Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

Cobalt-Doped Ceria/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite As An Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst And Supercapacitor Material, Shaikh Parwaiz, Kousik Bhunia, Ashok Kumar Das, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, Debabrata Pradhan

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

The Effect Of Frictional And Adhesion Forces Attributed To Slurry Particles On The Surface Quality Of Polished Copper, Yi-Koan Hong, Ja-Hyung Han, Tae-Gon Kim, Jin-Goo Park, Ahmed A. Busnaina

Ahmed A. Busnaina

The effect of frictional and adhesion forces attributed to slurry particles on the quality of copper surfaces was experimentally investigated during copper chemical mechanical planarization process. The highest frictional force of 9 Kgf and adhesion force of 5.83 nN were observed in a deionized water-based alumina slurry. On the other hand, the smallest frictional force of 4 Kgf and adhesion force of 0.38 nN were measured in an alumina slurry containing citric acid. However, frictional (6 Kgf) and adhesion (1 nN) forces of silica particles in the slurry were not significantly changed regardless of the addition of citric acid. These …

The Effect Of Frictional And Adhesion Forces Attributed To Slurry Particles On The Surface Quality Of Polished Copper, Yi-Koan Hong, Ja-Hyung Han, Tae-Gon Kim, Jin-Goo Park, Ahmed A. Busnaina

Ahmed A. Busnaina

The effect of frictional and adhesion forces attributed to slurry particles on the quality of copper surfaces was experimentally investigated during copper chemical mechanical planarization process. The highest frictional force of 9 Kgf and adhesion force of 5.83 nN were observed in a deionized water-based alumina slurry. On the other hand, the smallest frictional force of 4 Kgf and adhesion force of 0.38 nN were measured in an alumina slurry containing citric acid. However, frictional (6 Kgf) and adhesion (1 nN) forces of silica particles in the slurry were not significantly changed regardless of the addition of citric acid. These …

Analytical Models For Atomic Friction, Yalin Dong, Ajay Vadakkepatt, Ashlie Martini

Dr. Yalin Dong

In this methods article, we describe application of Prandtl–Tomlinson models and their extensions to interpret dry atomic-scale friction. The goal is to provide a practical overview of how to use these models to study frictional phenomena. We begin with the fundamental equations and build on them step-by-step—from the simple quasistatic one-spring, one-mass model for predicting transitions between friction regimes to the two-dimensional and multi-atom models for describing the effect of contact area. The intention is to bridge the gap between theoretical analysis, numerical implementation, and predicted physical phenomena. In the process, we provide an introductory manual with example computer programs …

Au@Tio2 Nanocomposites For The Catalytic Degradation Of Methyl Orange And Methylene Blue: An Electron Relay Effect, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, J. Lee, M. H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

Au@TiO2 nanocomposites were used for the catalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue by NaBH4. A detail pathway for step by step reduction, oxidation and complete mineralization of intermediates into the respective end-products was established by UV-vis spectroscopy, chemical oxygen demand, ion chromatography and cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV studies confirmed that the dyes were reduced and oxidized to the end-products by NaBH4 in the presence of Au@TiO2 nanocomposites and O2•, •OH and HO2• radicals generated in-situ. Results suggest that Au@TiO2 nanocomposites not only assist in the decolorization of dyes, but also promote their complete mineralization into harmless end-products.

Biogenic Fabrication Of Au@Ceo2 Nanocomposite With Enhanced Visible Light Activity, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, S. A. Ansari, M. O. Ansari, B. K. Min, J Lee, M. H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

This study reports a biogenic approach to the synthesis of Au@CeO2 nanocomposite using electrochemically active biofilms (EABs) in water under normal pressure and 30 °C. This work presents the results of extensive morphological, structural, optical, visible light photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic studies of Au@CeO2 nanocomposite. The presence of a large number of interfaces between Au nanoparticles and CeO2 for charge transfer is believed to play a key role in enhancing the optical and visible light photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance of Au@CeO2 nanocomposite. The enhanced visible light degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue by Au@CeO2 nanocomposite was much higher than that …

Bovine Serum Albumin (Bsa) And Cleaved-Bsa Conjugated Ultrasmallgd2o3nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, And Application To Mri Contrast Agents, Md Wasi Ahmad, Cho Rong Kim, Jong Su Baeck, Yongmin Chang, Tae Jeong Kim, Ji Eun Bae, Kwon Seok Chae, Gang Ho Lee

Dr. Mohammad Wasi Ahmad (Md Wasi Ahmad)

No abstract provided.

