Synthesis of SWNT/Pt nanocomposites for their effective role in hydrogen storage applications

Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) decorated with platinum were synthesized for hydrogen storage applications. Platinum was deposited on the nanotubes using hexachloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6·6H2O) as a precursor. Commercial SWNTs were also used to compare the results. The obtained SWNTs/Pt nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques such as powder X-ray diffractrometry (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in the case of SWNTs/Pt, Pt nanoparticles are found to be uniformly dispersed and bound to the SWNTs acting like a single atom catalyst

Synthesis of Bidimensional Prussian Blue Analogue Using an Inverted Langmuir–Schaefer Method

One of the aspects of modern materials science that has been captivating scientific interest for the past decade is low-dimensional systems. This stems from the fact that the physical, chemical, and biological properties of such systems are often vastly different from their bulk counterparts. Additionally, low-dimensionality structures frequently serve as a convenient platform for device applications. However, such materials are typically constructed from building blocks that are inherently three-dimensional, and so, from a morphological point of view, these can still be categorized as bulk powders or crystals. To push the boundaries of reduced dimensionality, we synthesized truly two-dimensional films of Prussian blue analogues (mixed valence tetracyanides) by combining an air–water interface reaction and a novel inverted Langmuir–Schaefer technique. The methodology introduced in this study offers control and tailoring over the Prussian blue analogues’ film characteristics, which is an important step toward their incorporation into tangible applications. Standard isotherms were collected as a function of the initial reactant volume, and a number of characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed on films transferred on various substrates. The results indicated a collection of single-crystalline and polycrystalline flakes possessing different thicknesses and having a structural coherence length of 11 ± 3 nm

Myoelectric untethered robotic glove enhances hand function and performance on daily living tasks after stroke

Introduction: Wearable robots controlled using electromyography could motivate greater use of the affected upper extremity after stroke and enable bimanual activities of daily living to be completed independently. Methods: We have developed a myoelectric untethered robotic glove (My-HERO) that provides five-finger extension and grip assistance. Results: The myoelectric controller detected the grip and release intents of the 9 participants after stroke with 84.7% accuracy. While using My-HERO, all 9 participants performed better on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Hand (8.4 point increase, scale out of 14, p < 0.01) and the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (8.2 point increase, scale out of 91, p < 0.01). Established criteria for clinically meaningful important differences were surpassed for both the hand function and daily living task assessments. The majority of participants provided satisfaction and usability questionnaire scores above 70%. Seven participants desired to use My-HERO in the clinic and at home during their therapy and daily routines. Conclusions: People with hand impairment after stroke value that myoelectric untethered robotic gloves enhance their motion and bimanual task performance and motivate them to use their muscles during engaging activities of daily living. They desire to use these gloves daily to enable greater independence and investigate the effects on neuromuscular recovery

Synchronised photoreversion of spirooxazine ring opening in thin crystals to uncover ultrafast dynamics

Reversibility is an important issue that prevents ultrafast studies of chemical reactions in solid state due to product accumulation. Here we present an approach that makes use of spectrally-selected, post-excitation, ultrashort laser pulses to minimise photoproduct build-up, i.e. recover before destroy. We demonstrate that this method enabled us to probe the ultrafast dynamics of the ring opening reaction of spironaphthooxazine thin crystals by means of transient absorption spectroscopy. By extension, this approach should be amenable to other photochromic systems and use with structural probes

Carbon Nanostructures Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS)

This mini review describes the synthesis and properties of carbon nanostructures containing organic-inorganic cage-like polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). The physical and chemical functionalization of carbon nanomaterials such as graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes with POSS towards the development of novel hybrid nanostructures is described in detail. Special emphasis is given to the potential impact of these hybrid nanostructures on various technological applications