainable anti-/de-icing technologies.
|
|
| 10. |
- Chen, Mengyun, et al.
(författare)
-
Kinetically Controlled Synthesis of Quasi-Square CsPbI3 Nanoplatelets with Excellent Stability
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nanoplatelets (NPLs) share excellent luminescent properties with their symmetric quantum dots counterparts and entail special characters benefiting from the shape, like the thickness-dependent bandgap and anisotropic luminescence. However, perovskite NPLs, especially those based on iodide, suffer from poor spectral and phase stability. Here, stable CsPbI3 NPLs obtained by accelerating the crystallization process in ambient-condition synthesis are reported. By this kinetic control, the rectangular NPLs into quasi-square NPLs are tuned, where enlarged width endows the NPLs with a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio (S/V ratio), leading to lower surficial energy and thus improved endurance against NPL fusion (cause for spectral shift or phase transformation). The accelerated crystallization, denoting the fast nucleation and short period of growth in this report, is enabled by preparing a precursor with complete transformation of PbI2 into intermediates (PbI3-), through an additional iodide supplier (e.g., zinc iodide). The excellent color stability of the materials remains in the light-emitting diodes under various bias stresses.
|
|
| 11. |
- De Sloovere, Dries, et al.
(författare)
-
Phase Engineering via Aluminum Doping Enhances the Electrochemical Stability of Lithium-Rich Cobalt-Free Layered Oxides for Lithium-Ion Batteries
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Small. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lithium-rich, cobalt-free oxides are promising potential positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high energy density, lower cost, and reduced environmental and ethical concerns. However, their commercial breakthrough is hindered because of their subpar electrochemical stability. This work studies the effect of aluminum doping on Li1.26Ni0.15Mn0.61O2 as a lithium-rich, cobalt-free layered oxide. Al doping suppresses voltage fade and improves the capacity retention from 46% for Li1.26Ni0.15Mn0.61O2 to 67% for Li1.26Ni0.15Mn0.56Al0.05O2 after 250 cycles at 0.2 C. The undoped material has a monoclinic Li2MnO3-type structure with spinel on the particle edges. In contrast, Al-doped materials (Li1.26Ni0.15Mn0.61-xAlxO2) consist of a more stable rhombohedral phase at the particle edges, with a monoclinic phase core. For this core-shell structure, the formation of Mn3+ is suppressed along with the material's decomposition to a disordered spinel, and the amount of the rhombohedral phase content increases during galvanostatic cycling. Whereas previous studies generally provided qualitative insight into the degradation mechanisms during electrochemical cycling, this work provides quantitative information on the stabilizing effect of the rhombohedral shell in the doped sample. As such, this study provides fundamental insight into the mechanisms through which Al doping increases the electrochemical stability of lithium-rich cobalt-free layered oxides.
|
|
| 12. |
- Do, Xuan Huy, et al.
(författare)
-
Membrane Assemblies with Soft Protective Layers : Dense and Gel-Type Polybenzimidazole Membranes and Their Use in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:50
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes show excellent chemical stability and low vanadium crossover in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), but their high resistance is challenging. This work introduces a concept, membrane assemblies of a highly selective 2 µm thin PBI membrane between two 60 µm thick highly conductive PBI gel membranes, which act as soft protective layers against external mechanical forces and astray carbon fibers from the electrode. The soft layers are produced by casting phosphoric acid solutions of commercial PBI powder into membranes and exchanging the absorbed acid into sulfuric acid. A conductivity of 565 mS cm−1 is achieved. A stability test indicates that gel mPBI and dense PBI-OO have higher stability than dense mPBI and dense py-PBI, and gel/PBI-OO/gel is successfully tested for 1070 cycles (ca. 1000 h) at 100 mA cm−2 in the VRFB. The initial energy efficiency (EE) for the first 50 cycles is 90.5 ± 0.2%, and after a power outage stabilized at 86.3 ± 0.5% for the following 500 cycles. The initial EE is one of the highest published so far, and the materials cost for a membrane assembly is 12.35 U.S. dollars at a production volume of 5000 m2, which makes these membranes very attractive for commercialization.
|
|
| 13. |
- Duznovic, I., et al.
(författare)
-
Ultrasensitive and Selective Protein Recognition with Nanobody-Functionalized Synthetic Nanopores
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:33
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of flexible and reconfigurable sensors that can be readily tailored toward different molecular analytes constitutes a key goal and formidable challenge in biosensing. In this regard, synthetic nanopores have emerged as potent physical transducers to convert molecular interactions into electrical signals. Yet, systematic strategies to functionalize their surfaces with receptor proteins for the selective detection of molecular analytes remain scarce. Addressing these limitations, a general strategy is presented to immobilize nanobodies in a directional fashion onto the surface of track-etched nanopores exploiting copper-free click reactions and site-specific protein conjugation systems. The functional immobilization of three different nanobodies is demonstrated in ligand binding experiments with green fluorescent protein, mCherry, and α-amylase (α-Amy) serving as molecular analytes. Ligand binding is resolved using a combination of optical and electrical recordings displaying quantitative dose–response curves. Furthermore, a change in surface charge density is identified as the predominant molecular factor that underlies quantitative dose–responses for the three different protein analytes in nanoconfined geometries. The devised strategy should pave the way for the systematic functionalization of nanopore surfaces with biological receptors and their ability to detect a variety of analytes for diagnostic purposes. © 2021 The Authors. Small published by Wiley-VCH GmbH
|
|
| 14. |
- Fan, Ke, et al.
