Synthesis of bifunctional core–shell particles with a porous zeolite core and a responsive polymeric shell

The aim of our work is the synthesis and characterization of colloidal core–shell particles with a zeolite core and an environmentally responsive shell. We have synthesized colloidal ZSM-5 zeolite and modified the surface with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate in order to introduce double bonds at the surface. The cross-linked polymeric shell was prepared by precipitation polymerization using the functionalized zeolite particles as seeds. We employed thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and pH-responsive poly(vinylpyridine) as the polymeric shell, respectively. The temperature- and pH-depending swelling and deswelling of the core–shell particles were characterized with dynamic light scattering techniques. Transmission electron microscopy pictures show the morphology of the synthesized particles. It is proposed that these types of bifunctional core–shell particles could be of use for controlled uptake and release applications and separation of molecules.     

Core–shell particles with conductive polymer cores

Heterocoagulation of large cationic polypyrrole particles with small anionic polyacrylate beads followed by heat processing of the heterocoagulate units proved to be an efficient method in the preparation of core-shell particles with conductive cores and dielectric shells. Specific conditions required for producing monodispersed composite particles with uniform shells were examined in the stages of the synthesis of polypyrrole particles with controlled size, in "one-step" heterocoagulation of oppositely charged polypyrrole microbeads with small polyacrylic particles, and during shell formation by spreading of the acrylic polymer on the surface of polypyrrole cores.     

Mass transfer mechanism in liquid chromatography columns packed with shell particles: Would there be an optimum shell structure?

The mass transfer mechanisms in columns packed with old (55 μm Zipax and 5 μm Poroshell) and recently commercialized shell particles (2.7 μm Halo-C(18) and Kinetex-C(18)) were investigated from a physico-chemical point of view. Combining a model of diffusion in heterogeneous packed beds (effective medium theory) with values of the heights equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETPs derived from the first and second central moments of the elution profiles) and of the peak variances provided by the peak parking method, we demonstrate that columns packed with current shell particles perform better than those packed with fully porous particles in resolving low molecular weight compounds because the eddy diffusion term of the van Deemter equation of the former is markedly smaller. The calculation of eddy diffusion in column beds suggests that the smaller A terms are due to smaller trans-column velocity bias in columns packed with shell particles. We also show that the mass transfer of large molecules (e.g., proteins) is faster when the internal volume accessible to the analyte increases. Therefore, it is suggested that shell particles made of concentric layers with average pore sizes increasing with increasing diameter would provide columns with higher efficiency.     

Synthesis and characterization of core–shell polyacrylate latex containing fluorine/silicone in the shell and the self-stratification film

A series of core–shell polyacrylate latexes with different fluorine/silicone monomer concentrations were prepared successfully by seeded emulsion polymerization. Dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate and perfluorooctyl methacrylate with different fluorinated side chains were employed as fluorinated monomers, and γ-methacryloxypropyl triisopropoxidesilane (MAPTIPS) was used as a silicone-containing monomer as well as a self-cross-linking agent. The morphology and chemical structure of the latexes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, and the self-stratification properties of the latex film were verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and static contact angle measurement. The results showed that the fluorine/silicone-containing polyacrylate latexes presented a uniformly spherical core–shell structure, and the latex films displayed a preferential distribution of fluorinated composition near the surface, which was more remarkable with the synergism effect between the fluorine monomer and MAPTIPS. Additionally, the hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of the latex films exhibited high relevance with the fluorine/silicone monomer concentrations as well as the fluorinated side-chain structure.     

Biomimetic synthesis of raspberry-like hybrid polymer–silica core–shell nanoparticles by templating colloidal particles with hairy polyamine shell

The nanoparticles composed of polystyrene core and poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDEA) hairy shell were used as colloidal templates for in situ silica mineralization, allowing the well-controlled synthesis of hybrid silica core–shell nanoparticles with raspberry-like morphology and hollow silica nanoparticles by subsequent calcination. Silica deposition was performed by simply stirring a mixture of the polymeric core–shell particles in isopropanol, tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) and water at 25 °C for 2.5 h. No experimental evidence was found for nontemplated silica formation, which indicated that silica deposition occurred exclusively in the PDEA shell and formed PDEA–silica hybrid shell. The resulting hybrid silica core–shell particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry, aqueous electrophoresis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TEM studies indicated that the hybrid particles have well-defined core–shell structure with raspberry morphology after silica deposition. We found that the surface nanostructure of hybrid nanoparticles and the composition distribution of PDEA–silica hybrid shell could be well controlled by adjusting the silicification conditions. These new hybrid core–shell nanoparticles and hollow silica nanoparticles would have potential applications for high-performance coatings, encapsulation and delivery of active organic molecules.     

