Nano-Structuration of WO Nanoleaves by Localized Hydrolysis of an Organometallic Zn Precursor: Application to Photocatalytic NO Abatement.

WO is a known photocatalytic metal oxide frequently studied for its depollution properties. However, it suffers from a high recombination rate of the photogenerated electron/holes pair that is detrimental to its performance. In this paper, we present a new chemical method to decorate WO nanoleaves (NLs) with a complementary metal oxide (ZnWO) in order to improve the photocatalytic performance of the composite material for the abatement of 400 ppb NO under mild UV exposure.

Coordination of Ethylamine on Small Silver Clusters: Structural and Topological (ELF, QTAIM) Analyses.

Amine ligands are expected to drive the organization of metallic centers as well as the chemical reactivity of silver clusters early growing during the very first steps of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles an organometallic route. Density functional theory (DFT) computational studies have been performed to characterize the structure, the atomic charge distribution, and the planar two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) relative stability of small-size silver clusters (Ag, 2 ≤ ≤ 7), with or without an ethylamine (EA) ligand coordinated to the Ag clusters. The transition from 2D to 3D structures is shifted from = 7 to 6 in the presence of one EA coordinating ligand, and it is explained from the analysis of the Ag-N and Ag-Ag bond energies.

The Hydrogen-Storage Challenge: Nanoparticles for Metal-Catalyzed Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation.

Dihydrogen is one of the sustainable energy vectors envisioned for the future. However, the rapidly reversible and secure storage of large quantities of hydrogen is still a technological and scientific challenge. In this context, this review proposes a recent state-of-the-art on H production capacities from the dehydrogenation reaction of ammonia borane (and selected related amine-boranes) as a safer solid source of H by hydrolysis (or solvolysis), catalyzed by nanoparticle-based systems.

Topological Analysis of Ag-Ag and Ag-N Interactions in Silver Amidinate Precursor Complexes of Silver Nanoparticles.

A series of silver amidinate complexes has been studied both experimentally and theoretically, in order to investigate the role of the precursor complex in the control of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles via an organometallic route. The replacement of the methyl substituent of the central carbon atom of the amidinate anion by a -butyl group allows for the crystallization of the tetranuclear silver amidinate complex instead of a mixture of di- and trinuclear silver amidinate complexes and , as obtained with a methyl substituent. The relative stabilities and dissociation schemes of various isomeric arrangements of silver atoms in are investigated at the computational DFT level of calculation, depending on the substituents of the amidinate ligand.

Removable Composite Electrode Made of Silver Nanoparticles on Pyrolyzed Photoresist Film for the Electroreduction of 4-Nitrophenol.

Access to removable nanocomposite electrodes for electrosensing of pollutants is of great importance. However, the preparation of reproducible and reliable carbon electrodes decorated with metallic nanoparticles, a prerequisite for trustworthy devices, remains a challenge. Here we describe an innovative and easy method to prepare such electrodes.

The role of alkylamine in the stabilization of CuO nanoparticles as a determinant of the Al/CuO redox reaction.

We report on a new strategy to synthesize Al/CuO nanothermites from commercial Al and ultra-small chemically synthesized CuO nanoparticles coated with alkylamine ligands. These usual ligands stabilize the CuO nanoparticles and prevent them from aggregating, with the goal to enhance the interfacial contact between Al and CuO particles. Using a variety of characterization techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and calorimetry (ATG/DSC), the structural and chemical evolution of CuO nanoparticles stabilized with alkylamine ligands is analyzed upon heating.

Controlled Growth and Grafting of High-Density Au Nanoparticles on Zinc Oxide Thin Films by Photo-Deposition.

The integration of high-purity nano-objects on substrates remains a great challenge for addressing scaling-up issues in nanotechnology. For instance, grafting gold nanoparticles (NPs) on zinc oxide films, a major step process for catalysis or photovoltaic applications, still remains difficult to master. We report a modified photodeposition (P-D) approach that achieves tight control of the NPs size (7.

Organometallic Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles: Application in Low-Temperature CO Detection.

A metal-organic approach has been employed for the preparation of anisotropic CuO nanoparticles. These nanostructures have been characterized by transmission and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles have been deposited as gas-sensitive layers on miniaturized silicon devices.

SnO2 "Russian Doll" Octahedra Prepared by Metalorganic Synthesis: A New Structure for Sub-ppm CO Detection.

Micrometer-sized hierarchical Sn3 O2 (OH)2 octahedra, which are self-assembled one inside the other, resembling "Russian doll" organization, have been obtained by a metalorganic approach. This synthesis is based on the controlled hydrolysis of [Sn(NMe2 )2 ]2 in the presence of an alkylamine ligand in an organic solvent (THF). The water content of the medium proved to be a key parameter for the formation of these multi-walled octahedra.

Aminopropyltriethoxysilane stabilized ruthenium(0) nanoclusters as an isolable and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane.

The preparation of Ru(0) nanoclusters stabilized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and their characterization by a combination of complementary techniques are described. These new Ru(0) nanoclusters provide high activity and unprecedented reusability as a heterogeneous catalyst in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane.