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A Photoelectrochemical Study of Hybrid Organic and Donor—Acceptor Dyes as Sensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12063159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An investigation on the photoelectrochemical and sensitizing properties of two different hybrid organic dyes, anchored as sensitizers on mesoporous TiO2, in Grätzel solar cells, is presented. Firstly, we studied the absorption properties of the C106 sensitizer, a Ru polypyridine complex, and of the Y123, an organic push and pull dye. In this work, we characterized these two dyes, employing two different electrolytes, with similar experimental condition and device parameters. From the J–V curves and IPCE photo action spectra, we performed an inedited bifacial study based on the comparison of their photovoltaic performances, exploiting several backgrounds (black or white). Among the obtained results from this study, we found the best bifaciality factor of 93% for C106 and the best power conversion efficiency of 12.8% for Y123. These results represent, concerning these two dyes and to the best of our knowledge, some of the highest values in literature.
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2
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Song P, Zhang J, Li Y, Liu G, Li N. Solution Small-Angle Scattering in Soft Matter: Application and Prospective ※. ACTA CHIMICA SINICA 2022. [DOI: 10.6023/a21120624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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3
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A Presentation of Ionic Liquids as Lubricants: Some Critical Comments. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11125677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquid materials at room temperature with an ionic intrinsic nature. The electrostatic interactions therefore play a pivotal role in dictating their inner structure, which is then expected to be far from the traditional pattern of classical simple liquids. Therefore, the strength of such interactions and their long-range effects are responsible for the ionic liquid high viscosity, a fact that itself suggests their possible use as lubricants. More interestingly, the possibility to establish a wide scenario of possible interactions with solid surfaces constitutes a specific added value in this use. In this framework, the ionic liquid complex molecular structure and the huge variety of possible interactions cause a complex aggregation pattern which can depend on the presence of the solid surface itself. Although there is plenty of literature focusing on the lubricant properties of ionic liquids and their applications, the aim of this contribution is, instead, to furnish to the reader a panoramic view of this exciting problematic, commenting on interesting and speculative aspects which are sometimes neglected in standard works and trying to furnish an enriched vision of the topic. The present work constitutes an easy-to-read critical point of view which tries to interact with the imagination of readers, hopefully leading to the discovery of novel aspects and interconnections and ultimately stimulating new ideas and research.
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Lombardo D, Calandra P, Kiselev MA. Structural Characterization of Biomaterials by Means of Small Angle X-rays and Neutron Scattering (SAXS and SANS), and Light Scattering Experiments. Molecules 2020; 25:E5624. [PMID: 33260426 PMCID: PMC7730346 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scattering techniques represent non-invasive experimental approaches and powerful tools for the investigation of structure and conformation of biomaterial systems in a wide range of distances, ranging from the nanometric to micrometric scale. More specifically, small-angle X-rays and neutron scattering and light scattering techniques represent well-established experimental techniques for the investigation of the structural properties of biomaterials and, through the use of suitable models, they allow to study and mimic various biological systems under physiologically relevant conditions. They provide the ensemble averaged (and then statistically relevant) information under in situ and operando conditions, and represent useful tools complementary to the various traditional imaging techniques that, on the contrary, reveal more local structural information. Together with the classical structure characterization approaches, we introduce the basic concepts that make it possible to examine inter-particles interactions, and to study the growth processes and conformational changes in nanostructures, which have become increasingly relevant for an accurate understanding and prediction of various mechanisms in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. The upgrade of the various scattering techniques, such as the contrast variation or time resolved experiments, offers unique opportunities to study the nano- and mesoscopic structure and their evolution with time in a way not accessible by other techniques. For this reason, highly performant instruments are installed at most of the facility research centers worldwide. These new insights allow to largely ameliorate the control of (chemico-physical and biologic) processes of complex (bio-)materials at the molecular length scales, and open a full potential for the development and engineering of a variety of nano-scale biomaterials for advanced applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Lombardo
- CNR-IPCF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Calandra
- CNR-ISMN, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Studio Materiali Nanostrutturati, 00015 Roma, Italy;
| | - Mikhail A. Kiselev
- Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, 141980 Moscow, Russia;