AuPt core–shell nanocatalysts with bulk Pt activity

In the presented work, the evaluation of an unsupported AuPt core–shell catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction is introduced. Applying only basic chemicals in an upscalable synthesis route, it is demonstrated that uniform, flat, and complete Pt layers around a spherical Au core are obtained. The electrocatalytic measurements show that the surface area specific activity of the AuPt core–shell catalyst towards the important oxygen reduction reaction equals the one of polycrystalline bulk Pt. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the unfavorable particle size effect of Pt nanoparticles could be by-passed for a nanoscale catalyst.     

Preparation of titania hollow particles with independently controlled void size and shell thickness by catalytic templating core–shell polymer particles

Organic/inorganic hybrids were prepared by catalytic hydrolysis and subsequent polycondensation of tetra-n-butyl titanate (TnBT) in shell layers grafted on core particles. The core particles were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene, N-n-butyl-N-2-methacryloyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (C₄DMAEMA), and 2-chloropropionyloxyethyl methacrylate using 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as an initiator. The core diameters were controlled in the range of 70–550 nm by adjusting a C₄DMAEMA feed concentration. The core–shell particles were prepared by surface-initiated activator generated electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The sizes of core–shell particles were found to increase monotonically with an increase in a DMAEMA concentration. The hybrid particles were fabricated by adding TnBT into a water/ethanol dispersion of core–shell particles. The amounts of titania deposited increased in proportion to the grafted amounts of poly[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] on the core particles. The X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the hollow titania particles obtained by heat treatment of hybrids have an anatase crystallographic phase.     

K shell,L shell–subshell and M shell–subshell photoeffect cross-sections in elements between Tb (Z=65) and U (Z=92) at 123.6 keV

In this paper, we report on measurements of K shell, L shell–subshell and M shell–subshell photoeffect cross-sections for 21 high-atomic-number elements between Tb (Z=65) and U (Z=92) at 123.6 keV. These photoeffect cross-sections have been measured by using our earlier measurements of the K-shell X-ray production cross-sections. The measured photoeffect cross-sections have been compared with calculated theoretical values. It is clear that the results compare well with theoretical values within an experimental average error. At 123.6 keV, these cross-sections have been measured for the first time. The results have been plotted versus atomic number.     

How does the first water shell fold proteins so fast?

First shells of hydration and bulk solvent play a crucial role in the folding of proteins. Here, the role of water in the dynamics of proteins has been investigated using a theoretical protein-solvent model and a statistical physics approach. We formulate a hydration model where the hydrogen bonds between water molecules pertaining to the first shell of the protein conformation may be either mainly formed or broken. At thermal equilibrium, hydrogen bonds are formed at low temperature and are broken at high temperature. To explore the solvent effect, we follow the folding of a large sampling of protein chains, using a master-equation evolution. The dynamics shows a clear mechanism. Above the glass-transition temperature, a large ratio of chains fold very rapidly into the native structure irrespective of the temperature, following pathways of high transition rates through structures surrounded by the solvent with broken hydrogen bonds. Although these states have an infinitesimal probability, they act as strong dynamical attractors and fast folding proceeds along these routes rather than pathways with small transition rates between configurations of much higher equilibrium probabilities. At a given low temperature, a broad jump in the folding times is observed. Below this glass temperature, the pathways where hydrogen bonds are mainly formed become those of highest rates although with conformational changes of huge relaxation times. The present results reveal that folding obeys a double-funnel mechanism.     

Thermoresponsive submicron-sized core–shell hydrogel particles with encapsulated olive oil

Thermoresponsive submicron-sized core–shell hydrogel particles with incorporated olive oil were synthesised and studied. The microspheres having poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methyl methacrylate) core and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) shell were synthesised by emulsifier-free seed polymerisation method. The morphology, particle size and distribution characteristics of the core microspheres were studied with different amount of initiator, monomer–solvent ratio and polymerisation time using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering particle size analysis. The prepared core and core–shell microspheres were regularly spherical with average size of around 190.0 and 320.0 nm respectively and nearly monodispersed size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy study revealed the core–shell structure of the microspheres. The thermoresponsive transition temperature (T _t) of the core–shell microspheres was determined as 33 °C by optical absorbance measurement, dynamic light scattering particle size analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The release rate of olive oil from core–shell microspheres was accelerated by squeezing out the entrapped olive oil as the temperature was increased above T _t. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study indicated the formation of copolymer.     

