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At least 127 records · Page 7

Backbone Stiffness‐Dependent Photoluminescence of Pendant Fluorophores in Organic Nanoparticles

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FoNPs) with backbone stiffness‐dependent photoluminescence were synthesized via microemulsion atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of 2‐(2‐bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (BiBEM), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and methacrylate monomers bearing pendant fluorophores, 1‐pyrenemethyl methacrylate (PyMMA), or 4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylethenyl)benzenemethyl methacrylate (TPEMMA). The crosslinking density precisely tuned the intraparticle rigidity, enabling systematic control over emission mechanisms. Pyrene‐containing FoNPs exhibited a rigidity‐dependent transition from excimer‐dominated to monomer‐dominated fluorescence, whereas TPE‐based FoNPs displayed aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) enhancement as intramolecular motion was restricted. Solvent‐dependent studies revealed that increased polarity and viscosity, particularly in benzyl alcohol and DMSO, promoted cooperative rigidification and enhanced emission intensity through specific polymer–solvent interactions. Furthermore, the retained alkyl bromide chain ends on FoNPs enabled dual roles as initiators and crosslinkers in UV‐induced polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) acrylates, forming luminescent FoNP–OEG hybrid gels with improved mechanical robustness. This work establishes a versatile platform for integrating tunable optical and mechanical properties into a single polymeric nanoparticle framework, offering new design principles for multifunctional soft materials and providing a platform for future sensing, imaging, and photonic applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tracking nanoparticle growth in pulsed carbon arc discharge

The dynamics of nanoparticle growth in pulsed anodic arc discharge has been studied in time-resolved mode. To this end, a fast moving probe was employed to extract the material generated in a pulsed arc plasma held between two graphite electrodes. The probe motion was synchronized with the pulse phase and the exposure time to the plasma was set to 10 ms. The graphite anode was eroded in a helium atmosphere (300 Torr) by an arc plasma pulsed at 1 Hz with a 10% duty cycle and showing 250 A of peak current. The structure and morphology of the probe depositions were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and focused ion beam. A maximal deposition rate of 260 μm/s was measured 5 mm away from the arc core during the active 0.1 s of the pulse. Such a rate yields a growth flux of 1.3 × 10 21 cm –2 s –1 , rich in carbon nanostructures (graphene platelets, nanotubes) with a characteristic aggregate size within 1–10 μm. The deposition during the inactive 0.9 s of the pulse was several orders of magnitude slower and consisted of amorphous carbon traces. Furthermore, the nanoparticle distribution along the collecting probe is correlated with the pulse phase, thereby providing information on particle transport. Pulsed nanosynthesis can be modeled as a periodical growth process, where the volume and propagation velocity of the growth region can be adjusted through modulation of the pulse signal waveform. The proposed model constitutes a suitable framework to investigate the pulsed arc synthesis of nanomaterials with tailored physical and chemical properties.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Goethite and Hematite Nucleation and Growth from Ferrihydrite: Effects of Oxyanion Surface Complexes

The presence of oxyanions, such as nitrate (NO 3 – ) and phosphate (PO 4 3– ), regulates the nucleation and growth of goethite (Gt) and hematite (Hm) during the transformation of ferrihydrite (Fh). Our previous studies showed that oxyanion surface complexes control the rate and pathway of Fh transformation to Gt and Hm. However, how oxyanion surface complexes control the mechanism of Gt and Hm nucleation and growth during the Fh transformation is still unclear. Here, we used synchrotron scattering methods and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to investigate the effects of NO 3 – outer-sphere complexes and PO 4 3– inner-sphere complexes on the mechanism of Gt and Hm formation from Fh. Our TEM results indicated that Gt particles form through a two-step model in which Fh particles first transform to Gt nanoparticles and then crystallographically align and grow to larger particles by oriented attachment (OA). In contrast, for the formation of Hm, imaging shows that Fh particles first aggregate and then transform to Hm through interface nucleation. This is consistent with our X-ray scattering results, which demonstrate that NO 3 – outer-sphere and PO 4 3– inner-sphere complexes promote the formation of Gt and Hm, respectively. These results have implications for understanding the coupled interactions of oxyanions and iron oxy-hydroxides in Earth-surface environments.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