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Caputo P, Porto M, Angelico R, Loise V, Calandra P, Oliviero Rossi C. Bitumen and asphalt concrete modified by nanometer-sized particles: Basic concepts, the state of the art and future perspectives of the nanoscale approach. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 285:102283. [PMID: 33099178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Asphalt concretes are biphasic systems, with a predominant phase (c.a. 93-96% w/w) made by the macro-meter sized inorganic aggregates hold together by small amounts of a viscoelastic binding bitumen (c.a. 5%). Even if the bitumen is in minor amount, it plays an important role dictating all the desired properties: rheological performances, resistance to aging etc. What happens if nanoparticles are used as additive in such materials? They usually confer enhanced resistance under mechanical stress and give sometimes interesting added-values properties so, despite the high costs of their production, nanoparticles are interesting materials which are being monitored for large scales applications. This work introduces the reader to the properties of nanoparticles in an easy to review their use in bitumen and asphalt preparation. Silica, ceramic, clay, other oxides and inorganic nanoparticles are presented and critically discussed in the framework of their use in bitumen and asphalt preparation for various scopes. Organic and functionalized nanoparticles are likewise discussed. Perspectives and cost analysis are also given for a more complete view of the problematic, hoping this could help researchers in their piloted design of material for road pavements with ever-increasing performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolino Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Michele Porto
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Ruggero Angelico
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DIAAA), University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, CB, Italy
| | - Valeria Loise
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - Pietro Calandra
- CNR-ISMN, National Research Council - Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Stazione (RM), Italy.
| | - Cesare Oliviero Rossi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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Exploiting Nanoparticles to Improve the Properties of Bitumens and Asphalts: At What Extent Is It Really Worth It? APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10155230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Asphalt concretes are materials used worldwide. It is well-known that in such materials the minor component, the bitumen, plays the most important role since it binds the high fraction (>95%) of inorganic macrometer-sized particles ensuring a coherent material fit for uses in road pavement. Additives can be used to increase the overall rheological properties, with high benefits in terms of resistance to mechanical stress and to ageing. Among these, nanoparticles have recently been considered as very effective additives in increasing the overall performance, increasing the viscosity, the rutting parameter and the recovery from deformation. However, they are expensive, so a delicate equilibrium between costs and benefits must be found for large-scale uses. In this framework, we furnish our critical analysis of the state-of-the art technologies used for improving the bitumen performances by means of nanoparticles with an eye to eventual added-values (like anti-oxidant effect, antistripping properties, or UV radiation screening which avoids radiation-induced ageing…). We will critically consider the costs involved in their use and we will give our opinion about vanguard techniques which can be fit for the analysis of nanoparticles-containing bitumens and asphalts. Interesting perspectives will be also given for future research and applications.
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The Role of Additives in Warm Mix Asphalt Technology: An Insight into Their Mechanisms of Improving an Emerging Technology. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10061202. [PMID: 32575602 PMCID: PMC7353127 DOI: 10.3390/nano10061202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The asphalt industry’s incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has increased since the 1990s due to growing concerns on environmental issues such as global warming and carbon footprint. This has stimulated the introduction of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and its technologies which serve the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt mix. WMA gained popularity due to the environmental benefit it offers without compromising the properties, performance and quality of the asphalt mix. WMA is produced at significantly lower temperatures (slightly above 100 °C) and thus results in less energy consumption, fewer emissions, reduced ageing, lower mixing and compaction temperatures, cool weather paving and better workability of the mix. The latter of these benefits is attributed to the incorporation of additives into WMA. These additives can also confer even better performance of WMA in comparison to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) methods. Even though there are recommended dosages of several WMA additives, there is no general standardized mixture design procedure and this makes it challenging to characterize the mechanism(s) of action of these additives in the warm mix. The effects of the addition of additives into WMA are known to a reasonable extent but not so much is known about the underlying interactions and phenomena which bring about the mechanism(s) by which these additives confer beneficial features into the warm mix. Additives in a certain way are being used to bridge the gap and minimize or even nullify the effect of the mixing temperature deficit involved in WMA processes while improving the general properties of the mix. This review presents WMA technologies such as wax, chemical additives and foaming processes and the mechanisms by which they function to confer desired characteristics and improve the durability of the mix. Hybrid techniques are also briefly mentioned in this paper in addition to a detailed description of the specific modes of action of popular WMA technologies such as Sasobit, Evotherm and Advera. This paper highlights the environmental and technical advantages of WMA over the conventional HMA methods and also comprehensively analyzes the mechanism(s) of action of additives in conferring desirable characteristics on WMA, which ultimately improves its durability.