Biogenic Synthesis, Photocatalytic, And Photoelectrochemical Performance Of Ag–Zno Nanocomposite, S. A. Ansari, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, M. O. Ansari, J. Lee, M. H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

The development of coupled photoactive materials (metal/semiconductor) has resulted in significant advancements in heterogeneous visible light photocatalysis. This work reports the novel biogenic synthesis of visible light active Ag–ZnO nanocomposite for photocatalysis and photoelectrode using an electrochemically active biofilm (EAB). The results showed that the EAB functioned as a biogenic reducing tool for the reduction of Ag+, thereby eliminating the need for conventional reducing agents. The as-prepared Ag–ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the Ag–ZnO nanocomposite possessed excellent visible light photocatalytic activity …

Oxygen Vacancy Induced Band Gap Narrowing Of Zno Nanostructure By Electrochemically Active Biofilm, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, A. A. Ansari, S. Kalathil, A. Nisar, J. Lee, M. H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

Band gap narrowing is important and advantageous for potential visible light photocatalytic applications involving metal oxide nanostructures. This paper reports simple biogenic approach for the promotion of oxygen vacancies in pure zinc oxide (p-ZnO) nanostructures using an electrochemically active biofilm (EAB), which is different from traditional techniques for narrowing the band gap of nanomaterials. The novel protocol improved the visible photocatalytic activity of modified ZnO (m-ZnO) nanostructures through the promotion of oxygen vacancies, which resulted in band gap narrowing of the ZnO nanostructure (Eg = 3.05 eV) without dopants. X-ray diffraction, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic …

Production Of Bioelectricity, Bio-Hydrogen, High Value Chemicals And 3 Bioinspired Nanomaterials By Electrochemically Active Biofilms, S. Kalathil, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, M. H. Cho, J. Lee

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

Microorganisms naturally form biofilms on solid surfaces for their mutual benefits including protection from environmental stresses caused by contaminants, nutritional depletion or imbalances. The biofilms are normally dangerous to human health due to their inherited robustness. On the other hand, a recent study suggested that electrochemically active biofilms (EABs) generated by electrically active microorganisms have properties that can be used to catalyze or control the electrochemical reactions in a range of fields, such as bioenergy production, bioremediation, chemical/biological synthesis, bio-corrosion mitigation and biosensor development. EABs have attracted considerable attraction in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), such as microbial fuel cells and microbial …

Enhanced Optical, Visible Light Catalytic And Electrochemical Properties Of Au@Tio2 Nanocomposites, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, Sajid A. Ansari

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

Au@TiO2 nanocomposites and pure TiO2 were successfully used to know the effect of Au on TiO2 and their comparative optical, visible light catalytic andelectrochemical activities were investigated. Optical parameters such as band gap energy (Eg = 2.4 eV), absorption coefficient (a), refractive index (n) and dielectric constants (s) have been determined using different methods. Visible light (590 nm) catalytic activity of Au@TiO2 nanocomposites was performed for reducing methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. CV, EIS and DPV studies demonstrate that Au@TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit redox behavior, charged its surface by accumulating electrons, store and release the electrons.

