Structural, vibrational and DSC investigations of the bis-4-benzyl piperidinium tetraoxoselenate monohydrate crystal

A new organic-inorganic salt, bis-4-benzyl piperidinium tetraoxoselenate monohydrate has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopies. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system P2(1)/c at room temperature with the following parameters: a=8.617(3)Å, b=27.140(9)Å, c=10.926(5)Å, β=96.46(4)° and Z=4. Its vibrational spectra have been discussed on the basis on quantum chemical density theory (DFT) calculation using B3LYP/6-31G(*) approach. The role of the intermolecular interaction in this crystal is analyzed. Acidic protons of the selenate group were transferred to the organic cation giving the singly-protonated cation. The ability of ions to form spontaneous three-dimensional structure through O-H···O and N-H···O hydrogen bond is fully utilized. These hydrogen bonds give notable vibrational effects.

Synthesis and properties of ZnS quantum dots by an oil-water interface method

Nowadays, novel synthesis routes of nanoparticles are attracting a considerable attention of relative scientists. In this work, monodispersed spherical ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by an oil-water interface method. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Typical TEM images showed that the average size of ZnS QDs was 3.3 nm. The ZnS QDs with the largest yield and UV absorbance were obtained with the mole ratio of [S2-]/[Zn2+] = 1.2/1.0 at 100 degrees C. Based on the above results and the previous outstanding work for synthesis of monodispersed inorganic nanoparticles, the formation mechanism of the monodispersed ZnS quantum dots was proposed. Additionally, UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra for Mn2+ and Eu3+ doped ZnS QDs were used to investigate their optical properties. Effects of Mn2+ and Eu3+ doping ratio on their optical properties were studied. The optimized doping ratio of Mn2+ and Eu3+ was 4.0 mol.% and 5.0 mol.%, respectively.

Ligand-controlled growth of ZnSe quantum dots in water during Ostwald ripening

A strong ligand effect was observed for the aqueous-phase growth of ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) in the Ostwald ripening (OR) stage. The QDs were made by injecting Se monomer at room temperature followed by a ramp to 100 °C. The ramp produced a second, more gradual increase in the concentrations of both Zn and Se monomers fed by the dissolution of QDs below the critical size. The dissolution process was followed using measurements of the mass of Zn in QDs and in the supernatant by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Despite the flux of monomers, there was little growth in the QDs of average size based on UV-vis absorption spectra, until the temperature reached 100 °C, when there was a period of rapid growth followed by a period of linear growth. The linear growth stage is the result of OR as the total mass of Zn in QDs and in the solvent remained constant. The growth data were fit to a continuum model for the limiting case of surface reaction control. The rate is proportional to the equilibrium coefficient for ligand detachment from the QD surface. The ligand 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was the most tightly bound to the surface and produced the lowest growth rate of (1.5-2) × 10(-3) nm/min in the OR stage, whereas thiolactic acid (TLA) was the most labile and produced the highest growth rate of 3 × 10(-3) nm/min. Methyl thioglycolate (MTG) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) produced rates in between these values. Ligands containing electron-withdrawing groups closer to the S atom and branching promote growth, whereas longer, possibly bidendate, ligands retard it. Mixed ligand experiments confirmed that growth is determined by ligand bonding strength to the QD. Photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that the more labile the ligand, the more facile the repair of surface defects during the exposure of the QDs to room light.

Aqueous synthesis and characterization of TGA-capped CdSe quantum dots at freezing temperature

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have traditionally been synthesized in organic phase and then transferred to aqueous solution by functionalizing their surface with silica, polymers, short-chain thiol ligands, or phospholipid micelles. However, a drastic increase in the hydrodynamic size and biotoxicity of QDs may hinder their biomedical applications. In this paper, the TGA-capped CdSe QDs are directly synthesized in aqueous phase at freezing temperature, and they prove to possess high QY (up to 14%).