(författare)
-
Sacrificial W Facilitates Self-Reconstruction with Abundant Active Sites for Water Oxidation
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Marine and Petroleum Geology. - : Wiley. - 0264-8172 .- 1873-4073. ; 138
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Water oxidation is an important reaction for multiple renewable energy conversion and storage-related devices and technologies. High-performance and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are urgently required. Bimetallic (oxy)hydroxides have been widely used in alkaline OER as electrocatalysts, but their activity is still not satisfactory due to insufficient active sites. In this research, A unique and efficient approach of sacrificial W to prepare CoFe (oxy)hydroxides with abundant active species for OER is presented. Multiple ex situ and operando/in situ characterizations have validated the self-reconstruction of the as-prepared CoFeW sulfides to CoFe (oxy) hydroxides in alkaline OER with synchronous W etching. Experiments and theoretical calculations show that the sacrificial W in this process induces metal cation vacancies, which facilitates the in situ transformation of the intermediate metal hydroxide to CoFe-OOH with more high-valence Co(III), thus creating abundant active species for OER. The Co(III)-rich environment endows the in situ formed CoFe oxyhydroxide with high catalytic activity for OER on a simple flat glassy carbon electrode, outperforming those not treated by the sacrificial W procedure. This research demonstrates the influence of etching W on the electrocatalytic performance, and provides a low-cost means to improve the active sites of the in situ self-reconstructed bimetallic oxyhydroxides for OER.
|
|
| 15. |
- Gao, Lingfeng, et al.
(författare)
-
A Facile Approach for Elemental-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots and Their Application for Efficient Photodetectors
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:52
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present work demonstrates a facile hydrothermal approach to synthesize lanthanide-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with europium and/or gadolinium elements. Taking the advantage of broadband adsorption in the ultraviolet-visible region, the doped QDs are directly used as building blocks for photo-electrochemical (PEC)-type photodetectors (PDs) and their performance is systematically investigated under various conditions. The europium (Eu) and gadolinium (Gd) co-doped (C:EuGd) QDs exhibit better photo-response than the single-elemental doped ones and also show outstanding long-term stability. According to the apparent response to light from 350 to 400 nm, the C:EuGd QDs are demonstrated to hold great potential for narrow-band PDs. This work highlights the practical applications of lanthanide-doped CQDs for PDs, and the results are beneficial for the development of elemental-doped CQDs in general.
|
|
| 16. |
- Gao, Lingfeng, et al.
(författare)
-
Ultra-Small 2D PbS Nanoplatelets : Liquid-Phase Exfoliation and Emerging Applications for Photo-Electrochemical Photodetectors
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 2D PbS nanoplatelets (NPLs) form an emerging class of photoactive materials and have been proposed as robust materials for high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, the main drawback of PbS NPLs is the large lateral size, which inhibits their further investigations and practical applications. In this work, ultra-small 2D PbS NPLs with uniform lateral size (11.2 +/- 1.7 nm) and thickness (3.7 +/- 0.9 nm, approximate to 6 layers) have been successfully fabricated by a facile liquid-phase exfoliation approach. Their transient optical response and photo-response behavior are evaluated by femtosecond-resolved transient absorption and photo-electrochemical (PEC) measurements. It is shown that the NPLs-based photodetectors (PDs) exhibit excellent photo-response performance from UV to the visible range, showing extremely high photo-responsivity (27.81 mA W-1) and remarkable detectivity (3.96 x 10(10) Jones), which are figures of merit outperforming currently reported PEC-type PDs. The outstanding properties are further analyzed based on the results of first-principle calculations, including electronic band structure and free energies for the oxygen evolution reaction process. This work highlights promising applications of ultra-small 2D PbS NPLs with the potential for breakthrough developments also in other fields of optoelectronic devices.
|
|
| 17. |
- Garcia Fernandez, Alberto, et al.
(författare)
-
Experimental and Theoretical Core Level and Valence Band Analysis of Clean Perovskite Single Crystal Surfaces
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A detailed understanding of the surface and interface properties of lead halide perovskites is of interest for several applications, in which these materials may be used. To develop this understanding, the study of clean crystalline surfaces can be an important stepping stone. In this work, the surface properties and electronic structure of two different perovskite single crystal compositions (MAPbI(3) and Cs(x)FA(1-)(x)PbI(3)) are investigated using synchrotron-based soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory. The use of synchrotron-based soft X-ray PES enables high surface sensitivity and nondestructive depth-profiling. Core level and valence band spectra of the single crystals are presented. The authors find two carbon 1s contributions at the surface of MAPbI(3) and assign these to MA(+) ions in an MAI-terminated surface and to MA(+) ions below the surface. It is estimated that the surface is predominantly MAI-terminated but up to 30% of the surface can be PbI2-terminated. The results presented here can serve as reference spectra for photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of technologically relevant polycrystalline thin films, and the findings can be utilized to further optimize the design of device interfaces.
|
|
| 18. |
- Gözen, Irep, 1980, et al.
(författare)
-
Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:18
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
|
|
| 21. |
- Hammond, Oliver S., et al.
