Search Results
Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using ordered silicon nanopillar arrays
2014, Alhmoud, Hashim Z., Guinan, Taryn M., Elnathan, Roey, Kobus, Hilton, Voelcker, Nicolas H.
Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) is ideally suited for the high-throughput analysis of small molecules in bodily fluids (e.g. saliva, urine, and blood plasma). A key application for this technique is the testing of drug consumption in the context of workplace, roadside, athlete sports and anti-addictive drug compliance. Here, we show that vertically-aligned ordered silicon nanopillar (SiNP) arrays fabricated using nanosphere lithography followed by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) are suitable substrates for the SALDI-MS detection of methadone and small peptides. Porosity, length and diameter are fabrication parameters that we have explored here in order to optimize analytical performance. We demonstrate the quantitative analysis of methadone in MilliQ water down to 32 ng mL-1. Finally, the capability of SiNP arrays to facilitate the detection of methadone in clinical samples is also demonstrated.
Carbon flow electrodes for continuous operation of capacitive deionization and capacitive mixing energy generation
2014, Porada, S., Weingarth, Daniel, Hamelers, H.V.M., Bryjak, M., Presser, Volker, Biesheuvel, P.M.
Capacitive technologies, such as capacitive deionization and energy harvesting based on mixing energy (“capmix” and “CO2 energy”), are characterized by intermittent operation: phases of ion electrosorption from the water are followed by system regeneration. From a system application point of view, continuous operation has many advantages, to optimize performance, to simplify system operation, and ultimately to lower costs. In our study, we investigate as a step towards second generation capacitive technologies the potential of continuous operation of capacitive deionization and energy harvesting devices, enabled by carbon flow electrodes using a suspension based on conventional activated carbon powders. We show how the water residence time and mass loading of carbon in the suspension influence system performance. The efficiency and kinetics of the continuous salt removal process can be improved by optimizing device operation, without using less common or highly elaborate novel materials. We demonstrate, for the first time, continuous energy generation via capacitive mixing technology using differences in water salinity, and differences in gas phase CO2 concentration. Using a novel design of cylindrical ion exchange membranes serving as flow channels, we continuously extract energy from available concentration differences that otherwise would remain unused. These results may contribute to establishing a sustainable energy strategy when implementing energy extraction for sources such as CO2-emissions from power plants based on fossil fuels.
One-step synthesis of nanocrystalline transition metal oxides on thin sheets of disordered graphitic carbon by oxidation of MXenes
2014, Naguib, Michael, Mashtalir, Olhar, Lukatskaya, Maria R., Dyatkin, Boris, Zhang, Chuanfang, Presser, Volker, Gogotsi, Yuri, Barsoum, Michael W.
Herein we show that heating 2D Ti3C2 in air results in TiO2 nanocrystals enmeshed in thin sheets of disordered graphitic carbon structures that can handle extremely high cycling rates when tested as anodes in lithium ion batteries. Oxidation of 2D Ti3C2 in either CO2 or pressurized water also resulted in TiO2–C hybrid structures. Similarly, other hybrids can be produced, as we show here for Nb2O5/C from 2D Nb2C.
Directed assembly of nanoparticles to isolated diatom valves using the non-wetting characteristics after pyrolysis
2014, Jantschke, A., Fischer, C, Hensel, Rene, Braun, H.-G., Brunner, E
A novel strategy for a directed nanoparticle coupling to isolated Stephanopyxis turris valves is presented. After pyrolysis, the valves exhibit incomplete wetting due to their characteristic T-shaped profiles as a prerequisite for a regioselective coupling reaction. A micromanipulation system allows for precise handling and their immobilization onto an adhesive substrate and manipulation into arrays.
An electrochemical in situ study of freezing and thawing of ionic liquids in carbon nanopores
2014, Weingarth, Daniel, Drumm, Robert, Foelske-Schmitz, Annette, Kotz, Rüdiger, Presser, Volker
Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are an emerging class of electrolytes enabling high cell voltages and, in return, high energy density of advanced supercapacitors. Yet, the low temperature behavior, including freezing and thawing, is little understood when ions are confined in the narrow space of nanopores. This study shows that RTILs may show a tremendously different thermal behavior when comparing bulk with nanoconfined properties as a result of the increased surface energy of carbon pore walls. In particular, a continuous increase in viscosity is accompanied by slowed-down charge-discharge kinetics as seen with in situ electrochemical characterization. Freezing reversibly collapses the energy storage ability and thawing fully restores the initial energy density of the material. For the first time, a different thermal behavior in positively and negatively polarized electrodes is demonstrated. This leads to different freezing and melting points in the two electrodes. Compared to bulk, RTILs in the confinement of electrically charged nanopores show a high affinity for supercooling; that is, the electrode may freeze during heating.
On the behaviour of nanoparticles in oil-in-water emulsions with different surfactants
2014, Lacava, Johann, Ouali, Ahmed-Amine, Raillard, Brice, Kraus, Tobias
The distribution of narrowly dispersed gold nanoparticles in hexane-in-water emulsions was studied for different surfactants. Good surfactants such as SDS and Triton X-100 block the oil-water interfaces and confine particles in the droplet. Other surfactants (Tween 85 and Span 20) form synergistic mixtures with the nanoparticles at the interfaces that lower the surface tension more than any component. Supraparticles with fully defined particle distribution form in the droplets only for surfactants that block the interface. Other surfactants promote the formation of fcc agglomerates. Nanoparticles in emulsions behave markedly different from microparticles-their structure formation is governed by free energy minimization, while microparticles are dominated by kinetics.