Insights into thiocyanate-enhanced photoluminescence in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals by ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy.

Functionalization of perovskite nanocrystal surfaces with thiocyanate anions presents a transformative approach to enhancing stability and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) through surface defect passivation. This study investigates the role of thiocyanate ligands in modifying the optoelectronic properties of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. We employed ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to investigate the nature of the dynamic interaction of thiocyanate ligands with nanocrystal surfaces, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying the observed increase in PLQY and stability.

Noble Metal Nanoparticles with Nanogel Coatings: Coinage Metal Thiolate-Stabilized Glutathione Hydrogel Shells.

Developing biocompatible nanocoatings is crucial for biomedical applications. Noble metal colloidal nanoparticles with biomolecular shells are thought to combine diverse chemical and optothermal functionalities with biocompatibility. Herein, we present nanoparticles with peptide hydrogel shells that feature an unusual combination of properties: the metal core possesses localized plasmon resonance, whereas a few-nanometer-thick shells open opportunities to employ their soft framework for loading and scaffolding.

Oyster Pearl-Shaped Ternary Iron Chalcogenide, FeSeTe, Films on FTO through Electrochemical Growth from the Exchange of Chalcogens Boosted the Enzyme-Free Urea-Sensing Ability toward Real Analytes.

Here, iron chalcogenide thin films were developed for the first time by using the less hazardous electrodeposition technique at optimized conditions on an FTO glass substrate. The chalcogenides have different surface, morphological, structural, and optical properties, as well as an enzyme-free sensing behavior toward urea. Numerous small crystallites of about ∼20 to 25 nm for FeSe, ∼18 to 25 nm for FeTe, and ∼18 to 22 nm in diameter for FeSeTe are observed with partial agglomeration under an electron microscope, having a mixed phase of tetragonal and orthorhombic structures of FeSe, FeTe, and, FeSeTe, respectively.

Vibrational Polaritons in Disordered Molecular Ensembles.

Disorder is an intrinsic attribute of any realistic molecular system. It is known to lead to localization, which hampers efficient transport. It was recently proposed that in molecular ensembles strongly coupled to photonic cavities, moderate disorder leads to delocalization and increases of the transport and chemical reaction rates.

Infrared Open Cavities for Strong Vibrational Coupling.

Arrays of subwavelength plasmonic nanoparticles exhibiting narrowband lattice resonances are referred to as open cavities because of their ability to strongly couple with electronic excitations in molecular chromophores. However, realization of these ideas in the mid-infrared spectral region has been limited. We demonstrated a dramatic reduction in the bandwidth of lattice resonances in large-area arrays of half-wavelength mid-infrared antennas, reaching resonance quality factors above 200.

Glutathione Self-Assembles into a Shell of Hydrogen-Bonded Intermolecular Aggregates on "Naked" Silver Nanoparticles.

A detailed understanding of the molecular structure in nanoparticle ligand capping layers is crucial for their efficient incorporation into modern scientific and technological applications. Peptide ligands render the nanoparticles as biocompatible materials. Glutathione, a γ-ECG tripeptide, self-assembles into aggregates on the surface of ligand-free silver nanoparticles through intermolecular hydrogen bonding and forms a few nanometer-thick shells.

Polymer-assisted drug sequestration from plasma protein by a surfactant with curtailed denaturing capacity.

The capability of a surfactant to sequester a drug bound to plasma protein was investigated using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. Surfactants are known to denature protein, and hence are not suitable for the sequestration of a drug from protein. Herein, we show that the denaturing capacity of a surfactant is curtailed completely and its drug sequestration power is enhanced in the presence of biocompatible Pluronic micelles due to the formation of unique supramolecular assemblies.