(författare)
-
Molecular Architecture Effects on Bulk Nanostructure in Bis(Orthoborate) Ionic Liquids
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 29
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A series of 19 ionic liquids (ILs) based on phosphonium and imidazolium cations of varying alkyl-chain lengths with the orthoborate anions bis(oxalato)borate [BOB]−, bis(mandelato)borate, [BMB]− and bis(salicylato)borate, [BScB]−, are synthesized and studied using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). All measured systems display nanostructuring, with 1-methyl-3-n-alkyl imidazolium-orthoborates forming clearly bicontinuous L3 spongelike phases when the alkyl chains are longer than C6 (hexyl). L3 phases are fitted using the Teubner and Strey model, and diffusely-nanostructured systems are primarily fitted using the Ornstein-Zernicke correlation length model. Strongly-nanostructured systems have a strong dependence on the cation, with molecular architecture variation explored to determine the driving forces for self-assembly. The ability to form well-defined complex phases is effectively extinguished in several ways: methylation of the most acidic imidazolium ring proton, replacing the imidazolium 3-methyl group with a longer hydrocarbon chain, substitution of [BOB]− by [BMB]−, or exchanging the imidazolium for phosphonium systems, irrespective of phosphonium architecture. The results suggest there is only a small window of opportunity, in terms of molecular amphiphilicity and cation:anion volume matching, for the formation of stable extensive bicontinuous domains in pure bulk orthoborate-based ILs. Particularly important for self-assembly processes appear to be the ability to form H-bonding networks, which offer additional versatility in imidazolium systems. © 2023 The Authors.
|
|
| 22. |
- Hebisch, Elke, et al.
(författare)
-
Nanostraw-Assisted Cellular Injection of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds via Direct Membrane Opening
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Due to their stable fluorescence, biocompatibility, and amenability to functionalization, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) are promising materials for long term cell labeling and tracking. However, transporting them to the cytosol remains a major challenge, due to low internalization efficiencies and endosomal entrapment. Here, nanostraws in combination with low voltage electroporation pulses are used to achieve direct delivery of FND to the cytosol. The nanostraw delivery leads to efficient and rapid FND transport into cells compared to when incubating cells in a FND-containing medium. Moreover, whereas all internalized FND delivered by incubation end up in lysosomes, a significantly larger proportion of nanostraw-injected FND are in the cytosol, which opens up for using FND as cellular probes. Furthermore, in order to answer the long-standing question in the field of nano-biology regarding the state of the cell membrane on hollow nanostructures, live cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is performed to image directly the state of the membrane on nanostraws. The time-lapse STED images reveal that the cell membrane opens entirely on top of nanostraws upon application of gentle electrical pulses, which supports the hypothesis that many FND are delivered directly to the cytosol, avoiding endocytosis and lysosomal entrapment.
|
|
| 23. |
- Hou, Xu, et al.
(författare)
-
Interfacial Chemistry in Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries : A Case Study of V2O5 in Dilute Aqueous Electrolytes
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aqueous lithium-ion batteries (ALIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage systems because of the cost-effective, intrinsically safe, and environmentally friendly properties of aqueous electrolytes. Practical application is however impeded by interfacial side-reactions and the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of aqueous electrolytes. Even though higher electrolyte salt concentrations (e.g., water-in-salt electrolyte) enhance performance by widening the ESW, the nature and extent of side-reaction processes are debated and more fundamental understanding thereof is needed. Herein, the interfacial chemistry of one of the most popular electrode materials, V2O5, for aqueous batteries is systematically explored by a unique set of operando analytical techniques. By monitoring electrode/electrolyte interphase deposition, electrolyte pH, and gas evolution, the highly dynamic formation/dissolution of V2O5/V2O4, Li2CO3 and LiF during dis-/charge is demonstrated and shown to be coupled with electrolyte decomposition and conductive carbon oxidation, regardless of electrolyte salt concentration. The study provides deeper understanding of interfacial chemistry of active materials under variable proton activity in aqueous electrolytes, hence guiding the design of more effective electrode/electrolyte interfaces for ALIBs and beyond.
|
|
| 24. |
- Huang, Shoushuang, et al.
(författare)
-
Construction of Fe-doped NiS-NiS2 Heterostructured Microspheres Via Etching Prussian Blue Analogues for Efficient Water-Urea Splitting
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-V C H Verlag GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:14
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Developing efficient and robust non-precious-metal-based catalysts to accelerate electrocatalytic reaction kinetics is crucial for electrochemical water-urea splitting. Herein, Fe-doped NiS-NiS2 heterostructured microspheres, an electrocatalyst, are synthesized via etching Prussian blue analogues following a controlled annealing treatment. The resulting microspheres are constructed by mesoporous nanoplates, granting the virtues of large surface areas, high structural void porosity, and accessible inner surface. These advantages not only provide more redox reaction centers but also strengthen structural robustness and effectively facilitate the mass diffusion and charge transport. Density functional theory simulations validate that the Fe-doping improves the conductivity of nickel sulfides, whereas the NiS-NiS2 heterojunctions induce interface charge rearrangement for optimizing the adsorption free energy of intermediates, resulting in a low overpotential and high electrocatalytic activity. Specifically, an ultralow overpotential of 270 mV at 50 mA cm(-2) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is achieved. After adding 0.33 M urea into 1 M KOH, Fe-doped NiS-NiS2 obtains a strikingly reduced urea oxidation reaction potential of 1.36 V to reach 50 mA cm(-2), around 140 mV less than OER. This work provides insights into the synergistic modulation of electrocatalytic activity of non-noble catalysts for applications in energy conversion systems.
|
|
| 25. |
- Huang, Shoushuang, et al.