Synthesis of CdSe and CdSe/TiO2 nanoparticles under multibubble sonoluminescence condition

CdSe and CdSe/TiO(2) nanoparticles were synthesized under multibubble sonoluminescence (MBSL) condition. The influences of TiO(2) introduced as the sensitizer on the morphology and crystal transformation were investigated. The morphology, phase and optical properties of the final products have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscope, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results showed that as-prepared nanoparticles are well-crystallized, and the suppression of crystal pattern transition as well as the control of CdSe crystal growth can be implemented by coupling of TiO(2) semiconductor. Furthermore, the possible growth mechanism for different morphologies and crystal phases of the nanocrystals were also discussed.

Morphology control of cadmium selenide nanocrystals: insights into the roles of di-n-octylphosphine oxide (DOPO) and ucid (DOPA)

Di-n-octylphosphine oxide (DOPO) and di-n-octylphosphinic acid (DOPA), as two of impurities found in commercial tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO), generate significant differences in the outcomes of CdSe-nanocrystal (NC) syntheses. Using n-tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) as the primary acid additive, quantum dots (QDs) are grown with DOPO added, whereas quantum rods (QRs) are grown in the presence of DOPA. While using oleic acid (OA) as the primary acid additive, QDs are generated and the QDs produced with DOPA exhibit larger sizes and size distributions than those produced with DOPO. (31)P NMR analyses of the reaction mixtures reveal that the majority of the DOPO has been converted into DOPA and di-n-octylphosphine (DOP) with DOP being removed via evacuation over the course of Cd-precursor preparation. The origin of the puzzling differences in the shape control of CdSe NCs in the presence of DOPO and DOPA is elucidated to be the small quantity of DOPO present, which liberates DOP during NC synthesis. In the presence of DOP, regardless of DOPA, the precursor-conversion kinetics and thus the nucleation kinetics are dramatically accelerated, generating a large number of nuclei by consuming a significant amount of CdSe nutrients, favoring QD growth. Similarly, QD growth is favored by the fast nucleation kinetics in the presence of OA, and the broader size distributions of QDs with DOPA are due to a second nucleation event initiated by the more stable Cd-di-n-octylphosphinate component. In contrast, a slow nucleation event results in the growth of QRs in the case of using DOPA and TDPA, where no DOPO or DOP is present. The results, thus, demonstrate the important role of precursor-conversion kinetics in the control of NC morphologies.

Highly luminescent (Zn,Cd)Te/CdSe colloidal heteronanowires with tunable electron-hole overlap

We report the synthesis of ultranarrow (Zn,Cd)Te/CdSe colloidal heteronanowires, using ZnTe magic size clusters as seeds. The wire formation starts with a partial Zn for Cd cation exchange, followed by self-organization into segmented heteronanowires. Further growth occurs by inclusion of CdSe. The heteronanowires emit in the 530 to 760 nm range with high quantum yields. The electron-hole overlap decreases with increasing CdSe volume fraction, allowing the optical properties to be controlled by adjusting the heteronanowire composition.

Diethyldithiocarbamate functionalized CdSe/CdS quantum dots as a fluorescent probe for copper ion detection

A new fluorescent probe for copper ion detection is reported that it is based on the quenching of the fluorescence of the diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC)-functionalized quantum dots (QDs) in the presence of copper ions. DDTC was bound to the QDs via the surface ligand exchange to form DDTC-QDs conjugates following the capping of 2-mercaptoacetic acid on the core-shell CdSe/CdS QDs. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of the conjugates was quenched after coordinated with Cu(2+). A linear relationship existed between the extent of quenching and the concentration of copper in the range of 0-100 μg L(-1), with a detection limit of 0.29 μg L(-1) (3σ). The DDTC-functionalized QDs showed excellent selectivity for Cu(2+) over other metal cations. The fluorescent probe was successfully used for the determination of copper in environmental samples.