X-ray imaging of newly-developed gadolinium compound/silica core–shell particles

A preparation method for gadolinium compound (Gd) nanoparticles coated with silica (Gd/SiO₂) is proposed. Gd nanoparticles were prepared with a homogeneous precipitation method at 80 °C using 1.0 × 10⁻³ M Gd(NO₃)₃ and 0.5 M urea in the presence of 1.0 g/L stabilizer. Among stabilizers examined. Sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was suitable as the stabilizer for preparing small Gd nanoparticles, and consequently Gd nanoparticles with a size of 46.2 ± 12.4 nm were prepared using the SDS. Silica-coating of the Gd nanoparticles was performed by a St?ber method at room temperature using 0.013 M TEOS and 2.0 × 10⁻³ M NaOH in water/1-propanol solution in the presence of 1.0 × 10⁻³ M Gd nanoparticles, which resulted in production of Gd/SiO₂ particles with an average size of 64.2 ± 14.4 nm. The Gd/SiO₂ particles were surface-modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and succinic anhydride. It was confirmed by measurement of electrophretic light scattering that amino group or carboxyl group was introduced onto the Gd/SiO₂ particles. The gadolinium concentration of 1.0 × 10⁻³ M in the as-prepared colloid solution was increased up to a gadolinium concentration of 0.4 M by centrifugation. The core–shell structure of Gd/SiO₂ particles was undamaged, and the colloid solution was still colloidally stable, even after the concentrating process. The concentrated Gd/SiO₂ colloid solution showed an X-ray image with contrast as high as a commercial Gd complex contrast agent. Internal organs in a mouse could be imaged injecting the concentrated colloid solution into it.     

Synthesis and characterization of amino-functionalized single magnetic core–silica shell composites

The thermal decomposition approach, reverse micro-emulsion system and surface modification technique had been successfully used to synthesis single magnetic core Fe₃O₄@Organic Layer@SiO₂–NH₂ complex microspheres. The magnetization of the magnetic microspheres core could be easily tuned between 28 and 56 emu/g by adjusting the amount of 2-mercaptobarbituric acid. It was found that the Organic Layer to some extent had a protective effect on avoiding Fe₃O₄ being oxidized into Fe₂O₃. Each Fe₃O₄@Organic Layer microsphere could be coated uniformly by about 30 nm of silica shell. The average diameter of the Fe₃O₄@Organic Layer@SiO₂ composites was about 538 nm. The saturation magnetization of the Fe₃O₄@Organic Layer@SiO₂ complex microspheres was 12.5% less than magnetic microspheres cores. The Fe₃O₄@Organic Layer@SiO₂–NH₂ composites possessed a huge application potentiality in specificity enriching and separating biological samples.     

Designing high performance Pt monolayer core–shell electrocatalysts for fuel cells

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, platinum (Pt) has been the dominant choice for both the cathode and the anode catalysts. The high Pt content and high associated costs particularly at the cathode, and sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and poor stability, remain a challenge. Pt monolayer (ML) catalysts offer a distinctively reduced Pt content while providing considerable possibilities for enhancing their catalytic activity and stability for the ORR. In this opinion, we first review the achievement in active and stable Pt ML on palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts for the ORR. We then describe the mechanisms that rationalize their high activity and durability. Recently, we developed several novel nanostructured cores to further improve the ORR activity and stability by optimizing their surface orientation, composition, and morphology. The results from the Pt ML catalysts significantly impact the research of electrocatalysis and fuel-cell technology, as they demonstrate an exceptionally effective way of design and syntheses of catalysts.     