(författare)
-
Encapsulating Fe2O3 Nanotubes into Carbon-Coated Co9S8 Nanocages Derived from a MOFs-Directed Strategy for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reactions and Li-Ions Storage
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-V C H Verlag GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:51
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of high-efficiency, robust, and available electrode materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is critical for clean and sustainable energy system but remains challenging. Herein, a unique yolk-shell structure of Fe2O3 nanotube@hollow Co9S8 nanocage@C is rationally prepared. In a prearranged sequence, the fabrication of Fe2O3 nanotubes is followed by coating of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) layer, chemical etching of ZIF-67 by thioacetamide, and eventual annealing treatment. Benefiting from the hollow structures of Fe2O3 nanotubes and Co9S8 nanocages, the conductivity of carbon coating and the synergy effects between different components, the titled sample possesses abundant accessible active sites, favorable electron transfer rate, and exceptional reaction kinetics in the electrocatalysis. As a result, excellent electrocatalytic activity for alkaline OER is achieved, which delivers a low overpotential of 205 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2) along with the Tafel slope of 55 mV dec(-1). Moreover, this material exhibits excellent high-rate capability and excellent cycle life when employed as anode material of LIBs. This work provides a novel approach for the design and the construction of multifunctional electrode materials for energy conversion and storage.
|
|
| 26. |
- Huang, Yu-Kai, et al.
(författare)
-
Influence of Lithium Diffusion into Copper Current Collectors on Lithium Electrodeposition in Anode‐Free Lithium‐Metal Batteries
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:43
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of “anode-free” lithium-metal batteries with high energy densities is, at present, mainly limited by the poor control of the nucleation of lithium directly on the copper current collector, especially in conventional carbonate electrolytes. It is therefore essential to improve the understanding of the lithium nucleation process and its interactions with the copper substrate. In this study, it is shown that diffusion of lithium into the copper substrate, most likely via the grain boundaries, can significantly influence the nucleation process. Such diffusion makes it more difficult to obtain a great number of homogeneously distributed lithium nuclei on the copper surface and thus leads to inhomogeneous electrodeposition. It is, however, demonstrated that the nucleation of lithium on copper is significantly improved if an initial chemical prelithiation of the copper surface is performed. This prelithiation saturates the copper surface with lithium and hence decreases the influence of lithium diffusion via the grain boundaries. In this way, the lithium nucleation can be made to take place more homogenously, especially when a short potentiostatic nucleation pulse that can generate a large number of nuclei on the surface of the copper substrate is applied.
|
|
| 27. |
- Ibrahim, Kassa Belay, et al.
(författare)
-
Facile Electron Transfer in Atomically Coupled Heterointerface for Accelerated Oxygen Evolution
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An efficient and cost-effective approach for the development of advanced catalysts has been regarded as a sustainable way for green energy utilization. The general guideline to design active and efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is to achieve high intrinsic activity and the exposure of more density of the interfacial active sites. The heterointerface is one of the most attractive ways that plays a key role in electrochemical water oxidation. Herein, atomically cluster-based heterointerface catalysts with strong metal support interaction (SMSI) between WMn2O4 and TiO2 are designed. In this case, the WMn2O4 nanoflakes are uniformly decorated by TiO2 particles to create electronic effect on WMn2O4 nanoflakes as confirmed by X-ray absorption near edge fine structure. As a result, the engineered heterointerface requires an OER onset overpotential as low as 200 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is stable for up to 30 h of test. The outstanding performance and long-term durability are due to SMSI, the exposure of interfacial active sites, and accelerated reaction kinetics. To confirm the synergistic interaction between WMn2O4 and TiO2, and the modification of the electronic structure, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) are used.
|
|
| 28. |
- Jia, Donglin, et al.
(författare)
-
Dual Passivation of CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Amino Acid Ligands for Efficient Quantum Dot Solar Cells
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:24
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dot (PQD) receives increasing attention for the application in the new generation solar cells, but the defects on the surface of PQDs significantly affect the photovoltaic performance and stability of solar cells. Herein, the amino acids are used as dual-passivation ligands to passivate the surface defects of CsPbI3 PQDs using a facile single-step ligand exchange strategy. The PQD surface properties are investigated in depth by combining experimental studies and theoretical calculation approaches. The PQD solid films with amino acids as dual-passivation ligands on the PQD surface are thoroughly characterized using extensive techniques, which reveal that the glycine ligand can significantly improve defect passivation of PQDs and therefore diminish charge carrier recombination in the PQD solid. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the glycine-based PQD solar cell (PQDSC) is improved by 16.9% compared with that of the traditional PQDSC fabricated with Pb(NO3)(2) treating the PQD surface, owning to improved charge carrier extraction. Theoretical calculations are carried out to comprehensively understand the thermodynamic feasibility and favorable charge density distribution on the PQD surface with a dual-passivation ligand.
|
|
| 29. |
- Jiang, Jiajun, et al.
(författare)
-
Hydroprinted Liquid-Alloy-Based Morphing Electronics for Fast-Growing/Tender Plants : From Physiology Monitoring to Habit Manipulation
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:39
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Monitoring physiological signals and manipulating growth habits of living plants in real time are important for botany research, biohybrid plant robots, and precision agriculture. Although emerging epidermal electronics that can conveniently acquire vital signals of living organisms exhibit a high potential for such scenarios, it is a significant challenge to adapt such devices for plants, because they are fragile and usually have complex surfaces that can change significantly during rapid growth. A gentle fabrication process is critical in order to employ compliant electronic systems to adapt to this highly dynamic situation. In this study, a hydroprinted liquid-alloy-based morphing electronics (LAME) process is employed for fast-growing plants that will sense physiological signals and even function as a biohybrid to determine plant behavior on demand. Besides various surfaces of inorganic targeting substrates, pinning liquid alloy circuits onto the complex plant epidermis is enhanced by introducing high-surface-energy liquid. Functionally, the new developed LAME can be used to monitor leaf moisture content and length, and manipulate leaf and bean sprout orientation. This study lays the foundation for a new form of morphing electronics for botany or biohybrid plant robots, potentially impacting the next generation of precision agriculture and smart hybrid robots.
|
|
| 30. |
- Khalilian, Maryam, et al.
