Gold-catalytic green synthesis of Cu2O/Au/CuO hierarchical nanostructure and application for CO gas sensor

Hierarchical Cu20/Au/CuO nanostructures have been achieved by water-based green fabrication at a low temperature. Precluding the requirement of the tem- plate removal, the generation of hierarchical architecture relied on the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles attached on the Cu20 nanocubes. Notably, we creatively developed the dual-roles catalytic ability of gold, which not only remarkably increased the specific surface area of this architecture, but also provided the enhanced performance for gas sensing.     

Towards molecular electronics with large-area molecular junctions

Electronic transport through single molecules has been studied extensively by academic and industrial research groups. Discrete tunnel junctions, or molecular diodes, have been reported using scanning probes, break junctions, metallic crossbars and nanopores. For technological applications, molecular tunnel junctions must be reliable, stable and reproducible. The conductance per molecule, however, typically varies by many orders of magnitude. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) may offer a promising route to the fabrication of reliable devices, and charge transport through SAMs of alkanethiols within nanopores is well understood, with non-resonant tunnelling dominating the transport mechanism. Unfortunately, electrical shorts in SAMs are often formed upon vapour deposition of the top electrode, which limits the diameter of the nanopore diodes to about 45 nm. Here we demonstrate a method to manufacture molecular junctions with diameters up to 100 microm with high yields (> 95 per cent). The junctions show excellent stability and reproducibility, and the conductance per unit area is similar to that obtained for benchmark nanopore diodes. Our technique involves processing the molecular junctions in the holes of a lithographically patterned photoresist, and then inserting a conducting polymer interlayer between the SAM and the metal top electrode. This simple approach is potentially low-cost and could pave the way for practical molecular electronics.     

Investigation of self-assembled protein dimers through an artificial ion channel for DNA sensing

Artificial nanopores have become promising tools for sensing DNA. Here, we report a new technique for sensing DNA through a conical-shaped nanopore embed- ded in track-etched polyethylene terephthalate （PET） membrane. Two different streptavidin-conjugated mono- valent DNA probes were prepared that can bind to two distinct segments （at either end） of the target DNA. The size of target DNA-linked to the two streptavidin-conju- gated monovalent DNA probes is double that of the indi- vidual probes. By precisely controlling the tip diameter of the conical nanopore embedded in the PET polymer, events due to the translocation of the streptavidin-conjugated monovalent DNA probes through the nanopore can be fil- tered and purposely undetected, whereas the current pulses due to the translocation of the target DNA-induced self- assembled complexes can be detected. The two streptavi- din-conjugated DNA probes cannot be linked by multi- mismatched DNA. Therefore, multi-mismatched （non- specific） DNA will not induce any current pulse signatures. The current pulse signatures for the self-assembled com- plex can be used to confirm the presence of the target DNA. The size-dependent detection of self-assembled complexes on the molecular level shows strong promise for the detection of biomolecules without interference from the probes.     

An atomic force microscopy study of coal nanopore structure

Coal nanopore structure is an important factor in understanding the storage and migration of absorbed gas in coal. A new method for studying coal nanopore structures is proposed. This idea is based on the nano-level resolution of atomic force microscopy, which can be employed to observe the structural features of coal nanopores clearly, conduct quantitative three-dimensional measurements and obtain structural parameters. Analysis results show that coal nanopores are mainly metamorphic pores and intermolecul...     

DNA sequencing technology based on nanopore sensors by theoretical calculations and simulations

DNA sequencing based on nanopore sensors is a promising tool for third-generation sequencing technol- ogy because of its special properties, such as revolutionized speed and low cost. With about two decades of nanopore technology development, the pioneering work has dem- onstrated the ability of nanopores to perform single-mole- cule detection and DNA sequencing. However, the microscopic mechanisms of DNA transport dynamics through nanopores remain largely unknown. Currently, DNA microscopic transport in a nanopore is difficult to characterize and several unexpected experimental obser- vations are equivocal. This limitation can be resolved using theoretical calculations and simulations. These computa- tional methods can monitor the entire dynamic process that DNA undergoes in solution at a single-atom resolution that can accurately unveil the mystery of DNA transport dynamics and predict certain unexpected phenomena. This paper mainly reports the recent applications of computa- tional and simulation methods applied to the study of DNA transport through both biological and synthetic nanopores. We hope the theoretical calculations and simulations of DNA transport through nanopores can benefit the design of DNA sequencing devices.     