Synthesis of CdSe quantum dots using selenium dioxide as selenium source and its interaction with pepsin

A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in an aqueous medium when selenium dioxide worked as a selenium source and sodium borohydride acted as a reductant. The interaction between CdSe QDs and pepsin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. It was proved that the fluorescence quenching of pepsin by CdSe QDs was mainly a result of the formation of CdSe-pepsin complex. Based on the fluorescence quenching results, the Stern-Volmer quenching constant (Ksv), binding constant (KA) and binding sites (n) were calculated. According to the Foster's non-radiative energy transfer theory, the binding distance (r) between pepsin and CdSe QDs was obtained. The influence of CdSe QDs on the conformation of pepsin has been analyzed by synchronous fluorescence spectra, which provided that the secondary structure of pepsin has been changed by the interaction of CdSe QDs with pepsin.

Atom-resolved evidence of anisotropic growth in ZnS nanotetrapods

ZnS nanotetrapods were investigated by atom-resolved microscopy characterization and quantitative simulation. The octahedron core enclosed with Zn- and S-terminated surfaces was verified. Four hexaprism-shaped arms were selectively grown from Zn-terminated surfaces of the core by alternately stacking zinc blende and wurtzite structures. The stacking order change at the core/arm interface is significant to activate the arm growth. The anisotropic growth mechanism was proposed and further proved by the synthesis of ZnS nanoparticles and nanobelts.

High yield synthesis of matchstick-like PbS nanocrystals using mesoporous organosilica as template

A simple hard template method has been developed to prepare uniform matchstick-like PbS nanocrystals. The approach combines functionalization of the mesoporous walls and channel surface with thioether groups, adsorption of Pb2+, and heating in an N2 atmosphere at high temperature. The structure, morphology and composition of the nanocrystals have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optical properties of the matchstick-like PbS nanocrystals have been systematically investigated by Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). These results demonstrate that these matchstick-like PbS nanocrystals are single crystals and possess novel optical properties, suggesting that they may have many potential applications. A large blue shift is observed in the photoluminescence spectrum, and this clearly shows the quantum size effects of the matchstick-like PbS . Furthermore, a growth mechanism of the PbS heteronanostructure is proposed.

High-pressure structural stability and elasticity of supercrystals self-assembled from nanocrystals

We report here combined quasi-hydrostatic high-pressure small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies on faceted 3D supercrystals (SCs) self-assembled from colloidal 7.0 nm spherical PbS nanocrystals (NCs). Diamond anvil cell (DAC) SAXS experiments in the pressure range from ambient to 12.5 GPa revealed nearly perfect structural stability of the SCs, with face-centered cubic organization of the NCs. Pressure-induced ordering (annealing effect) of the superstructure was observed. The ambient pressure bulk modulus of the SCs was calculated to be ∼5 GPa for compression and ∼14.5 GPa for decompression from fitting of Vinet and Birch-Murnaghan equations of state. XRD measurements revealed strong preferential crystallographic orientation of the NCs through all phase transformations to as high as 55 GPa without any indication of NC sintering. The first phase transition pressure of the NCs was found between 8.1 and 9.2 GPa and proceeds through homogeneous nucleation. Bulk modulus of PbS NCs was calculated to be ∼51 GPa based on fitting to the equations of state (K(PbS,bulk) ∼ 51-57 GPa). Closest surface-to-surface distance between the NCs in the SCs was calculated based on combined XRD and SAXS data, to reversibly tune from ∼1.56 nm to ∼0.9-0.92 nm and back to ∼1.36 nm in the ambient-12.5 GPa-ambient pressure cycle. The bulk modulus of the ligand matrix was extrapolated to be ∼2.2-2.95 GPa. These results show a general method of tuning NC interactions in packed nanoparticle solids.