Enhanced Performance Of A Microbial Fuel Cell Using Cnt/Mno2 Nanocomposites As A Bioanode Materials, S. Kalathil, A Hoa, J Shim, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, J Lee, M H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

The anode electrode material is a crucial factor for the overall performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this study, a plain carbon paper modified with the CNT/MnO 2 nanocomposite was used as the anode for the MFC and a mixed culture inoculum was used as the biocatalyst. The modified anode showed better electrochemical performance than that of plain carbon paper, and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) analysis showed the high surface area (94.6 m2/g) of the composite. The Mn4+ in the nanocomposite may enhance the electron transfer between the microorganisms and the anode material which facilitates electron conduction. Additionally, …

Surface Coated Eu(Oh)3 Nanorods: A Facile Synthesis, Characterization, Mr Relaxivities And In Vitro Cytotoxicity, Krishna Katte, Ja Young Park, Wenlong Xu, Badrul Alam Bony, Woo Cheol Heo, Tirusew Tegafaw, Cho Rong Kim, Md Wasi Ahmad, Seonguk Jin, Jong Su Baeck, Yongmin Chang, Tae Jeong Kim, Ji Eun Bae, Kwon Seok Chae, Ji Yun Jeong, Gang Ho Lee

Dr. Mohammad Wasi Ahmad (Md Wasi Ahmad)

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Gold Nanoparticles Using A Stainless Steel Mesh, Thi Hiep Han, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, S Kalathil, J Lee, M H. Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

A novel, rapid, one-pot, and facile approach was developed to synthesize positively charged gold nanoparticles [(+) AuNPs] by employing an aqueous solution of HAuCl4·3H2O as a precursor at 30 °C and a stainless-steel mesh as a reducing agent. The penetration of Cl− ions into the stainless-steel surface results in corrosion on the stainless-steel surface and excretion of electrons which are used for reduction of Au3+ → Au0. As a result, (+) AuNPs 5-20 nm in size, mostly monodispersed, were synthesized within 3 h. The as-synthesized AuNPs were charaterized by UV-vis, DLS, XRD, TEM, HR-TEM, EDX and SAED. The utilization of …

Positively Charged Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized By Electrochemically Active Biofilm – A Biogenic Approach, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, S. Kalathil, J. Lee, Moo Hwan Cho

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

Positively charged gold nanoparticles [(+) AuNPs] of 5-20 nm were synthesized by using electrochemically active biofilm (EAB) formed on a stainless steel mesh, within 30 minutes, in aqueous solution containing HAuCl4 as a precursor and sodium acetate as an electron donor. Electrochemically active bacteria present on biofilm oxidize the sodium acetate by producing electrons. Simultaneously, stainless steel also provides electrons because of the Cl− ions penetration into the stainless steel. Combined effect of both the EAB and stainless steel mesh enhances the availability of electrons for the reduction of Au3+ in the solution, which makes this synthesis efficient and fast. …

The Effect Of Frictional And Adhesion Forces Attributed To Slurry Particles On The Surface Quality Of Polished Copper, Yi-Koan Hong, Ja-Hyung Han, Tae-Gon Kim, Jin-Goo Park, Ahmed Busnaina

Jin-Goo Park

The effect of frictional and adhesion forces attributed to slurry particles on the quality of copper surfaces was experimentally investigated during copper chemical mechanical planarization process. The highest frictional force of 9 Kgf and adhesion force of 5.83 nN were observed in a deionized water-based alumina slurry. On the other hand, the smallest frictional force of 4 Kgf and adhesion force of 0.38 nN were measured in an alumina slurry containing citric acid. However, frictional (6 Kgf) and adhesion (1 nN) forces of silica particles in the slurry were not significantly changed regardless of the addition of citric acid. These …

Bacterial Isolation By Lectin-Modified Microengines, Susana Campuzano, Jahir Orozco, Daniel Kagan, Maria Guix, Wei Gao, Sirilak Sattayasamitsathit, Jonathan C. Claussen, Arben Merkoci, Joseph Wang

