Detection of single metal nanoparticle collision events in non-aqueous media.

In this work, the detection of metal nanoparticle collision events in a non-aqueous solvent-here, toluene and acetonitrile-using gold nanoparticles and a platinum ultramicroelectrode (UME) is reported. The collisions were monitored by the oxidation of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) under diffusion-dominated conditions. Based on the current response, it was observed that the current steps were indicative of a mediated Faradaic reaction.

Photoactive porous silicon nanopowder.

Bulk processing of porous silicon nanoparticles (nSi) of 50-300 nm size and surface area of 25-230 m(2)/g has been developed using a combustion synthesis method. nSi exhibits consistent photoresponse to AM 1.5 simulated solar excitation.

Got TiO2 nanotubes? Lithium ion intercalation can boost their photoelectrochemical performance.

Cations such as H(+) and Li(+) are intercalated into TiO(2) nanotube arrays by subjecting them to short-term electrochemical pulses at controlled potentials (<-1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl). The intercalation of these small cations has a profound effect toward enhancing photocurrent generation under UV light irradiation.