FeS colloids – formation and mobilization pathways in natural waters

For this study, we have used synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (structure of Fe–S clusters), transmission electron microscopy (solid-phase crystallinity), Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance mass spectrometry (identity and composition of natural organic carbon compounds), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (total aqueous Fe), and the revised ferrozine method (aqueous Fe( II ) and Fe( III ) concentrations) to determine the stability and nature of colloids generated by sulfidation of ferrihydrite nanoparticles in the absence and presence of organic compounds. We observed that reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite by aqueous sulfide generates nm-scale FeS clusters. Their subsequent aggregation, which promotes settling of FeS aggregates into the solid fraction, was directly correlated with sulfide/Fe ratio. At sulfide/Fe ratios ≤0.5, FeS clusters and larger colloids remained in suspension for at least 14 days (and up to several months). At sulfide/Fe ratios >0.5, sulfidation reaction rates were rapid and FeS cluster aggregation was accelerated. Moreover, the presence of organic compounds increased the time of suspension of FeS colloids, whereas increased ionic strength inhibited the generation of FeS colloids. We present a general conceptual model to predict when and where FeS colloids can form and enhance or inhibit the mobility of contaminants and nutrients associated with them. Our study indicates that in lowsalinity fresh groundwater systems poor in sulfate (i.e. low sulfidation; lakes, floodplains, peatlands etc.), the ferrihydrite sulfidation reaction generates aqueous FeS clusters and larger colloids that remain suspended over long time periods, thus mobilizing a substantial fraction of the total aqueous Fe and S.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Multimodal X-ray nano-spectromicroscopy analysis of chemically heterogeneous systems

Abstract Understanding the nanoscale chemical speciation of heterogeneous systems in their native environment is critical for several disciplines such as life and environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, and materials science. Synchrotron-based X-ray spectromicroscopy tools are widely used to understand the chemistry and morphology of complex material systems owing to their high penetration depth and sensitivity. The multidimensional (4D+) structure of spectromicroscopy data poses visualization and data-reduction challenges. This paper reports the strategies for the visualization and analysis of spectromicroscopy data. We created a new graphical user interface and data analysis platform named XMIDAS (X-ray multimodal image data analysis software) to visualize spectromicroscopy data from both image and spectrum representations. The interactive data analysis toolkit combined conventional analysis methods with well-established machine learning classification algorithms (e.g. nonnegative matrix factorization) for data reduction. The data visualization and analysis methodologies were then defined and optimized using a model particle aggregate with known chemical composition. Nanoprobe-based X-ray fluorescence (nano-XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (nano-XANES) spectromicroscopy techniques were used to probe elemental and chemical state information of the aggregate sample. We illustrated the complete chemical speciation methodology of the model particle by using XMIDAS. Next, we demonstrated the application of this approach in detecting and characterizing nanoparticles associated with alveolar macrophages. Our multimodal approach combining nano-XRF, nano-XANES, and differential phase-contrast imaging efficiently visualizes the chemistry of localized nanostructure with the morphology. We believe that the optimized data-reduction strategies and tool development will facilitate the analysis of complex biological and environmental samples using X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polymer Zwitterions for Stabilization of CsPbBr 3 Perovskite Nanoparticles and Nanocomposite Films

Functional polymers with sulfobetaine or phosphorylcholine zwitterions as pendent groups are demonstrated as both ligands and host matrices for CsPbBr 3 perovskite nanoparticles (PNPs). These polymers produce nanocomposite films with excellent NP dispersion, optical transparency, and impressive resistance to NP degradation upon exposure to water. Multidentate interactions of the zwitterion-containing copolymers with the PNPs induce dispersed or weakly aggregated nanocomposite morphologies, depending on the extent of zwitterionic functionality in the polymer. Incorporating additional functionality into the polymers, such as benzophenone pendent groups, yields lithographically patternable films, while time-resolved photoluminescence measurements provide insight into the electronic impact of PNPs in zwitterionic polymer matrices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NanoPSD: A software for automatic detection of Nano-Particle Shape Distribution in electron microscopy images

Accurate quantification of the size and morphology of nanoparticles from electron microscopy (EM) images is essential to understand growth mechanisms, surface reactivity, and functional behavior in nanoscale materials. Manual analysis remains slow, subjective, and difficult to reproduce in large datasets. We introduce NanoPSD (Nano-Particle Shape Distribution), an open-source and fully automated framework for quantitative particle detection and morphology analysis from EM images. NanoPSD integrates adaptive contrast enhancement, polarity-agnostic scale-bar detection, Optical Character Recognition (OCR)-based calibration, and classical segmentation via Otsu thresholding with morphological refinement. Particle contours are used to extract geometric descriptors, including equivalent circular diameter, aspect ratio, circularity, and solidity, enabling automated classification into spherical, rod-like, and aggregate morphologies. The framework supports both single-image and batch processing, generating publication-quality visualizations, LaTeX-ready tables, and structured comma-separated values (CSV) datasets. As a demonstration, we applied NanoPSD to plasma-synthesized nanoparticle samples diagnosed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The code produced statistically robust size and morphology distributions spanning a few to tens of nanometers with minimal user supervision. The pipeline demonstrates high reproducibility and scalability, processing large image collections with consistent calibration and output formatting. Its modular design enables seamless integration of future deep-learning-based segmentation models, providing a pathway toward intelligent, data-driven electron microscopy analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shape Control of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals through Thermodynamically Driven Aggregative Growth