Jonathan C. Claussen

New template-based self-propelled gold/nickel/polyaniline/platinum (Au/Ni/PANI/Pt) microtubular engines, functionalized with the Concanavalin A (ConA) lectin bioreceptor, are shown to be extremely useful for the rapid, real-time isolation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from fuel-enhanced environmental, food, and clinical samples. These multifunctional microtube engines combine the selective capture of E. coli with the uptake of polymeric drug-carrier particles to provide an attractive motion-based theranostics strategy. Triggered release of the captured bacteria is demonstrated by movement through a low-pH glycine-based dissociation solution. The smaller size of the new polymer-metal microengines offers convenient, direct, and label-free optical visualization of the captured bacteria and …

Fluorescein-Polyethyleneimine Coated Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles As T1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri)–Cell Labeling (Cl) Dual Agents, Wenlong Xu, Ja Young Park, Krishna Kattel, Md Wasi Ahmad, Badrul Alam Bony, Woo Choul Heo, Seonguk Jin, Jang Woo Park, Yongmin Chang, Tae Jeong Kim, Ji Ae Park, Ji Yeon Do, Kwon Seok Chae, Gang Ho Lee

Dr. Mohammad Wasi Ahmad (Md Wasi Ahmad)

We report the synthesis, characterization and application of highly water-soluble fluoresceinpolyethyleneimine (PEI) coated gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cell labeling (CL). The average particle diameter and average hydrodynamic diameter were estimated to be 3.92 and 7.5 nm, respectively. Fluorescein-PEI was prepared from EDC/NHS coupling method. The surface coating was characterized by the FT-IR absorption spectrum and the surface coating amount was estimated to be 22.42 wt% from a TGA analysis, corresponding to 0.65 nm22 grafting density. The fluorescein-PEI coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles showed r1 and r2 of 6.76 and 20.27 s21mM21, respectively, and a strong …

Enhancement In The Photocatalytic Activity Of Au@Tio2 Nanocomposites By Pretreatment Of Tio2 With Uv Light, Mohammad Mansoob Khan Dr, M. H. Cho Dr

Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan

A novel, efficient and controlled protocol for the synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Au@TiO2 nanocomposite is developed. TiO2 (P25) was pretreated by employing UV light (λ = 254 nm) and the pretreated TiO2 was uniformly decorated by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in presence of sodium citrate and UV light. UV pretreatment makes the TiO2 activated, as electrons were accumulated within the TiO2 in the conduction band. These accumulated electrons facilitate the formation of AuNPs which were of very small size (2-5 nm), similar morphology and uniformly deposited at TiO2 surface. It leads to formation of stable and crystalline Au@TiO2 nanocomposites. …

Carboxymethylation Of Kappa-Carrageenan For Intestinal-Targeted Delivery Of Bioactive Macromolecules, Kok Hoong Leong

Kok Hoong Leong

The work presented herein discusses the carboxymethylation of kappa-carrageenan, a natural linear polysaccharide, to afford a pH-dependent swelling property allowing for intestinal-targeted delivery of bioactive macromolecules. The carboxymethylation conditions with respect to the volume and concentration of sodium hydroxide (VNaOH, CNaOH), weight of monochloroacetic acid (WMCA), and reaction temperature (T) were optimized using a response surface method incorporating a multivariate spline interpolation technique (RSMS). Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (FD-4; 4.4 kDa) was used as a hydrophilic macromolecule model. Beads made from encapsulating FD-4 in the carboxymethylated kappa-carrageenan displayed pH-dependent swelling and encapsulation efficiency of 74%. The release of FD-4 was low …

Rh1−Xpdxnanoparticle Composition Dependence In Co Oxidation By Oxygen: Catalytic Activity Enhancement In Bimetallic Systems, James Russell Renzas, Wenyu Huang, Yawen Zhang, Michael E. Grass, Dat Tien Hoang, Selim Alayoglu, Derek R. Butcher, Franklin Tao, Zhi Liu, Gabor A. Somorjai