阳极氧化电压对纳米孔阵列阳极氧化铝膜形貌的影响

阳极氧化铝是将金属铝进行阳极氧化处理后，在其表面上形成的一层氧化膜，可对金属铝起到装饰和保护的作用．20世纪末人们发现，铝在适当的阳极氧化条件下可以制得具有纳米孔阵列的阳极氧化铝膜．随着纳米科学的蓬勃发展，纳米孔阵列阳极氧化铝膜由于其具有大的比表面积、高纵横比、大小均     

TLM钛合金表面二氧化钛三维结构纳米薄膜的可控制备及表征

为了提高血管支架医用钛合金表面的亲水性和抗溶血作用,采用阳极氧化工艺在近β型TLM(Ti-25Nb-3Mo-2Sn-3Zr)医用钛合金表面构建了具有纳米孔/纳米管三维结构二氧化钛(TiO2)纳米薄膜,并对其结构和性能进行表征.研究结果表明:通过控制一次阳极氧化电压和时间可获得具有上层为无序纳米孔、中层为有序纳米管、底层为有序纳米孔的三维结构TiO2纳米薄膜,该薄膜为无定形态;而采用二次阳极氧化工艺获得了纳米孔互贯网络的TiO2纳米薄膜,该薄膜表面更加平整,且表面孔隙率大、亲水性好,同时具有比一次阳极氧化薄膜更好的抗溶血作用,这为其应用于血管支架方面打下基础.     

Nanopore-based sensing devices and applications to genome sequencing: a brief history and the missing pieces

A nanopore on an impermeable membrane, which separates two chambers containing electrolytic solu- tion, can be used as a nanometre-sized Coulter counter for single-molecule biological sensing. With an applied poten- tial, charged molecules are electrically dragged through the pore, and the analytical information is sequentially read out from the current blockades. Nucleic acid, which is an elec- trically charged polymer, is an ideal analyte for nanopore analysis and nanopore sequencing. With the advantages of high-speed, label-free and single-molecule resolution, a nanopore sequencer is considered to be the most promising candidate for the third-generation DNA sequencing. In this review, a brief history of nanopore sequencing to date is summarized and discussed along with future prospects. Although successfully demonstrated for known viral gen- ome sequences, the nanopore sequencing technique still requires missing pieces like improved accuracy, automation and throughput for clinical diagnosis-level applications.     

Retarding and manipulating of DNA molecules translocation through nanopores

Nanopores are emerging sensitive sensors that can detect and analyze single charged molecule. Nanopores present a promising approach for sequencing human gen- ome below US$1,000 because of its superior performance, such as high throughput and low cost. However, a dominant bottleneck, that is, the high translocation speed of DNA molecules, has to be overcome. This property decreases accuracy of nanopore sensors to the single-base level. In this review, we mainly introduce the recent research works of retarding and manipulating of DNA motion through nanopores by actively control of three forces, which are the driving force, interaction force between nanopore and molecule, and exterior drag force. Lastly, conclusion and further outlook are presented pore-based DNA sequencing on future directions of nano- technology.     

Detection and analysis of DNA recapture through a solid-state nanopore

Motion control of a single molecule through a solid-state nanopore offers a new perspective on detecting and analyzing single biomolecules. Repeat recapture of a single DNA molecule reveals the dynamics in DNA translocation through a nanopore and may significantly increase the signal-to-noise ratio for DNA base distin- guishing. However, the transient current at the moment of voltage reversal prevents the observation of instantly recaptured molecules and invalidates the continuous DNA ping-pong control. We performed and analyzed the DNA translocation and recapture experiment in a silicon nitride solid-state nanopore. Numerical calculation of molecular motion clearly shows the recapture dynamics with different delay times. The prohibited time when the data acquisition system is saturated by the transient current is derived by equivalent circuit analysis and finite element simulation. The COMSOL simulation reveals that the membrane capacitance plays an important role in determining the electric field distribution during the charging process. As a result of the transient charging process, a non-constant driving force pulls the DNA back to nanopores faster than theoretically predicted. The observed long time constant in the transient current trace is explained by the dielectric absorption of the membrane capacitor.     