The optoelectronic properties of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) can be manipulated by changing their geometric shapes. The precise synthetic control over particle morphologies, however, has remained elusive. Conventional growth techniques rely on the kinetic assembly of atomic units, where supersaturation and precipitation processes can lead to a broad distribution of particle shapes. In this paper, we demonstrate that replacing atomic precursors with small-size nanocrystals as building blocks for larger colloids offers an easier, more predictive control over nanoparticle shape evolution. The reported growth strategy is illustrated via shape-selective syntheses of CdSe and CdS NC cubes, spheres, rods, as well as unprecedented “donut” and ring-like structures. Growth of desired particle morphologies was achieved by choosing an appropriate reaction solvent that minimizes the surface free energy through a unique shape formation. This so-called "aggregative growth mechanism" is explained using a thermodynamic model for interacting viscous colloids. We expect that this novel growth strategy will offer a viable platform for shape–selective synthesis of many inorganic colloids, providing pathways to optimizable optoelectronic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Potential use of engineered nanoparticles in ocean fertilization for large-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal

Artificial ocean fertilization (AOF) aims to safely stimulate phytoplankton growth in the ocean and enhance carbon sequestration. AOF carbon sequestration efficiency appears lower than natural ocean fertilization processes due mainly to the low bioavailability of added nutrients, along with low export rates of AOF-produced biomass to the deep ocean. Here we explore the potential application of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) to overcome these issues. Data from 123 studies show that some ENPs may enhance phytoplankton growth at concentrations below those likely to be toxic in marine ecosystems. ENPs may also increase bloom lifetime, boost phytoplankton aggregation and carbon export, and address secondary limiting factors in AOF. Life-cycle assessment and cost analyses suggest that net CO 2 capture is possible for iron, SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 ENPs with costs of 2–5 times that of conventional AOF, whereas boosting AOF efficiency by ENPs should substantially enhance net CO 2 capture and reduce these costs. Therefore, ENP-based AOF can be an important component of the mitigation strategy to limit global warming.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Enhanced Ion Conductivity through Hydrated, Polyelectrolyte-Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystal Films

Here,iIonically conductive, hydrated polyelectrolyte nanocomposites are prepared from iodomethane-treated poly(2-vinylpyridine) (mPV)-grafted cellulose nanocrystals (MxG-CNC-g-mPV). These polyelectrolyte-grafted nanoparticle (PEGN) films exhibit an order-of-magnitude higher iodide ion conductivity relative to mPV films and a high in-plane/through-plane anisotropy. The PEGN architecture prevents CNC aggregation, maximizing the CNC/polyelectrolyte interface. PEGN films were prepared with varying polymer graft density (0.03-0.12 chains/nm 2 ) and molecular weight (7k-30k g/mol). The greatest ion conductivity enhancement is observed with lower molecular weight, higher density grafts: ca. 89 ± 6 mS/cm (140 ±10 mS/cm accounting for the volume of the CNC) versus 3.3 ± 0.4 mS/cm for ungrafted mPV. Poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine)-grafted CNCs were prepared in which the insulating polystyrene block or the conducting mPV block was directly attached to the CNCs; only the films with the mPV block closest to the CNCs exhibited an enhancement in conductivity relative to mPV. Together, these data point to beneficial CNC/polyelectrolyte interfacial effects, resulting in significant ionic conductivity enhancement along the length of the CNCs in these films.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Plutonium Retention by Crystalline Silicotitanate under Hyperalkaline Conditions Relevant to Tank-Side Cesium-Removal at the Hanford Site