Wenyu Huang

Bimetallic 15 nm Rh1−xPdxnanoparticle catalysts of five different compositions and supported on Si wafers have been synthesized, characterized using TEM, SEM, and XPS, and studied in CO oxidation by O2 in two pressure regimes: atmospheric pressure and 100–200 mTorr. The RhPd bimetallic nanocrystals exhibited similar synergetic effect of increased reaction activity at both atmospheric (760 Torr) and moderate (100–200 mTorr) pressures compared with pure Pd or Rh. The magnitude of the effect depends on the relative pressures of the CO and O2 reactant gases and the reaction temperature. The catalytic activity of the nanocrystals measured at moderate pressure is directly …

Rh1−X Pd X Nanoparticle Composition Dependence In Co Oxidation By No, James Russell Renzas, Wenyu Huang, Yawen Zhang, Michael E. Grass, Gabor A. Somorjai

Wenyu Huang

Bimetallic 15 nm Pd-core Rh-shell Rh1−x Pd x nanoparticle catalysts have been synthesized and studied in CO oxidation by NO. The catalysts exhibited composition-dependent activity enhancement (synergy) in CO oxidation in high NO pressures. The observed synergetic effect is attributed to the favorable adsorption of CO on Pd in NO-rich conditions. The Pd-rich bimetallic catalysts deactivated after many hours of oxidation of CO by NO. After catalyst deactivation, product formation was proportional to the Rh molar fraction within the bimetallic nanoparticles. The deactivated catalysts were regenerated by heating the sample in UHV. This regeneration suggests that the deactivation was caused …

Size Effect Of Ruthenium Nanoparticles In Catalytic Carbon Monoxide Oxidation, Sang Hoon Joo, Jeong Y. Park, J. Russell Renzas, Derek R. Butcher, Wenyu Huang, Gabor A. Somorjai

Wenyu Huang

Carbon monoxide oxidation over ruthenium catalysts has shown an unusual catalytic behavior. Here we report a particle size effect on CO oxidation over Ru nanoparticle (NP) catalysts. Uniform Ru NPs with a tunable particle size from 2 to 6 nm were synthesized by a polyol reduction of Ru(acac)3 precursor in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) stabilizer. The measurement of catalytic activity of CO oxidation over two-dimensional Ru NPs arrays under oxidizing reaction conditions (40 Torr CO and 100 Torr O2) showed an activity dependence on the Ru NP size. The CO oxidation activity increases with NP size, and the 6 nm …

Highly Active Heterogeneous Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts For Homogeneous Electrophilic Reactions In Solution And The Utilization Of A Continuous Flow Reactor, Wenyu Huang, Jack Hung Chang Liu, Pinar Alayoglu, Yimin Li, Cole A. Whitman, Chia-Kuang Tsung, F. Dean Toste, Gabor A/ Somorjai

Wenyu Huang

highly active heterogeneous Pd-nanoparticle catalyst for the intramolecular addition of phenols to alkynes was developed and employed in a continuous flow reaction system. Running the reaction in flow mode revealed reaction kinetics, such as the activation energy and catalyst deactivation, and provides many potential practical advantages.

Seedless Polyol Synthesis And Co Oxidation Activity Of Monodisperse (111)- And (100)-Oriented Rhodium Nanocrystals In Sub-10 Nm Sizes, Yawen Zhang, Michael E. Grass, Wenyu Huang, Gabor A. Somoraji

Wenyu Huang

Monodisperse sub-10 nm (6.5 nm) sized Rh nanocrystals with (111) and (100) surface structures were synthesized by a seedless polyol reduction in ethylene glycol, with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a capping ligand. When using [Rh(Ac)2]2 as the metal precursor, (111)-oriented Rh nanopolyhedra containing 76% (111)-twinned hexagons (in 2D projection) were obtained; whereas, when employing RhCl3 as the metal precursor in the presence of alkylammonium bromide, such as tetramethylammonium bromide and trimethyl(tetradecyl)ammonium bromide, (100)-oriented Rh nanocubes were obtained with 85% selectivity. The {100} faces of the Rh nanocrystals are stabilized by chemically adsorbed Br− ions from alkylammonium bromides, which led to (100)-oriented nanocubes. …

