Abstract: Assemblies of closely separated gold nanoparticles exhibit a strong collective plasmonic response due to coupling of the plasmon modes of the individual nanostructures. In the context of self-assembly of nanoparticles, close-packed two-dimensional (2D) clusters of spherical nanoparticles present an important composite system that promises numerous applications. The present study probes the collective plasmonic characteristics and resulting photothermal behavior of close-packed 2D Au nanoparticle clusters to delineate the effects of the cluster size, interparticle distance, and particle size. Smaller nanoparticles (20 and 40 nm in diameter) that exhibit low individual scattering and high absorption were considered for their relevance to photothermal applications. In contrast to typical literature studies, the present study compares the optical response of clusters of different sizes ranging from a single nanoparticle up to large assemblies of 61 nanoparticles. Increasing the cluster size induces significant changes to the spectral position and optophysical characteristics. Based on the model outcome, an optimal cluster size for maximum absorption per nanoparticle is also determined for enhanced photothermal effects. The effect of the particle size and interparticle distance is investigated to elucidate the nature of interaction in terms of near-field and far-field coupling. The photothermal effect resulting from absorption is compared for different cluster sizes and interparticle distances considering a homogeneous water medium. A strong dependence of the steady-state temperature of the nanoparticles on the cluster size, particle position in the cluster, incident light polarization, and interparticle distance provides new physical insight into the local temperature control of plasmonic nanostructures.

Abstract: Rapid development of experimental techniques has enabled real time studies of solid gas reactions at the level reaching the atomic scale. In the present paper, we focus on a combination of atomic resolution STEM/EDX, which visualizes the reaction zone, and near ambient pressure (NAP) XPS, which collects information for a surface layer of variable thickness under reaction conditions. We compare the behavior of two affined topological insulators, Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3. We used a simple reaction with molecular oxygen occurring at 298 K, which is of practical importance to avoid material degradation. Despite certain limitations, a combination of in situ XPS and ex situ cross-sectional STEM/EDX allowed us to obtain a self-consistent picture of the solid gas reaction mechanism for oxidation of Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 crystals, which includes component redistribution between the oxide and the subsurface layer and Te segregation with formation of a thin ordered layer at the interface. The process is multistep in case of both compounds. At the very beginning of the oxidation process the reactivity is determined by the energy benefit of the corresponding element oxygen bond formation. Further in the oxidation process, the behavior of these two compounds becomes similar and features component redistribution between the oxide and the subsurface layer.

Abstract: Transparent binder is used to substitute conventional black asphalt binder and to provide light-colored pavements, whereas nano-TiO2 has the potential to promote photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties. Together, these materials provide multifunction effects and benefits when the pavement is submitted to high solar irradiation. This paper analyzes the physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent binder modified with 0.5%, 3.0%, 6.0%, and 10.0% nano-TiO2 and compares it to the transparent base binder and conventional and polymer modified binders (PMB) without nano-TiO2. Their penetration, softening point, dynamic viscosity, master curve, black diagram, Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were obtained. The transparent binders (base and modified) seem to be workable considering their viscosity, and exhibited values between the conventional binder and PMB with respect to rutting resistance, penetration, and softening point. They showed similar behavior to the PMB, demonstrating signs of polymer modification. The addition of TiO2 seemed to reduce fatigue life, except for the 0.5% content. Nevertheless, its addition in high contents increased the rutting resistance. The TiO2 modification seems to have little effect on the chemical functional indices. The best percentage of TiO2 was 0.5%, with respect to fatigue, and 10.0% with respect to permanent deformation.

Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma and nanomedicine originally emerged as individual domains, but are increasingly applied in combination with each other. Most research is performed in the context of cancer treatment, with only little focus yet on the possible synergies. Many questions remain on the potential of this promising hybrid technology, particularly regarding regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this perspective article, we therefore start from the fundamental mechanisms in the individual technologies, in order to envision possible synergies for wound healing and tissue recovery, as well as research strategies to discover and optimize them. Among these strategies, we demonstrate how cold plasmas and nanomaterials can enhance each other’s strengths and overcome each other’s limitations. The parallels with cancer research, biotechnology and plasma surface modification further serve as inspiration for the envisioned synergies in tissue regeneration. The discovery and optimization of synergies may also be realized based on a profound understanding of the underlying redox- and field-related biological processes. Finally, we emphasize the toxicity concerns in plasma and nanomedicine, which may be partly remediated by their combination, but also partly amplified. A widespread use of standardized protocols and materials is therefore strongly recommended, to ensure both a fast and safe clinical implementation.

Abstract: This study reports the low temperature and low pressure conversion (up to 160 °C, p = 3.5 bar) of CO2 and H2 to CO using plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts and mildly concentrated artificial sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 13.9 kW·m-2 = 13.9 suns). To distinguish between photothermal and non-thermal contributors, we investigated the impact of the Au nanoparticle size and light intensity on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. A comparative study between P25 TiO2-supported Au nanocatalysts of a size of 6 nm and 16 nm displayed a 15 times higher activity for the smaller particles, which can only partially be attributed to the higher Au surface area. Other factors that may play a role are e.g., the electronic contact between Au and TiO2 and the ratio between plasmonic absorption and scattering. Both catalysts displayed ≥84% selectivity for CO (side product is CH4). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 increases exponentially with increasing light intensity, which indicated the presence of a photothermal contributor. In dark, however, both Au/TiO2 catalysts solely produced CH4 at the same catalyst bed temperature (160 °C). We propose that the difference in selectivity is caused by the promotion of CO desorption through charge transfer of plasmon generated charges (as a non-thermal contributor).

Abstract: Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as “legal highs” or “bath salts”, being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).