Growth mechanism and optical property of CdS nanoparticles synthesized using amino-acid histidine as chelating agent under sonochemical process

Using amino-acid histidine as chelating agent, CdS nanoparticles have been synthesized by sonochemical method. It is found that by varying the ultrasonic irradiation time, we can tune the band gap and particle size of CdS nanoparticles. The imidazole ring of histidine captures the Cd ions from the solution, and prevents the growth of the CdS nanoparticles. The deviation in the linear relation in between cube of radius of nanoparticles and ultrasonic irradiation time confirms the growth of CdS nanoparticles occur via two process; one is the diffusion process of the reactants as well as reaction at the surface of the crystallite. CdS nanoparticles synthesized using histidine as organic chelating agent have band edge emission at approximately 481 nm and have greater photoluminescence intensity with blue-shift to higher energy due to typical quantum confinement effect.

A facile synthesis of small-sized, highly photoluminescent, and monodisperse CdSeS QD/SiO(2) for live cell imaging

In recent years, silica coating has been extensively investigated to fabricate the biocompatible interface of quantum dots (QDs) for biomedical applications. We here describe a facile and efficient method of synthesizing high-quality silica-coated CdSeS QDs (CdSeS QD/SiO(2)), where an immediate photoluminescence-favorable microenvironment is first created by assembling amphiphilic molecules around the CdSeS core, and a thin silica shell is further introduced to protect this hydrophobic interlayer. The prepared CdSeS QD/SiO(2) exhibits excellent properties such as good water solubility, low cytotoxicity, and high quantum yield (QY, up to 0.49) as well as the resistance of photobleaching in aqueous solution. Also, the CdSeS QD/SiO(2) nanoparticles homogeneously comprise single CdSeS cores and hold a comparatively small size up to about 11 nm in diameter. Particularly, this method leads to a significant increase in QY as compared to the uncoated CdSeS QDs ( approximately 109% of the initial QY), though only thin silica shells formed in the CdSeS QD/SiO(2) structure. By coupling with folic acids, the CdSeS QD/SiO(2) conjugates were successfully used for tumor cell labeling. Our results demonstrated a robust hydrophobic QDs-based approach for preparing highly photoluminescent, biocompatible QD/SiO(2) through creation of a stable hydrophobic interlayer surrounding the QD cores, which could be also suitable for silica coating of other kinds of hydrophobic nanoparticles.

Cysteine-capped ZnSe quantum dots as affinity and accelerating probes for microwave enzymatic digestion of proteins via direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis

Fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) exhibit great potential and capability for many biological and biochemical applications. We report a simple strategy for the synthesis of aqueous stable ZnSe QDs by using cysteine as the capping agent (ZnSe-Cys QDs). The ZnSe QDs can act as affinity probes to enrich peptides and proteins via direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis. This nanoprobe could significantly enhance protein signals (insulin, ubiquitin, cytochrome c, myoglobin and lysozyme) in MALDI-TOFMS by 2.5-12 times compared with the traditional method. Additionally, the ZnSe-Cys QDs can be applied as heat absorbers (as accelerating probes) to speed up microwave-assisted enzymatic digestion reactions and also as affinity probes to enrich lysozyme-digested products in MALDI-TOFMS. Furthermore, after the enrichment experiments, the solutions of ZnSe-Cys QDs mixed with proteins can be directly deposited onto the MALDI plates for rapid analysis. This approach shows a simple, rapid, efficient and straightforward method for direct analysis of proteins or peptides by MALDI-TOFMS without the requirement for further time-consuming separation processes, tedious washing steps or laborious purification procedures. The present study has demonstrated that ZnSe-Cys QDs are reliable and potential materials for rapid, selective separation and enrichment of proteins as well as accelerating probes for microwave-digested reactions for proteins than the regular MALDI-MS tools. Additionally, we also believe that this work may also inspire investigations for applications of QDs in the field of MALDI-MS for proteomics.