Furan Hydrogenation Over Pt(111) And Pt(100) Single-Crystal Surfaces And Pt Nanoparticles From 1 To 7 Nm: A Kinetic And Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy Study, Christopher J. Kliewer, Cesar Aliaga, Marco Bieri, Wenyu Huang, Chia-Kuang Tsung, Jennifer B. Wood, Kyriankos Komvopoulos, Gabor A. Somorjai

Wenyu Huang

Sum frequency generation surface vibrational spectroscopy and kinetic measurements using gas chromatography have been used to systematically study the adsorption and hydrogenation of furan over Pt(111) and Pt(100) single-crystal surfaces and size-controlled 1.0-nm, 3.5-nm and 7.0-nm Pt nanoparticles at Torr pressures (10 Torr of furan, 100 Torr of H2) to form dihydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, and the ring-cracking products butanol and propylene. As determined by SFG, the furan ring lies parallel to all Pt surfaces studied under hydrogenation conditions. Upright THF and the oxametallacycle intermediate are observed over the nanoparticle catalysts under reaction conditions. Butoxy increases in surface concentration over Pt(111) with …

Preparation Of Wo3 Nanoparticles Using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide Supermolecular Template, Nilofar Asim, S. Radiman, M.A. Bin Yarmo

Nilofar Asim

WO3 is one of the most interested metal oxides because of its application as catalysts, sensors, electrochromic devices, ceramic, solar cell, pigments and so on. More investigation is needed to find the good and low cost method for preparation of WO3 nanoparticles with uniform morphology and narrow distribution using a surfactant mediated method. Approach: In this study, the synthesis of WO3 nanoparticles was accomplished using a cationic surfactant (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) as the organic supermolecular template and WCl6 and NH4 OH as the inorganic precursor and counter ion source, respectively. The effects of reaction temperature and surfactant concentration in …

Rhodium Nanoparticle Shape Dependence In The Reduction Of No By Co, James Russell Renzas, Yawen Zhang, Wenyu Huang, Gabor Somoraji

Wenyu Huang

The shape dependence of the catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by carbon monoxide on rhodium nanopoly- hedra and nanocubes was studied from 230 to 270 ° C. The nanocubes are found to exhibit higher turnover frequency and lower activation energy than the nanopolyhedra. These trends are compared to previous studies on Rh single crystals.

Sub-10 Nm Platinum Nanocrystals With Size And Shape Control: Catalytic Study For Ethylene And Pyrrole Hydrogenation, Chia-Kuang Tsung, John N. Kuhn, Wenyu Huang, Cesar Aliaga, Ling-I Hung, Gabor A. Somorjai, Peidong Yang

Wenyu Huang

Platinum nanocubes and nanopolyhedra with tunable size from 5 to 9 nm were synthesized by controlling the reducing rate of metal precursor ions in a one-pot polyol synthesis. A two-stage process is proposed for the simultaneous control of size and shape. In the first stage, the oxidation state of the metal ion precursors determined the nucleation rate and consequently the number of nuclei. The reaction temperature controlled the shape in the second stage by regulation of the growth kinetics. These well-defined nanocrystals were loaded into MCF-17 mesoporous silica for examination of catalytic properties. Pt loadings and dispersions of the supported …

Self-Organized Ultrathin Oxide Nanocrystals, Ziyang Huo, Chia-Kuang Tsung, Wenyu Huang, Melissa Fardy, Ruoxue Yan, Xiaofeng Zhang, Yandong Li, Peidong Yang

Wenyu Huang

Sub-2-nm (down to one-unit cell) uniform oxide nanocrystals and highly ordered superstructures were obtained in one step using oleylamine and oleic acid as capping and structure directing agents. The cooperative nature of the nanocrystal growth and assembly resulted in mesoscopic one-dimensional ribbon-like superstructures made of these ultrathin nanocrystals. The process reported here is general and can be readily extended to the production of many other transition metal (TiO2, ZnO, Nb2O5) and rare earth oxide (Eu2O3, Sm2O3, Er2O3, Y2O3, Tb2O3, and Yb2O3) systems.