四川盆地周缘牛蹄塘组页岩微观孔隙结构特征

以四川盆地周缘地区下寒武统牛蹄塘组富有机质页岩为研究对象,通过X衍射全岩分析、低温液氮吸/脱附等实验方法技术对研究区页岩储层微观孔隙结构进行了系统研究;并探讨了控制纳米尺度微观孔隙结构的主要原因。结果表明:四川盆地周缘牛蹄塘组富有机质页岩矿物组分中石英、长石等脆性矿物含量较高,其次是黏土矿物;页岩微孔结构复杂,多为开放型空隙,以管状孔和平行壁的狭缝状孔为主;微观孔隙孔径主要分布在2~10 nm,以微孔为主。通过分析控制该区页岩储层微观孔隙结构的主要因素,认为有机碳含量是控制纳米级孔隙发育的主要因素,同时也是页岩气赋存的重要物质基础。     

金纳米粒子与谷胱甘肽相互作用及其分析应用

通过谷胱甘肽的巯基(-SH)与金纳米粒子的共价结合和氨基(-NH3+)与金纳米粒子的静电作用,使金纳米粒子自组装为有序的网状超分子结构,导致金纳米粒子的最大吸收波长从520 nm红移到668 nm,且在668 nm处的吸光度与谷胱甘肽的浓度在一定范围内呈正比.由此建立了以金纳米粒子为探针,简便、灵敏的测定谷胱甘肽的分析方法.本方法线性范围为0.01～0.20 mg/L,检出限3.0 μg/L(3 σ,9.8 nmol/L).     

P3HT和Spiro-OMeTAD共混物作为光活性层的杂化太阳电池性能

为降低电荷复合率,提高杂化太阳电池的性能,将P3HT与Spiro-OMeTAD共混后的混合物作为光活性层和空穴传输层,旋涂在Sb_2S_3纳米粒子敏化的TiO_2纳米棒(TiO_2NR/Sb_2S_3)复合膜上,制备成杂化太阳电池。通过SEM、紫外可见吸收光谱、XRD、电化学阻抗图谱、稳态荧光光谱、J-V曲线等手段,对杂化太阳电池的微观结构、光电转换特性进行了表征和测试。结果表明:P3HT与Spiro-OMeTAD共混物比例为15 mg/1 mL时,得到结构为FTO/TiO_2NR/Sb_2S_3/P3HT:Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag杂化太阳电池的电荷负荷率低,电子生命长,能量转换效率达到了4.57%。所制备的杂化太阳电池性能优良,具有良好的应用前景。     

页岩储层纳米孔气体传输耦合模型新研究

页岩气在纳米孔隙的传输过程中受多种因素影响,包括孔隙尺寸和压力、孔隙壁面粗糙度、孔隙力学反应、吸附诱导膨胀反应以及权重因子等。因此需要综合考虑以上因素以及吸附气分子在孔隙中所占空间对气体流动影响的条件下,厘清页岩气的不同运移机制（表面扩散、滑脱流、Knudsen扩散和黏性流动）在不同孔隙尺寸和压力下对纳米孔中总气体流量的贡献率。首先,对页岩气的不同运移方式进行了物理描述及数学表征,然后,在考虑孔隙壁面粗糙度、孔隙力学反应、吸附诱导膨胀反应和权重因子等因素的条件下,建立页岩气在储层纳米孔中的气体传输耦合数学模型,模型可靠性通过格子Boltzmann方法计算结果验证。研究结果表明,当孔径小于10 nm时,纳米孔的总流量主要由表面扩散流量组成,孔径越小,表面扩散流量越大;当孔径为40~250 nm和低压条件下,滑脱流和Knudsen扩散对气体传输影响较大;当孔径大于10 μm时,纳米孔的总流量主要为黏性流量。     

Synthesis, properties, and optical applications of noble metal nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates

Noble metal nanoparticles, such as gold or silver nanoparticles and nanorods, exhibit unique photonic, electronic and catalytic properties. Functionalization of noble metal nanoparticles with biomolecules (e.g., protein and DNA) produces systems that possess numerous applications in catalysis, delivery, therapy, imaging, sensing, constructing nanostructures and controlling the structure of biomolecules. In this paper, the recent development of noble metal nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates is reviewed from the following three aspects: (1) synthesis of noble metal nanoparticle-biomolecule systems by electrostatic adsorption, direct chemisorption of thiol derivatives, covalent binding through bifunctional linkers and specific affinity interactions; (2) the photonic properties and bioactivation of noble metal nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates; and (3) the optical applications of such systems in biosensors, and medical imaging, diagnosis, and therapy. The conjugation of Au and Ag nanoparticles with biomolecules and the most recent optical applications of the resulting systems have been focused on.     

