Surface Functionalization and Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Driven by Functional Organic Polymer/Gold Nanofilm-Based Microfluidic Chip.

In this work, a microfluidic prototype based on polymeric materials was developed to monitor surface processes using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), keeping the reagents free of environmental contamination. The prototype was fabricated on poly(methyl methacrylic acid) (PMMA). A micrometric membrane of a functional organic polymer (FOP) based on -terphenyl and bromopyruvic acid monomers was formed on the PMMA surface to promote the formation of metal nanoclusters.

A Comparative and Critical Analysis for In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation of Magneto-Crystalline Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles Using MTT, Crystal Violet, LDH, and Apoptosis Assay.

Zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZFO NPs) are a promising magneto-crystalline platform for nanomedicine-based cancer theranostics. ZFO NPs synthesized using co-precipitation method are characterized using different techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy exhibits absorption peaks specific for ZFO.

Comparative Colorimetric Sensor Based on Bi-Phase γ-/α-FeO and γ-/α-FeO/ZnO Nanoparticles for Lactate Detection.

This work reports on FeO and ZnO materials for lactate quantification. In the synthesis, the bi-phase γ-/α-FeO and γ-/α-FeO/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained for their application in a lactate colorimetric sensor. The crystalline phases of the NPs were analyzed by XRD and XPS techniques.

Facile Synthesis of Unsupported Pd Aerogel for High Performance Formic Acid Microfluidic Fuel Cell.

In this work, unsupported Pd aerogel catalysts were synthesized for the very first time by using microwaves as a heating source followed by a lyophilization drying process and used towards formic acid electro-oxidation in a microfluidic fuel cell. Aerogels were also made by heating in a conventional oven to evaluate the microwave effect during the synthesis process of the unsupported Pd aerogels. The performance of the catalysts obtained by means of microwave heating favored the formic acid electro-oxidation with HSO as the electrolyte.

Three-Dimensional-Order Macroporous ABO Spinels (A, B =Co and Mn) as Electrodes in Zn-Air Batteries.

In this work, atomically substituted three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) spinels based on Co and Mn (MnCoO and CoMnO) were synthetized and used as cathodic electrocatalysts in a primary Zn-air battery. Scanning/transmission electron microscopy images show a 3DOM structure for both materials. Skeleton sizes of 114.

A Flow-Through Membraneless Microfluidic Zinc-Air Cell.

In this work, the proof of concept of a functional membraneless microfluidic Zn-air cell (μZAC) that operates with a flow-through arrangement is presented for the first time, where the activity and durability can be modulated by electrodepositing Zn on porous carbon electrodes. For this purpose, Zn electrodes were obtained using chronoamperometry and varying the electrodeposition times (20, 40, and 60 min), resulting in porous electrodes with Zn thicknesses of 3.3 ± 0.

Impact of the anodization time on the photocatalytic activity of TiO nanotubes.

Titanium oxide nanotubes (TNTs) were anodically grown in ethylene glycol electrolyte. The influence of the anodization time on their physicochemical and photoelectrochemical properties was evaluated. Concomitant with the anodization time, the NT length, fluorine content, and capacitance of the space charge region increased, affecting the opto-electronic properties (bandgap, bathochromic shift, band-edge position) and surface hydrophilicity of TiO NTs.

Study of different carbon materials for their use as bioanodes in microbial fuel cells.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are capable of removing the organic matter contained in water while generating a certain amount of electrical power at the same time. One of the most important aspects in the operation of MFCs is the formation of biofilms on the anode. Here, we report the characterization of different carbon electrodes and biofilm using a rapid and easy methodology for the growth of biofilms.