Nanostructures by self-assembly of polyglycidol-derivatized lipids

In this work we report on the self-assembly of five non-phospholipid polyglycidol conjugates in aqueous solution. The polymers are composed of a linear polyglycidol chain (degrees of polymerization, DP, are in the 8–110 range) linked to a strongly hydrophobic lipid-mimetic residue. Their behavior in dilute aqueous solution is investigated by a combination of experimental techniques – UV-vis spectroscopy, static and dynamic light scattering, fluorescence measurements, conventional and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering. The polymers spontaneously self-associate above a certain critical concentration, which depends on polyglycidol DP and temperature. According to the thermodynamic data, the self-assembly is an enthalpically disfavored endothermic process, driven by positive entropy contribution. The polymers with polyglycidol DP of 23 and above form small core–corona micelles. The latter are parameterized and the experimental values are compared to those of micelles of the commercially available poly(ethylene glycol)-derivatized lipids and other related non-phospholipid poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates. The polymer of the lowest polyglycidol DP form lamellar structures of co-existing morphology – spherical vesicles and highly anisotropic, elongated bilayer flakes

Process chain for serial manufacture of 3D micro- and nano-scale structures

This paper presents a cost effective route for serial fabrication of 3D structures and the achievement of function and length scale integration (FLSI) in products. A complex 3D functional pattern was designed and then used to validate this route for serial manufacture of component that integrates micro and nano scale functional features. It employs a viable master-making process chain that integrates, innovatively compatible and at the same time complementary, structuring and replication technologies to fabricate Ni shims. The shims are then utilised for the hot embossing of structures incorporating different 2.5D and 3D length-scale features. The resulting 3D profiles at different stages of the process chain were investigated and the factors affecting its overall performance were analysed

Low temperature selective oxidation of methane to methanol using titania supported gold palladium copper catalysts

The selective oxidation of methane to methanol has been studied using trimetallic AuPdCu/TiO2 catalysts prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. They are able to catalyse the selective oxidation of methane to methanol under mild aqueous reaction conditions using H2O2 as the oxidant. When compared with bimetallic,Au–Pd/TiO2 analogues, the new trimetallic catalysts present productivities which are up to 5 times greater under the same test conditions, and this is coupled with methanol selectivity of up to 83%. Characterisation shows that whilst Au–Pd is present as Au-core–Pd-shell anoparticles, copper is present as either Cu or Cu2O in <5 nm particle

Low temperature selective oxidation of methane to methanol using titania supported gold palladium copper catalysts

The selective oxidation of methane to methanol has been studied using trimetallic AuPdCu/TiO2 catalysts prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. They are able to catalyse the selective oxidation of methane to methanol under mild aqueous reaction conditions using H2O2 as the oxidant. When compared with bimetallic, Au-Pd/TiO2 analogues, the new trimetallic catalysts present productivities which are up to 5 times greater under the same test conditions, and this is coupled with methanol selectivity of up to 83%. Characterisation shows that whilst Au-Pd is present as Au-core-Pd-shell nanoparticles, copper is present as either Cu or Cu2O in <5 nm particles