(författare)
-
Dislocation-Free and Atomically Flat GaN Hexagonal Microprisms for Device Applications
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlag. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:30
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- III-nitrides are considered the material of choice for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers in the visible to ultraviolet spectral range. The development is hampered by lattice and thermal mismatch between the nitride layers and the growth substrate leading to high dislocation densities. In order to overcome the issue, efforts have gone into selected area growth of nanowires (NWs), using their small footprint in the substrate to grow virtually dislocation-free material. Their geometry is defined by six tall side-facets and a pointed tip which limits the design of optoelectronic devices. Growth of dislocation-free and atomically smooth 3D hexagonal GaN micro-prisms with a flat, micrometer-sized top-surface is presented. These self-forming structures are suitable for optical devices such as low-loss optical cavities for high-efficiency LEDs. The structures are made by annealing GaN NWs with a thick radial shell, reforming them into hexagonal flat-top prisms with six equivalents either m- or s-facets depending on the initial heights of the top pyramid and m-facets of the NWs. This shape is kinetically controlled and the reformation can be explained with a phenomenological model based on Wulff construction that have been developed. It is expected that the results will inspire further research into micron-sized III-nitride-based devices. © 2020 The Authors.
|
|
| 31. |
- Khan, Ziyauddin, et al.
(författare)
-
VO2 Nanostructures for Batteries and Supercapacitors: A Review
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vanadium dioxide (VO2) received tremendous interest lately due to its unique structural, electronic, and optoelectronic properties. VO2 has been extensively used in electrochromic displays and memristors and its VO2 (B) polymorph is extensively utilized as electrode material in energy storage applications. More studies are focused on VO2 (B) nanostructures which displayed different energy storage behavior than the bulk VO2. The present review provides a systematic overview of the progress in VO2 nanostructures syntheses and its application in energy storage devices. Herein, a general introduction, discussion about crystal structure, and syntheses of a variety of nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, nanobelts, nanotubes, carambola shaped, etc. are summarized. The energy storage application of VO2 nanostructure and its composites are also described in detail and categorically, e.g. Li-ion battery, Na-ion battery, and supercapacitors. The current status and challenges associated with VO2 nanostructures are reported. Finally, light has been shed for the overall performance improvement of VO2 nanostructure as potential electrode material for future application.
|
|
| 32. |
- Kim, Hyunsu, et al.
(författare)
-
Photo-Programmed Deformations in Rigid Liquid Crystalline Polymers Triggered by Body Temperature
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6829 .- 1613-6810. ; , s. 2203772-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Deformations triggered by body heat are desirable in the context of shape-morphing applications because, under the majority of circumstances, the human body maintains a higher temperature than that of its surroundings. However, at present, this bioenergy-triggered action is primarily limited to soft polymeric networks. Thus, herein, the programming of body temperature-triggered deformations into rigid azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline polymers (azo-LCPs) with a glass-transition temperature of 100 °C is demonstrated. To achieve this, a mechano-assisted photo-programming strategy is used to create a metastable state with room-temperature stable residual stress, which is induced by the isomerization of azobenzene. The programmed rigid azo-LCP can undergo large-amplitude body temperature-triggered shape changes within minutes and can be regenerated without any performance degradation. By changing the programming photomasks and irradiation conditions employed, various 2D to 3D shape-morphing architectures, including folded clips, inch-worm structures, spiral structures, and snap-through motions are achieved. When programmed with polarized light, the proposed strategy results in domain-selective activation, generating designed characteristics in multi-domain azo-LCPs. The reported strategy is therefore expected to broaden the applications of azo-LCPs in the fields of biomedical and flexible microelectronic devices.
|
|
| 33. |
- Koskela, Salla, et al.
(författare)
-
An Oxidative Enzyme Boosting Mechanical and Optical Performance of Densified Wood Films
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:17
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nature has evolved elegant ways to alter the wood cell wall structure through carbohydrate-active enzymes, offering environmentally friendly solutions to tailor the microstructure of wood for high-performance materials. In this work, the cell wall structure of delignified wood is modified under mild reaction conditions using an oxidative enzyme, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO). LPMO oxidation results in nanofibrillation of cellulose microfibril bundles inside the wood cell wall, allowing densification of delignified wood under ambient conditions and low pressure into transparent anisotropic films. The enzymatic nanofibrillation facilitates microfibril fusion and enhances the adhesion between the adjacent wood fiber cells during densification process, thereby significantly improving the mechanical performance of the films in both longitudinal and transverse directions. These results improve the understanding of LPMO-induced microstructural changes in wood and offer an environmentally friendly alternative for harsh chemical treatments and energy-intensive densification processes thus representing a significant advance in sustainable production of high-performance wood-derived materials.
|
|
| 34. |
- Köksal, Elif Senem, et al.
(författare)
-
Rapid Growth and Fusion of Protocells in Surface-Adhered Membrane Networks
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:38
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Elevated temperatures might have promoted the nucleation, growth, and replication of protocells on the early Earth. Recent reports have shown evidence that moderately high temperatures not only permit protocell assembly at the origin of life, but can have actively supported it. Here, the fast nucleation and growth of vesicular compartments from autonomously formed lipid networks on solid surfaces, induced by a moderate increase in temperature, are shown. Branches of the networks, initially consisting of self-assembled interconnected nanotubes, rapidly swell into microcompartments which can spontaneously encapsulate RNA fragments. The increase in temperature further causes fusion of adjacent network-connected compartments, resulting in the redistribution of the RNA. The experimental observations and the mathematical model indicate that the presence of nanotubular interconnections between protocells facilitates the fusion process.
|
|
| 35. |
- Li, Yanying, et al.
