Multiple Energy Exciton Shelves in Quantum-Dot-DNA Nanobioelectronics.

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystallites with multiple size-dependent quantum-confined states that are being explored for utilizing broadband radiation. While DNA has been used for the self-assembly of nanocrystals, it has not been investigated for the formation of simultaneous conduction pathways for transporting multiple energy charges or excitons. These exciton shelves can be formed by coupling the conduction band, valence band, and hot-carrier states in QDs with different HOMO-LUMO levels of DNA nucleobases, resulting from varying degrees of conjugation in the nucleobases.

Measurements of single nucleotide electronic states as nanoelectronic fingerprints for identification of DNA nucleobases, their protonated and unprotonated states, isomers, and tautomers.

Several nanoelectronic techniques have been explored to distinguish the sequence of nucleic acids in DNA macromolecules. Identification of unique electronic signatures using nanopore conductance, tunneling spectroscopy, or other nanoelectronic techniques depends on electronic states of the DNA nucleotides. While several experimental and computational studies have focused on interaction of nucleobases with different substrates, the effect of nucleic acid biochemistry on its electronic properties has been largely unexplored.

Photocatalysis deconstructed: design of a new selective catalyst for artificial photosynthesis.

A rapid increase in anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, has been a growing cause for concern. While photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into solar fuels can provide a solution, lack of insight into energetic pathways governing photocatalysis has impeded study. Here, we utilize measurements of electronic density of states (DOS), using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), to identify energy levels responsible for photocatalytic reduction of CO2-water in an artificial photosynthetic process.

Plasmon-enhanced energy transfer for improved upconversion of infrared radiation in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals.

Upconversion of infrared radiation into visible light has been investigated for applications in photovoltaics and biological imaging. However, low conversion efficiency due to small absorption cross-section for infrared light (Yb(3+)), and slow rate of energy transfer (to Er(3+) states) has prevented application of upconversion photoluminescence (UPL) for diffuse sunlight or imaging tissue samples. Here, we utilize resonant surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) waves to enhance UPL in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals.

Aqueous gelation of ionic liquids: reverse thermoresponsive ion gels.

The aqueous gelation of a quaternary ammonium oligo(propylene oxide)-based ionic liquid yields ion gels with a reverse thermoresponsive behavior (i.e., mechanical moduli and viscosity increase with temperature) and enhanced ionic conductivities.