Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of 9,10-Disubstituted Anthracenes

We report the synthesis and photophysical characterization of four 9,10-disubstituted diphenylanthracenes with specific modifications of the model backbone which involve both the 9,10 para substituents at the phenyl rings and the substitution with carbon-carbon triple bonds. The effects of such modifications on the photoluminescence and electroluminescence properties have been investigated on the basis of the diphenylanthracene molecular characteristics and in view of application to light-emitting devices. We have found that the substitution with the carbon-carbon triple bonds at the two 9,10-phenyls noticeably alters the electronic states of the reference molecule, also introducing a certain degree of sensitivity to the phenyl substituents, which improves the tunability of the optical emission. Differently, the 9,10 para substituents produce minor changes in the single-molecule properties, due to the lack of electronic conjugation across the 9,10-phenyls. However, even a single nitro substituent in the phenyl para position produces the formation of excimers, which appreciably reduces the optical quantum efficiency. These properties are maintained in solid-state blends and simple spin-coated bilayer electroluminescent devices have been fabricated

Integrating Superconductive and Optical Circuits

We have integrated on oxidized silicon wafers superconductive films and Josephson junctions along with sol-gel optical channel waveguides. The fabrication process is carried out in two steps that result to be solid and non-invasive. It is demonstrated that 660 nm light, coupled from an optical fibre into the channel sol-gel waveguide, can be directed toward superconducting tunnel junctions whose current-voltage characteristics are affected by the presence of the radiation. The dependence of the change in the superconducting energy gap under optical pumping is discussed in terms of a non-equilibrium superconductivity model.Comment: Document composed of 7 pages of text and 3 figure

Detection of heavy metals in water using graphene oxide quantum dots: an experimental and theoretical study

In this work, we investigate by ab initio calculations and optical experiments the sensitivity of graphene quantum dots in their use as devices to measure the presence, and concentration, of heavy metals in water. We demonstrate that the quenching or enhancement in the optical response (absorption, emission) depends on the metallic ion considered. In particular, two cases of opposite behaviour are considered in detail: Cd2+, where we observe an increase in the emission optical response for increasing concentration, and Pb2+ whose emission spectra, vice versa, are quenched along the concentration rise. The experimental trends reported comply nicely with the different hydration patterns suggested by the models that are also capable of reproducing the minor quenching/ enhancing effects observed in other ions. We envisage that quantum dots of graphene may be routinely used as cheap detectors to measure the degree of poisoning ions in water

Discriminating between different heavy metal ions with fullerene-derived nanoparticles

A novel type of graphene-like nanoparticle, synthesized by oxidation and unfolding of C-60 buckminsterfullerene fullerene, showed multiple and reproducible sensitivity to Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and As(III) through different degrees of fluorescence quenching or, in the case of Cd2+, through a remarkable fluorescence enhancement. Most importantly, only for Cu2+ and Pb2+, the fluorescence intensity variations came with distinct modifications of the optical absorption spectrum. Time-resolved fluorescence study confirmed that the common origin of these diverse behaviors lies in complexation of the metal ions by fullerene-derived carbon layers, even though further studies are required for a complete explanation of the involved processes. Nonetheless, the different response of fluorescence and optical absorbance towards distinct cationic species makes it possible to discriminate between the presence of Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and As(III), through two simple optical measurements. To this end, the use of a three-dimensional calibration plot is discussed. This property makes fullerene-derived nanoparticles a promising material in view of the implementation of a selective, colorimetric/fluorescent detection system

Two different acid oxidation syntheses to open C60 fullerene for heavy metal detection

Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) can be synthesized through a large variety of synthesis methods starting from different carbon allotropes such as nanotubes, graphite, C60 and exploiting various synthesis and reactions. These different approaches have great influence on the properties of the obtained materials, and, consequently, on the potential applications. In this work, Buckminster C60 fullerene has been used to prepare unfolded fullerene nanoparticles (UFNPs) via two distinct synthesis methods namely: Hummer and H2 SO4 + HNO3 solution. The different characteristics of the final materials and the different response in the presence of heavy metal ions have been investigated in view of sensing applications of water contamination

Extrinsically conductive nanomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering applications

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the consequence of coronary artery thrombosis resulting in ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium. As a result, billions of contractile cardiomyocytes are lost with poor innate regeneration capability. This degenerated tissue is replaced by collagen-rich fibrotic scar tissue as the usual body response to quickly repair the injury. The non-conductive nature of this tissue results in arrhythmias and asynchronous beating leading to total heart failure in the long run due to ventricular remodelling. Traditional pharmacological and assistive device approaches have failed to meet the utmost need for tissue regeneration to repair MI injuries. Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) seem promising alternatives, but their non-conductive nature could not resolve problems such as arrhythmias and asynchronous beating for long term in-vivo applications. The ability of nanotechnology to mimic the nano-bioarchitecture of the extracellular matrix and the potential of cardiac tissue engineering to engineer heart-like tissues makes it a unique combination to develop conductive constructs. Biomaterials blended with conductive nanomaterials could yield conductive constructs (referred to as extrinsically conductive). These cell-laden conductive constructs can alleviate cardiac functions when implanted in-vivo. A succinct review of the most promising applications of nanomaterials in cardiac tissue engineering to repair MI injuries is presented with a focus on extrinsically conductive nanomaterials

Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters Embedded in Hydrogel Matrix and Its Potential Use in Environmental Monitoring

The optical absorption and fluorescence of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are widely exploited in many different application fields such as sensors, bio-imaging, drug delivery, etc. In the sensor field, optical devices are highly versatile thanks to their ease of fabrication and low costs and, therefore, are optimal candidates to replace expensive apparatuses commonly used. In this study, we synthesized AgNCs in aqueous phase by photochemical synthesis using poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) as a stabilizer. Colloidal water solutions of these NCs showed a very good sensitivity to Pb(II) ions, and in order to fabricate a solid-state sensor, we introduced them in a hydrogel material formed by poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate with a molecular weight of 700 g/mol (PEGDA700). The systems were characterized using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the sensitivity to Pb(II) ions has been tested with the aim to use these systems as solid-state optical sensors for water quality

Surface InP Quantum Dots: Effect of Morphology on the Photoluminescence Sensitivity

Abstract An investigation of the photoluminescence sensitivity of epitaxial surface InP quantum dots grown on In 0.48 Ga 0.52 P buffer layer lattice matched to GaAs substrate is presented. The emission wavelength of such quantum dots can be defined through the quantum dot dimensions in the range 750 – 865 nm. Quantum dot exposure to polar solvent vapour (methanol and ethanol) determines in any investigated case a luminescence intensity enhancement. The response to alcohol vapours affects only the luminescence intensity while peak position and shape remain unchanged. Optimization of the sensor response by tailoring quantum dots size and coverage has been demonstrated

Fluorescent silver nanoclusters embedded in hydrogel matrix and its potential use in environmental monitoring

The optical absorption and fluorescence of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are widely exploited in many different application fields such as sensors, bio-imaging, drug delivery, etc. In the sensor field, optical devices are highly versatile thanks to their ease of fabrication and low costs and, therefore, are optimal candidates to replace expensive apparatuses commonly used. In this study, we synthesized AgNCs in aqueous phase by photochemical synthesis using poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) as a stabilizer. Colloidal water solutions of these NCs showed a very good sensitivity to Pb(II) ions, and in order to fabricate a solid-state sensor, we introduced them in a hydrogel material formed by poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate with a molecular weight of 700 g/mol (PEGDA(700)). The systems were characterized using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the sensitivity to Pb(II) ions has been tested with the aim to use these systems as solid-state optical sensors for water quality