(författare)
-
A D-Y Shaped Neuropeptide Y Mimetic Peptide-Dye Self-Assembly with Maximal Emission Beyond 1300 nm and Glioma Mitochondrial Activity Modulation
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 20:13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neuropeptide Y (NPY), as one of the most abundant neuropeptides known, is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, most of the reported NPY-mimetic peptides are hard to cross the blood-brain barrier, target glioma mitochondria, and achieve self-assembly nanostructure in situ. Here, based on the α-helix structure of the novel chiral NPY-mimetic peptides D/LNPY(14), a Y-shaped peptide is designed with the sequences that can be recognized by enterokinase and achieved nanofibers conversion in glioma cell mitochondria. Coupling the Y-shaped NPY-mimetic peptide with the NIR-II fluorophore IR1048, a red-shifting of the fluorescence spectrum beyond 1300 nm is achieved through self-assembly. After the self-assembly in glioma mitochondria, the formed nanofibers can promote intracellular mitochondrial ROS production and extend the NIR-II fluorescence imaging time to at least 7 days in vivo. This work for the first time endows the self-assembly of α-helical-based chiral NPY-mimetic peptides, providing a novel strategy for glioma subcellular regulation enhanced antitumor treatment guided by NIR-II fluorescence imaging.
|
|
| 36. |
- Liu, Chang, et al.
(författare)
-
Oligomer Dynamics of LL-37 Truncated Fragments Probed by α-Hemolysin Pore and Molecular Simulations
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:37
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Oligomerization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is critical in their effects on pathogens. LL-37 and its truncated fragments are widely investigated regarding their structures, antimicrobial activities, and application, such as developing new antibiotics. Due to the small size and weak intermolecular interactions of LL-37 fragments, it is still elusive to establish the relationship between oligomeric states and antimicrobial activities. Here, an α-hemolysin nanopore, mass spectrometry (MS), and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are used to characterize the oligomeric states of two LL-37 fragments. Nanopore studies provide evidence of trapping events related to the oligomer formation and provide further details on their stabilities, which are confirmed by MS and MD simulations. Furthermore, simulation results reveal the molecular basis of oligomer dynamics and states of LL-37 fragments. This work provides unique insights into the relationship between the oligomer dynamics of AMPs and their antimicrobial activities at the single-molecule level. The study demonstrates how integrating methods allows deciphering single molecule level understanding from nanopore sensing approaches.
|
|
| 37. |
- Liu, Gaopeng, et al.
(författare)
-
Edge-Site-Rich Ordered Macroporous BiOCl Triggers C(sic)O Activation for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:6
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Endowing a semiconductor with tunable edge active sites will effectively enhance catalytic performance. Herein, an edge-site-rich ordered macroporous BiOCl (BiOCl-P) with abundant dangling bonds is constructed via the colloidal crystal template method. The edge-site-rich ordered macroporous structure provides abundant adsorption sites for CO2 molecules, as well as forms numerous localized electron enrichment areas, accelerating charge transfer. DFT calculations reveal that the dangling bonds-rich configuration can effectively reduce the CO2 activation energy barrier, boost the C(sic)O double bond dissociation, and facilitate the proton electron coupling reaction. As a result, the BiOCl-P achieves a higher CO and CH4 generation rate of 78.07 and 3.03 mu mol g(-1) under 4 h Xe lamp irradiation in a solid-gas system. Finally, the CO2 molecules conversion process is further investigated by in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. This work realizes a new avenue toward the design of vibrant semiconductors on the nanoscale to boost inert CO2 photoreduction.
|
|
| 38. |
|
|
| 39. |
- Lu, D., et al.
(författare)
-
Nanojet Trapping of a Single Sub-10 nm Upconverting Nanoparticle in the Full Liquid Water Temperature Range
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlag. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been used as optical probes in a great variety of scenarios ranging from cells to animal models. When optically trapped, a single UCNP can be remotely manipulated making possible, for instance, thermal scanning in the surroundings of a living cell. When conventional optics is used, the stability of an optically trapped UCNP is very limited. Its reduced size leads to optical potentials comparable to thermal energy, and up to now, stable optical trapping of a UCNP has been demonstrated only close to room temperature. This fact limits their use above room temperature, for instance, the use to investigate protein denaturalization that occurs in the 40–50 °C range. In this work, stable optical trapping of a single UCNP in the 20–90 °C range has been demonstrated by using a photonic nanojet. The use of an optically trapped microsphere makes it possible to overcome the diffraction limit producing another optical trap of smaller size and enhanced strength. This simple strategy leads not only to an improvement in the thermal stability of the optical trap but also to an enhancement of the emission intensity generated by the optically trapped UCNP.
|
|
| 40. |
- Lundqvist, Martin, et al.
(författare)
-
Three Decades of Research about the Corona Around Nanoparticles : Lessons Learned and Where to Go Now
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 16:46
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The research about how a nanoparticle (NP) interacts with a complex biological solution has been conducted, according to the literature, for almost three decades. A significant amount of data has been generated, especially in the last one and a half decade. First, it became its own research field which was later divided into many subresearch fields. This outlook does not aim to be a comprehensive review of the field or any of its subresearch fields. There is too much data published to attempt that. Instead, here it has been tried to highlight what, in the opinion, is the main step taken during these three decades. Thereafter, the weaknesses and end are pointed out with what needs to be the main focus for the future to understand the protein corona formation in the bloodstream, which is a prerequisite for the developing of true target specific drug-delivering nanoparticles.
|
|
| 41. |
- Lv, Zhong-Peng, et al.