Crystalline silicotitanate (CST) is used in Hanford’s Tank-Side Cesium-Removal (TSCR) process to selectively remove Cs-137 from highly caustic, nitrate-rich tank supernatants. Recent testing with actual waste samples suggests that CST can also retain measurable plutonium (Pu), which could affect radiological classification and disposal pathways for spent CST. To quantify this behavior, Pu partitioning to CST was studied under Hanford-relevant conditions using batch-contact experiments in a representative simulant (2 M NaNO3, 0.7 M NaOH). Isotherm data were measured and distribution ratios calculated, with Cs+ uptake used as benchmark. Under low-carbonate conditions, Pu was retained strongly by CST in systems initially contacted with either PuO2 nanoparticles (Pu(IV)) or aqueous Pu(VI), with distribution ratios of ~2,200–3,700 mL/g, generally exceeding those for Cs+ (~400–1,000 mL/g). Increasing carbonate concentration strongly reduced PuO2 nanoparticle retention; at [Na2CO3] = 1 M, distribution ratios decreased by up to one order of magnitude to roughly 100–300 mL/g. Electron microscopy suggests that Pu retention involves a combination of mechanisms such as PuO2 NP aggregation induced by CST leachate components, and association with CST bead surfaces.

Neumann, J.↗

Atomically Precise Single Metal Oxide Cluster Catalyst with Oxygen–Controlled Activity

Single cluster catalysts (SCCs) consisting of atomically precise metal nanoclusters dispersed on supports represent a new frontier of heterogeneous catalysis. However, the ability to synthesize SCCs with high loading and to precisely introduce non-metal atoms to further tune their catalytic activity and reaction scope of SCCs have been longstanding challenges. In this work, a new interface confinement strategy is developed for the synthesis of a high density of atomically precise Ru oxide nanoclusters (Ru 3 O 2 ) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), attributed to the suppression of diffusion-induced metal cluster aggregation. Ru 3 O 2 /rGO exhibits a significantly enhanced activity for oxidative dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) to quinoline with a high yield (≈86%) and selectivity (≈99%), superior to Ru and RuO 2 nanoparticles, and homogeneous single/multiple-site Ru catalysts. In addition, Ru 3 O 2 /rGO is also capable of efficiently catalyzing more complex oxidative reactions involving three reactants. The theoretical calculations reveal that the presence of two oxygen atoms in the Ru 3 O 2 motif not only leads to a weak hydrogen bonding interaction between the THQ reactant and the active site, but also dramatically depletes the density of states near the Fermi level, which is attributed to the increased positive valence state of Ru and the enhanced oxidative activity of the Ru 3 O 2 cluster for hydrogen abstraction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polymer Zwitterions for Stabilization of CsPbBr 3 Perovskite Nanoparticles and Nanocomposite Films

Abstract Functional polymers with sulfobetaine or phosphorylcholine zwitterions as pendent groups are demonstrated as both ligands and host matrices for CsPbBr 3 perovskite nanoparticles (PNPs). These polymers produce nanocomposite films with excellent NP dispersion, optical transparency, and impressive resistance to NP degradation upon exposure to water. Multidentate interactions of the zwitterion‐containing copolymers with the PNPs induce dispersed or weakly aggregated nanocomposite morphologies, depending on the extent of zwitterionic functionality in the polymer. Incorporating additional functionality into the polymers, such as benzophenone pendent groups, yields lithographically patternable films, while time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements provide insight into the electronic impact of PNPs in zwitterionic polymer matrices.

Kim, Hyunki↗

Migration and aggregation of Pt atoms on metal oxide-supported ceria nanodomes control reverse water gas shift reaction activity

Abstract Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are particularly sensitive to external conditions, complicating the identification of catalytically active species and active sites under in situ or operando conditions. We developed a methodology for tracing the structural evolution of SACs to nanoparticles, identifying the active species and their link to the catalytic activity for the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The new method is illustrated by studying structure-activity relationships in two materials containing Pt SACs on ceria nanodomes, supported on either ceria or titania. These materials exhibited distinctly different activities for CO production. Multimodal operando characterization attributed the enhanced activity of the titania-supported catalysts at temperatures below 320 ˚C to the formation of unique Pt sites at the ceria-titania interface capable of forming Pt nanoparticles, the active species for the RWGS reaction. Migration of Pt nanoparticles to titania support was found to be responsible for the deactivation of titania-supported catalysts at elevated temperatures. Tracking the migration of Pt atoms provides a new opportunity to investigate the activation and deactivation of Pt SACs for the RWGS reaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of Fe 3 O 4 core–TiO 2 shell nanocomposites and nanoconjugates as a foundation for neuroblastoma radiosensitization