数值模拟单个金纳米棒的吸收和散射特性

利用时域有限差分的方法,数值模拟了单个金纳米棒的吸收、散射和消光特性,比较了在相同长径比,不同长轴金纳米棒的吸收和散射效率。数值计算结果表明:金纳米棒的散射效率会随着金纳米棒的几何尺寸的增大而逐渐增强,并且其散射谱的半高宽也随之变宽;与之相反的是,金纳米棒对入射光的吸收效率随金纳米棒体积的增大却呈现出先增加后减小的变化规律。数值模拟结果将为金纳米棒在太阳能电池光俘获方面的应用提供有益的理论参考。     

Fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles/nanorod composite arrays via a two-step method for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Ti O2nanoparticles/nanorod composite arrays were prepared on the F-doped tin oxide(FTO)substrate through a two-step method of hydrothermal and d.c.magnetron sputtering.The microstructure and optical properties of the samples were characterized respectively by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD),field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)and UV–vis spectrometer.The results showed that the Ti O2composite nanorod arrays possess the nature of high surface area for more dye molecule absorption and the strong light scattering effects.The dye sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)based on Ti O2composite nanorod arrays exhibited a 80%improvement in the overall energy conversion efficiency compared with the pure Ti O2nanorod arrays photoanode.     

纳米金在DNA电化学传感器中的应用研究

利用自组装单分子膜原理,通过层层组装的方法将金纳米粒子(AuNPs)和DNA探针分别固定到金电极表面制备成探针电极。结果表明纳米金可以使响应电流大大增强,有利于提高检测的灵敏度;同时DNA自组装到纳米金修饰的金电极上,形成一层致密的分子膜,可使响应电流下降。     

Rod-shaped Au@PtCu nanostructures with enhanced peroxidase-like activity and their ELISA application

Pt and its based alloy nanoparticles （NPs） have been reported to demonstrate novel enzyme-like activities. Varying composition is very important to realize the opti- mization of their functions through the tuning of electronic structure. In this paper, our effort is focused in this direction by tailoring the electronic structure of Pt NPs via alloying with copper. Using gold nanorod （Au NR） as core, a simple method to prepare PtCu alloy shell is developed （termed as Au@PtCu NR）. The introduction of copper could result in endcap-preferred growth mode owing to the lattice mismatch between alloy shell and the Au core. The variation in the electronic structure changes the substrate affinity, and enhanced affinity was found for H202. Besides, the designed Au@PtCu nanostructures have realized spatial separation of catalytic and recognition sites. Binding of recognition antibodies had negligible effect on their catalytic activity. Based on their peroxidase- like activity, a highly sensitive detection of human immunoglobulin G （IgG） was demonstrated in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） mode. The detection limit can be as low as 90 pg/mL.     

微流体反应器制备金纳米粒子的研究

利用全聚合物微流体反应器,在紫外光照射下制备了金纳米粒子。采用紫外-可见吸收光谱、激光粒度分析仪、高分辨透射电镜等对柠檬酸钠-氯金酸微流体光化学反应体系进行了表征,并考察了注射泵的流速、柠檬酸钠与氯金酸的浓度比、紫外辐射强度对金纳米粒子产率和粒径大小的影响。结果表明,得到的金纳米粒子最小粒径约20nm;金纳米粒子的产率随注射泵流速的增大而上升,但是随柠檬酸钠与氯金酸浓度比的增大和紫外辐射强度的增强而减弱;金纳米粒子的粒径随注射泵流速的增大和紫外辐射强度的增强而减小,但是在柠檬酸钠与氯金酸浓度比小于16时,粒径变化不大,当柠檬酸钠与氯金酸浓度比大于16时,粒径迅速增大。