(författare)
-
Time-Resolved SAXS Study of Polarity- and Surfactant-Controlled Superlattice Transformations of Oleate-Capped Nanocubes During Solvent Removal
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:22
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Structural transformations and lattice expansion of oleate-capped iron oxide nanocube superlattices are studied by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) during solvent removal. The combination of conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) theory with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling provides information on the solvent composition and polarity during droplet evaporation. Evaporation-driven poor-solvent enrichment in the presence of free oleic acid results in the formation of superlattices with a tilted face-centered cubic (fcc) structure when the polarity reaches its maximum. The tilted fcc lattice expands subsequently during the removal of the poor solvent and eventually transforms to a regular simple cubic (sc) lattice during the final evaporation stage when only free oleic acid remains. Comparative studies show that both the increase in polarity as the poor solvent is enriched and the presence of a sufficient amount of added oleic acid is required to promote the formation of structurally diverse superlattices with large domain sizes. © 2022 The Authors.
|
|
| 42. |
- Majidi, Leily, et al.
(författare)
-
Nanostructured Conductive Metal Organic Frameworks for Sustainable Low Charge Overpotentials in Li-Air Batteries
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lithium–oxygen batteries are among the most attractive alternatives for future electrified transportation. However, their practical application is hindered by many obstacles. Due to the insulating nature of Li2O2 product and the slow kinetics of reactions, attaining sustainable low charge overpotentials at high rates becomes a challenge resulting in the battery's early failure and low round trip efficiency. Herein, outstanding characteristics are discovered of a conductive metal organic framework (c-MOF) that promotes the growth of nanocrystalline Li2O2 with amorphous regions. This provides a platform for the continuous growth of Li2O2 units away from framework, enabling a fast discharge at high current rates. Moreover, the Li2O2 structure works in synergy with the redox mediator (RM). The conductivity of the amorphous regions of the Li2O2 allows the RM to act directly on the Li2O2 surface instead of catalyst edges and then transport through the electrolyte to the Li2O2 surface. This direct charge transfer enables a small charge potential of <3.7 V under high current densities (1–2 A g−1) sustained for a long cycle life (100–300 cycles) for large capacities (1000–2000 mAh g−1). These results open a new direction for utilizing c-MOFs towards advanced energy storage systems.
|
|
| 43. |
- Matthiesen, Isabelle, et al.
(författare)
-
Continuous Monitoring Reveals Protective Effects of N‐Acetylcysteine Amide on an Isogenic Microphysiological Model of the Neurovascular Unit
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:32, s. 2101785-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Microphysiological systems mimic the in vivo cellular ensemble and microenvironment with the goal of providing more human-like models for biopharmaceutical research. In this study, the first such model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB-on-chip) featuring both isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cells and continuous barrier integrity monitoring with <2 min temporal resolution is reported. Its capabilities are showcased in the first microphysiological study of nitrosative stress and antioxidant prophylaxis. Relying on off-stoichiometry thiol–ene–epoxy (OSTE+) for fabrication greatly facilitates assembly and sensor integration compared to the prevalent polydimethylsiloxane devices. The integrated cell–substrate endothelial resistance monitoring allows for capturing the formation and breakdown of the BBB model, which consists of cocultured hiPSC-derived endothelial-like and astrocyte-like cells. Clear cellular disruption is observed when exposing the BBB-on-chip to the nitrosative stressor linsidomine, and the barrier permeability and barrier-protective effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide are reported. Using metabolomic network analysis reveals further drug-induced changes consistent with prior literature regarding, e.g., cysteine and glutathione involvement. A model like this opens new possibilities for drug screening studies and personalized medicine, relying solely on isogenic human-derived cells and providing high-resolution temporal readouts that can help in pharmacodynamic studies.
|
|
| 44. |
- Maurya, O., et al.
(författare)
-
Emergence of Ni-Based Chalcogenides (S and Se) for Clean Energy Conversion and Storage
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Small. - : John Wiley and Sons Inc. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 17:33
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nickel chalcogenide (S and Se) based nanostructures intrigued scientists for some time as materials for energy conversion and storage systems. Interest in these materials is due to their good electrochemical stability, eco-friendly nature, and low cost. The present review compiles recent progress in the area of nickel-(S and Se)-based materials by providing a comprehensive summary of their structural and chemical features and performance. Improving properties of the materials, such as electrical conductivity and surface characteristics (surface area and morphology), through strategies like nano-structuring and hybridization, are systematically discussed. The interaction of the materials with electrolytes, other electro-active materials, and inactive components are analyzed to understand their effects on the performance of energy conversion and storage devices. Finally, outstanding challenges and possible solutions are briefly presented with some perspectives toward the future development of these materials for energy-oriented devices with high performance. © 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH
|
|
| 45. |
- Menétrey, Maxence, et al.