Cylindrical superparticles from semiconductor nanorods

In this communication, we report a synthesis of anisotropic colloidal superparticles (SPs) from CdSe/CdS semiconductor nanorods. These anisotropic SPs are cylindrical disks or stacked-disk arrays. We attribute the major driving forces controlling the SP shape to interparticle interactions between nanorods and solvophobic interactions between a superparticle and its surrounding solvent. According to their sizes (or volumes), the SPs adopt either single- or multilayered structures. In addition, these SPs exhibit linearly polarized emissions, demonstrating their potential role as useful components in devices such as polarized light-emitting diodes and electrooptical modulators.

Conformational analysis and stereochemical dependences of (31)P-(1)H spin-spin coupling constants of bis(2-phenethyl)vinylphosphine and related phosphine chalcogenides

Theoretical energy-based conformational analysis of bis(2-phenethyl)vinylphosphine and related phosphine oxide, sulfide and selenide synthesized from available secondary phosphine chalcogenides and vinyl sulfoxides is performed at the MP2/6-311G** level to study stereochemical behavior of their (31)P-(1)H spin-spin coupling constants measured experimentally and calculated at different levels of theory. All four title compounds are shown to exist in the equilibrium mixture of two conformers: major planar s-cis and minor orthogonal ones, while (31)P-(1) H spin-spin coupling constants under study are found to demonstrate marked stereochemical dependences with respect to the geometry of the coupling pathways, and to the internal rotation of the vinyl group around the P(X)-C bonds (X = LP, O, S and Se), opening a new guide in the conformational studies of unsaturated phosphines and phosphine chalcogenides.

Water-based route to ligand-selective synthesis of ZnSe and Cd-doped ZnSe quantum dots with tunable ultraviolet A to blue photoluminescence

A water-based route has been demonstrated for synthesizing ZnSe and Cd-doped ZnSe (Zn(x)Cd(1-x)Se, 0 < x < 1) quantum dots (QDs) that have tunable and narrow photoluminescence (PL) peaks from the ultraviolet A (UVA) to the blue range (350-490 nm) with full-width at half-maximum (fwhm) values of 24-36 nm. Hydrazine (N(2)H(4)) was used to maintain oxygen-free conditions, allowing the reaction vessel to be open to air. The properties of the QDs were controlled using the thiol ligands, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), thiolglycolic acid (TGA), and l-glutathione (GSH). On the basis of optical spectra, linear three-carbon MPA attenuated nucleation and growth, yielding small ZnSe QDs with a high density of surface defects. In contrast, TGA and GSH produced larger ZnSe QDs with lower surface defect densities. The absorption spectra show that growth was more uniform and better controlled with linear two-carbon TGA than branched bifunctional GSH. After 20 min of growth TGA-capped ZnSe had an average diameter of 2.5 nm based on high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images; these nanocrystals had an absorbance peak maximum of approximately 340 nm (3.65 eV) and a band gap PL emission peak at 372 nm (3.34 eV). Highly fluorescent Zn(x)Cd(1-x)Se QDs were fabricated by adding a Cd-thiol complex directly to ZnSe QD solutions; PL peaks were tuned in the blue range (400-490 nm) by changing the Zn to Cd ratio. The Cd-bearing nanocrystals contained proportionally more Se based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Cd-Se bonds had ionic character, in contrast to primarily covalent Zn-Se bonds.

Preparation and application of L-cysteine-modified CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals as a novel fluorescence probe for detection of nucleic acid

