We present a new method for harvesting multiple thin film specimens from polymer combinatorial libraries for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Such methods are of interest to researchers who wish to integrate TEM measurements into a combinatorial or high-throughput experimental workflow. Our technique employs poly(acrylic acid) plugs, sequestered in an elastomer gasket, to extract a series of film patches from gradient combinatorial libraries. A strategy for simultaneous deposition of the array of film specimens onto TEM grids also is described. We demonstrate our technique using nanostructured polymer thin film libraries as test cases in which the nanoscale details can be successfully imaged. Microscopy of test case specimens demonstrates that these samples are of sufficient quality for morphology screening via TEM, and in some cases are sufficient for more detailed morphological studies.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cc8001348 | DOI Listing |
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
December 2024
Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation of Research and Technology- Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Stadiou Street, Platani, Patras 26504, Greece.
Due to their outstanding electrical and thermal properties, graphene and related materials have been proposed as ideal candidates for the development of lightweight systems for thermoelectric applications. Recently, the nanolaminate architecture that entails alternation of continuous graphene monolayers and ultrathin polymer films has been proposed as an efficient route for the development of composites with impressive physicochemical properties. In this work, we present a novel layer-by-layer approach for the fabrication of highly ordered, flexible, heat-resistant, and electrically conductive freestanding graphene/polymer nanolaminates through alternating Marangoni-driven self-assembly of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and poly(ether imide) (PEI) films.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMembranes (Basel)
December 2024
PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
The impeding ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prompted researchers to focus on hydrocarbon-based materials as constituents of next-generation proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Here, we report on the fuel cell performance and durability of fluorine-lean PEMs prepared by the post-sulfonation of co-grafted α-methylstyrene (AMS) and 2-methylene glutaronitrile (MGN) monomers into preirradiated 12 µm polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) base film. The membranes were subjected to two distinctly different accelerated stress test (AST) protocols performed at open-circuit voltage (OCV): the US Department of Energy-similar chemical AST (90 °C, 30% relative humidity (RH), H/air, 1 bar), developed originally for perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes, and the high relative humidity AST (80 °C, 100% RH, H/O, 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMembranes (Basel)
December 2024
NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates.
Membrane engineering is a complex field involving the development of the most suitable membrane process for specific purposes and dealing with the design and operation of membrane technologies. This study analyzed 1424 articles on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane engineering from the Scopus database to provide guidance for future studies. The results show that since the first article was published in 1964, the domain has gained popularity, especially since 2009.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNanomaterials (Basel)
December 2024
Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Portici Research Centre, P.le E. Fermi 1, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy.
In recent years, the morphology control of semiconductor nanomaterials has been attracting increasing attention toward maximizing their functional properties and reaching their end use in real-world devices. However, the development of easy and cost-effective methods for preparing large-scale patterned semiconductor structures on flexible temperature-sensitive substrates remains ever in demand. In this study, vapor post-treatment (VPT) is investigated as a potential, simple and low-cost post-preparative method to morphologically modify gravure-printed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticulate thin films at low temperatures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGels
December 2024
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 2 Dunav Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.
The study investigates the development and characterization of dual-loaded niosomes incorporated into ion-sensitive in situ gel as a potential drug delivery platform for ophthalmic application. Cannabidiol (CBD) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) simultaneously loaded niosomes were prepared via the thin film hydration (TFH) method followed by pulsatile sonication and were subjected to comprehensive physicochemical evaluation. The optimal composition was included in a gellan gum-based in situ gel, and the antimicrobial activity, in vitro toxicity in a suitable corneal epithelial model (HaCaT cell line), and antioxidant potential of the hybrid system were further assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!