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in childhood which, despite the current progress in radiotherapy and chemotherapy protocols, still has a high mortality rate in high risk tumors. Nanomedicine offers exciting and unexploited opportunities to overcome the shortcomings of conventional medicine. The photocatalytic properties of Fe 3 O 4 core-TiO 2 shell nanocomposites and their potential for cell specific targeting suggest that nanoconstructs produced using Fe 3 O 4 core-TiO 2 shell nanocomposites could be used to enhance radiation effects in neuroblastoma. In this study, we evaluated bare, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) coated Fe 3 O4@TiO 2 as potential radiosensitizers for neuroblastoma in vitro. The uptake of bare and MIBG coated nanocomposites modestly sensitized neuroblastoma cells to ionizing radiation. Conversely, cells exposed to DOPAC coated nanocomposites exhibited a five-fold enhanced sensitivity to radiation, increased numbers of radiation induced DNA double-strand breaks, and apoptotic cell death. The addition of a peptide mimic of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) to nanoconjugates coated with MIBG altered their intracellular distribution. Cryo X-ray fluorescence microscopy tomography of frozen hydrated cells treated with these nanoconjugates revealed cytoplasmic as well as nuclear distribution of the nanoconstructs. The intracellular distribution pattern of different nanoconjugates used in this study was different for different nanoconjugate surface molecules. Cells exposed to DOPAC covered nanoconjugates showed the smallest nanoconjugate uptake, with the most prominent pattern of large intracellular aggregates. Interestingly, cells treated with this nanoconjugate also showed the most pronounced radiosensitization effect in combination with the external beam x-ray irradiation. Further studies are necessary to evaluate mechanistic basis for this increased radiosensitization effect. Preliminary studies with the nanoparticles carrying an EGF mimicking peptide showed that this approach to targeting could perhaps be combined with a different approach to radiosensitization – use of nanoconjugates in combination with the radioactive iodine. Much additional work will be necessary in order to evaluate possible benefits of targeted nanoconjugates carrying radionuclides.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Distance makes a difference in crystalline photoluminescence

Crystallization-induced photoluminescence weakening was recently revealed in ultrasmall metal nanoparticles. However, the fundamentals of the phenomenon are not understood yet. By obtaining conformational isomer crystals of gold nanoclusters, we investigate crystallization-induced photoluminescence weakening and reveal that the shortening of interparticle distance decreases photoluminescence, which is further supported by high-pressure photoluminescence experiments. To interpret this, we propose a distance-dependent non-radiative transfer model of excitation electrons and support it with additional theoretical and experimental results. This model can also explain both aggregation-induced quenching and aggregation-induced emission phenomena. This work improves our understanding of aggregated-state photoluminescence, contributes to the concept of conformational isomerism in nanoclusters, and demonstrates the utility of high pressure studies in nanochemistry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Overview of Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation Applications

The environmental remediation capabilities of nanoparticles were reviewed and evaluated. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to remediate various forms of environmental contamination. Various materials, morphologies, and conditions are required to remediate different contaminants. Nanoparticles may have benefits and/or limitations compared with traditional remediation methods. New techniques are being applied to mitigate the limitations of NPs. Nanomaterials are a promising technology for the environmental remediation. NPs have been used for the remediation of aqueous and atmospheric contaminants. Nanoparticles have been used to sequester contaminants toxic to human and environmental health. Various materials, morphologies, and conditions are necessary for the remediation of different contaminants. The remediation of heavy metals is of significant concern. Contaminants may be remediated by means of sorption or reduction. The remediation capability of nanoparticles is promising due to their high surface area and reactivity. Reaction kinetics are, therefore, notably fast. These characteristics make NPs attractive for environmental remediation. Various NPs have been used as sequestering agents for environmental contaminants. NPs have been used to remediate heavy metals as well as organic contaminants. Technical Objectives: Assess viability of nanoparticles (NPs) for environmental remediation; Review benefits and limitations of NPs; Design future experiments to test remediation capabilities of NPs. Future Plans: Create NP filters for remediation - Grow Au NPs on Stainless Steel Wool: Stainless steel wool has many defects and crevices allowing the Au NPs to grow on the surface; Stainless steel wool will not react with the heavy metal contaminants tested; NPs are embedded, so they do not have to be removed from solution. Test sorption capabilities with heavy metal contaminants in aqueous solution. Benefits of Gold NPs: Corrosion/oxidation resistant; Exhibit visible/near IR plasmon resonance; Can be synthesized by solution chemistry: cost efficient and easily scalable. Surfactants: Used to lower surface energy and prevent aggregation; Sodium citrate: anionic surfactant (-); Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB): cationic surfactant (+); Ionic surfactants create charged NPs; Charged NPs can be used to sequester ionic contaminants (eg. heavy metals)

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