The water-soluble L-cysteine-modified CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals (expressed as CdSe/CdS/Cys nanocrystals) have been synthesized in aqueous by using L-cysteine as stabilizer. The size, shape, component and spectral property of CdSe/CdS/Cys nanocrystals were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX), infrared spectrum (IR) and photoluminescence (PL). The results showed that the spherical CdSe/CdS/Cys nanocrystals with an average diameter of 2.3 nm have favorable fluorescent property, theirs photostability and fluorescence intensity are enhanced greatly after overcoating with CdS. The cysteine modified on the surface of core/shell CdSe/CdS nanocrystals renders the nanocrystals water-soluble and biocompatible. Based on the fluorescence quenching of the nanocrystals in the presence of calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (ct-DNA), a fluorescence quenching method has been developed for the determination of ct-DNA by using the nanocrystals as a novel fluorescence probe. The pH value of the system was selected at pH 7.4, with excitation and emission wavelength at 380 and 522 nm, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the fluorescence quenching intensity of the system is linear with the concentration of ct-DNA in the range of 0.1-3.5 microg/mL (r=0.9987). The detection limit is 0.06 microg/mL. And two synthetic samples were analyzed satisfactorily.

Structure of an N-terminally truncated selenophosphate synthetase from Aquifex aeolicus

Selenophosphate synthetase (SPS) catalyzes the activation of selenide with ATP to synthesize selenophosphate, the reactive selenium donor for biosyntheses of both the 21st amino acid selenocysteine and 2-selenouridine nucleotides in tRNA anticodons. The crystal structure of an N-terminally (25 residues) truncated fragment of SPS (SPS-DeltaN) from Aquifex aeolicus has been determined at 2.0 A resolution. The structure revealed SPS to be a two-domain alpha/beta protein, with domain folds that are homologous to those of PurM-superfamily proteins. In the crystal, six monomers of SPS-DeltaN form a hexamer of 204 kDa, whereas the molecular weight estimated by ultracentrifugation was approximately 63 kDa, which is comparable to the calculated weight of the dimer (68 kDa).

Lewis Base Activation of Lewis Acids: Development of a Lewis Base Catalyzed Selenolactonization

The concept of Lewis base activation of Lewis acids has been applied to the selenolactonization reaction. Through the use of substoichiometric amounts of Lewis bases with "soft" donor atoms (S, Se, P) significant rate enhancements over the background reaction are seen. Preliminary mechanistic investigations have revealed the resting state of the catalyst as well as the significance of a weak Brønsted acid promoter.

Selenium modification of nucleic acids: preparation of phosphoroselenoate derivatives for crystallographic phasing of nucleic acid structures

This protocol describes a simplified means of introducing an anomalously scattering atom into oligonucleotides by conventional solid-phase synthesis. Replacement of a nonbridging phosphate oxygen in the backbone with selenium is practically suitable for any nucleic acid. The resulting oligonucleotide P-diastereomers can be separated using anion exchange HPLC to yield diastereomerically pure phosphoroselenoates (PSes). The total time for the synthesis and ion-exchange HPLC separation of pure PSe is approximately 60 h.

Combinatorial synthesis of an oligosaccharide library by using beta-bromoglycoside-mediated iterative glycosylation of selenoglycosides: rapid expansion of molecular diversity with simple building blocks

A new method for constructing an oligosaccharide library composed of structurally defined oligosaccharides is presented based on an iterative glycosylation of selenoglycosides. Treatment of 2-acyl-protected selenoglycosides with bromine selectively generates beta-bromoglycosides, which serve as glycosyl cation equivalents in the oligosaccharide synthesis. Thus, the coupling of the bromoglycosides with another selenoglycoside affords the corresponding glycosylated selenoglycosides, which can be directly used to next glycosylation. The iteration of this sequence allows the synthesis of a variety of oligosaccharides including an elicitor active heptasaccharide. A characteristic feature of the iterative glycosylation is that glycosyl donors and acceptors with the same anomeric reactivity can be selectively coupled by activation of the glycosyl donor prior to coupling with the glycosyl acceptor. Therefore, same selenoglycosides can be used for both the glycosyl donors and the acceptors. This feature has been exemplified by a construction of an oligosaccharide library directed to elicitor-active oligosaccharides. The library composed of stereochemically defined oligoglucosides with considerable structural diversity can be constructed starting from simple selenoglycosides.