Eu(III)-modified properties of thermosensitive core–shell microspheres

We successfully prepared PNIPAM-g-P(NIPAM-co-St) (PNNS) core–shell microsphere by an emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization method. When PNNS with a core–shell structure is interacted with Eu(III), Eu(III) mainly bonds to oxygen of the carbonyl groups of PNNS, forming the novel PNNS-Eu(III) complex. It was found that the complex showed thermosensitive and fluorescent properties at one time. Especially, the maximum emission intensity of Eu(III) in the complex at 614 nm is significantly enhanced in comparison with that of pure Eu(III), demonstrating that there exists an efficient intermolecular energy transfer from the polymer ligand to Eu(III) and then the excited Eu(III) generates the enhanced fluorescence. When the weight ratio of Eu(III) and the PNNS is 8 wt%, the enhancement of the emission fluorescence intensity at 614 nm is highest.     

PbO@C core–shell nanocomposites as an anode material of lithium-ion batteries

In this study, the electrochemical performance of PbO@C core–shell nanocomposites as an anode material of lithium-ion batteries was reported. The PbO@C nanocomposites were prepared via the pyrolysis of lead benzoate precursor. Compared to the reported Pb-based anodes, the PbO@C nanocomposites exhibited higher reversible capacity and longer cycling life. A reversible capacity of 170 mAh g^?1 could be maintained after discharging/charging for 50 cycles, which was at least 1.5 times than the previously reported values. The enhanced electrochemical performance was attributed to the presence of carbon shells that could alleviate the large volume-change of Pb particles during the alloying/dealloying process.     

Preparation of thermoresponsive core–shell polymeric microspheres and hollow PNIPAM microgels

A reliable and efficient route for preparing thermoresponsive hollow microgels based on cross-linked poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) was developed. Firstly, monodisperse thermoresponsive core–shell microspheres composed of a P(styrene (St)-co-NIPAM) core and a cross-linked PNIPAM shell were prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization using P(St-co-NIPAM) particles as seeds. The size of the P(St-co-NIPAM) core can be conveniently tuned by different dosages of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The thickness of the cross-linked PNIPAM shell can be controlled by varying the dosage of NIPAM in the preparation of PNIAPM shell. Then, hollow PNIPAM microgels were obtained by simply dissolving the P(St-co-NIPAM) core with tetrahydrofuran. The core–shell microspheres and the hollow microgels were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.     

Thermal study of phenol–formaldehyde resin modified with cashew nut shell liquid

In this study, an experimental phenol–formaldehyde resin with 20% phenol replacement by cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) was studied and compared with a conventional phenol–formaldehyde resin synthesized totally from petrochemical raw materials. The resins were characterized with standard lab analysis for their physicochemical specifications, while their thermal properties were studied with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For comparison reasons pure CNSL and wood were also included in the TGA study. A DSC study conducted both for the neat resins and the system wood–resin as to examine the effect of wood on the curing performance of the resins in the real time conditions of their usage at the wood-based panels industry.The adhesion strength of these resins was investigated by their application in plywood production. The plywood panels were tested for their shear strength and wood failure performance while their free formaldehyde emissions were determined with the desiccator method. It was proved that although the neat CNSL modified PF resin (PCF) cures at longer time and higher temperature than a conventional PF resin, wood affects it more significantly, resulting in the evening of their curing performance. This is a novel finding that manifests the possibility of replacing a convention PF resin by a CNSL modified one in the plywood production, without changing any of their production conditions and with improvement to their overall properties.     

Preparations and properties of a tunable void with shell thickness SiO2@SiO2 core–shell structures via activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization

Core–shell structure nanoparticles are attracting considerable attention because of their applications in drug delivery, catalysis carrier, and nanomedicine. In this study, SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structure with tunable void and shell thickness was successfully prepared for the first time using SiO₂-poly(buty acrylate) (PBA)-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) (SiO₂-PBA-b-PDMAEMA) as the template and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica source. An amphiphilic copolymer PBA-b-PDMAEMA was first grafted onto the SiO₂ nanosphere surface through activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization. TEOS was hydrolyzed along with the PDMAEMA chain through hydrogen bonding, and the core–shell structure of SiO₂@SiO₂ was obtained through calcination to remove the copolymer. The gradient hydrophilicity of the PBA-b-PDMAEMA copolymer template facilitated the hydrolysis of TEOS molecules along the PDMAEMA to PBA segments, thereby tuning the voids between the SiO₂ core and SiO₂ shell, as well as the SiO₂ shell thickness. The voids were about 10–15 nm and the shell thicknesses were about 4–11 nm when adding different amounts of DMAEMA monomer. SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structures with tunable void and shell thickness were employed as supports for the loading and release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) in PBS (pH 4.0). The samples demonstrated good loading capacity and controlled release rate of DOX.