(författare)
-
Targeted Additive Micromodulation of Grain Size in Nanocrystalline Copper Nanostructures by Electrohydrodynamic Redox 3D Printing
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:51
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The control of materials’ microstructure is both a necessity and an opportunity for micro/nanometer-scale additive manufacturing technologies. On the one hand, optimization of purity and defect density of printed metals is a prerequisite for their application in microfabrication. On the other hand, the additive approach to materials deposition with highest spatial resolution offers unique opportunities for the fabrication of materials with complex, 3D graded composition or microstructure. As a first step toward both—optimization of properties and site-specific tuning of microstructure—an overview of the wide range of microstructure accessed in pure copper (up to >99.9 at.%) by electrohydrodynamic redox 3D printing is presented, and on-the-fly modulation of grain size in copper with smallest segments ≈400 nm in length is shown. Control of microstructure and materials properties by in situ adjustment of the printing voltage is demonstrated by variation of grain size by one order of magnitude and corresponding compression strength by a factor of two. Based on transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, it is suggested that the small grain size is a direct consequence of intermittent solvent drying at the growth interface at low printing voltages, while larger grains are enabled by the permanent presence of solvent at higher potentials.
|
|
| 46. |
- Mohanty, S., et al.
(författare)
-
CeFlowBot : A Biomimetic Flow-Driven Microrobot that Navigates under Magneto-Acoustic Fields
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:9, s. 2105829-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aquatic organisms within the Cephalopoda family (e.g., octopuses, squids, cuttlefish) exist that draw the surrounding fluid inside their bodies and expel it in a single jet thrust to swim forward. Like cephalopods, several acoustically powered microsystems share a similar process of fluid expulsion which makes them useful as microfluidic pumps in lab-on-a-chip devices. Herein, an array of acoustically resonant bubbles are employed to mimic this pumping phenomenon inside an untethered microrobot called CeFlowBot. CeFlowBot contains an array of vibrating bubbles that pump fluid through its inner body thereby boosting its propulsion. CeFlowBots are later functionalized with magnetic layers and steered under combined influence of magnetic and acoustic fields. Moreover, acoustic power modulation of CeFlowBots is used to grasp nearby objects and release it in the surrounding workspace. The ability of CeFlowBots to navigate remote environments under magneto-acoustic fields and perform targeted manipulation makes such microrobots useful for clinical applications such as targeted drug delivery. Lastly, an ultrasound imaging system is employed to visualize the motion of CeFlowBots which provides means to deploy such microrobots in hard-to-reach environments inaccessible to optical cameras.
|
|
| 47. |
|
|
| 48. |
- Moreno, Adrian, et al.
(författare)
-
Breathable Lignin Nanoparticles as Reversible Gas Swellable Nanoreactors
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The design of stimuli-responsive lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) for advanced applications has hitherto been limited to the preparation of lignin-grafted polymers in which usually the lignin content is low (<25 wt.%) and its role is debatable. Here, the preparation of O2-responsive LNPs exceeding 75 wt.% in lignin content is shown. Softwood Kraft lignin (SKL) is coprecipitated with a modified SKL fluorinated oleic acid ester (SKL-OlF) to form colloidal stable hybrid LNPs (hy-LNPs). The hy-LNPs with a SKL-OlF content ranging from 10 to 50 wt.% demonstrated a reversible swelling behavior upon O2/N2 bubbling, increasing their size – ≈35% by volume – and changing their morphology from spherical to core-shell. Exposition of hy-LNPs to O2 bubbling promotes a polarity change on lignin-fluorinated oleic chains, and consequently their migration from the inner part to the surface of the particle, which not only increases the particle size but also endows hy-LNPs with enhanced stability under harsh conditions (pH < 2.5) by the hydration barrier effect. Furthermore, it is also demonstrated that these new stimuli-responsive particles as gas tunable nanoreactors for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Combining a straightforward preparation with their enhanced stability and responsiveness to O2 gas these new LNPs pave the way for the next generation of smart lignin-based nanomaterials.
|
|
| 49. |
- Moreno-Garcia, D., et al.
(författare)
-
A Resonant Graphene NEMS Vibrometer
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 18:28
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Measuring vibrations is essential to ensuring building structural safety and machine stability. Predictive maintenance is a central internet of things (IoT) application within the new industrial revolution, where sustainability and performance increase over time are going to be paramount. To reduce the footprint and cost of vibration sensors while improving their performance, new sensor concepts are needed. Here, double-layer graphene membranes are utilized with a suspended silicon proof demonstrating their operation as resonant vibration sensors that show outstanding performance for a given footprint and proof mass. The unveiled sensing effect is based on resonant transduction and has important implications for experimental studies involving thin nano and micro mechanical resonators that are excited by an external shaker.
|
|
| 50. |
- Mukherjee, Soham, et al.
(författare)
-
Entrapped Molecule-Like Europium-Oxide Clusters in Zinc Oxide with Nearly Unaffected Host Structure
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 19:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nanocrystalline ZnO sponges doped with 5 mol% EuO1.5 are obtained by heating metal–salt complex based precursor pastes at 200–900 °C for 3 min. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) show that phase separation into ZnO:Eu and c-Eu2O3 takes place upon heating at 700 °C or higher. The unit cell of the clean oxide made at 600 °C shows only ≈0.4% volume increase versus undoped ZnO, and EXAFS shows a ZnO local structure that is little affected by the Eu-doping and an average Eu3+ ion coordination number of ≈5.2. Comparisons of 23 density functional theory-generated structures having differently sized Eu-oxide clusters embedded in ZnO identify three structures with four or eight Eu atoms as the most energetically favorable. These clusters exhibit the smallest volume increase compared to undoped ZnO and Eu coordination numbers of 5.2–5.5, all in excellent agreement with experimental data. ZnO defect states are crucial for efficient Eu3+ excitation, while c-Eu2O3 phase separation results in loss of the characteristic Eu3+ photoluminescence. The formation of molecule-like Eu-oxide clusters, entrapped in ZnO, proposed here, may help in understanding the nature of the unexpected high doping levels of lanthanide ions in ZnO that occur virtually without significant change in ZnO unit cell dimensions.
|
|