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Self-assembly Processes in Hydrated Montmorillonite by FTIR Investigations. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13051100. [PMID: 32121630 PMCID: PMC7084999 DOI: 10.3390/ma13051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Experimental findings obtained by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies on montmorillonite-water mixtures at three concentration values are presented. To get some insight into the hydrogen bond network of water within the montmorillonite network, FTIR and Raman spectra have been collected as a function of time and then analyzed following two complementary approaches: An analysis of the intramolecular OH stretching mode in the spectral range of 2700–3900 cm−1 in terms of two Gaussian components, and an analysis of the same OH stretching mode by wavelet cross-correlation. The FTIR and Raman investigations have been carried as a function of time for a montmorillonite-water weight composition (wt%) of 20–80%, 25–75%, and 35–65%, until the dehydrated state where the samples appear as a homogeneous rigid layer of clay. In particular, for both the FTIR and Raman spectra, the decomposition of the OH stretching band into a “closed” and an “open” contribution and the spectral wavelet analysis allow us to extract quantitative information on the time behavior of the system water content. It emerges that, the total water contribution inside the montmorillonite structure decreases as a function of time. However, the relative weight of the ordered water contribution diminishes more rapidly while the relative weight of the disordered water contribution increases, indicating that a residual water content, characterized by a highly structural disorder, rests entrapped in the montmorillonite layer structure for a longer time. From the present study, it can be inferred that the montmorillonite dehydration process promotes the layer self-assembly.
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Lombardo D, Calandra P, Pasqua L, Magazù S. Self-assembly of Organic Nanomaterials and Biomaterials: The Bottom-Up Approach for Functional Nanostructures Formation and Advanced Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E1048. [PMID: 32110877 PMCID: PMC7084717 DOI: 10.3390/ma13051048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we survey recent advances in the self-assembly processes of novel functional platforms for nanomaterials and biomaterials applications. We provide an organized overview, by analyzing the main factors that influence the formation of organic nanostructured systems, while putting into evidence the main challenges, limitations and emerging approaches in the various fields of nanotechology and biotechnology. We outline how the building blocks properties, the mutual and cooperative interactions, as well as the initial spatial configuration (and environment conditions) play a fundamental role in the construction of efficient nanostructured materials with desired functional properties. The insertion of functional endgroups (such as polymers, peptides or DNA) within the nanostructured units has enormously increased the complexity of morphologies and functions that can be designed in the fabrication of bio-inspired materials capable of mimicking biological activity. However, unwanted or uncontrollable effects originating from unexpected thermodynamic perturbations or complex cooperative interactions interfere at the molecular level with the designed assembly process. Correction and harmonization of unwanted processes is one of the major challenges of the next decades and requires a deeper knowledge and understanding of the key factors that drive the formation of nanomaterials. Self-assembly of nanomaterials still remains a central topic of current research located at the interface between material science and engineering, biotechnology and nanomedicine, and it will continue to stimulate the renewed interest of biologist, physicists and materials engineers by combining the principles of molecular self-assembly with the concept of supramolecular chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Lombardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Calandra
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Studio Materiali Nanostrutturati, 00015 Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Pasqua
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Magazù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Università di Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
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Lombardo D, Calandra P, Teresa Caccamo M, Magazù S, Pasqua L, A. Kiselev M. Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of biological membranes. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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11
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Calogero G, Citro I, Calandra Sebastianella G, Di Marco G, Diniz AM, Parola AJ, Pina F. A Photoelectrochemical Study of Bioinspired 2-Styryl-1-Benzopyrylium Cations on TiO 2 Nanoparticle Layer for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12244060. [PMID: 31817443 PMCID: PMC6947086 DOI: 10.3390/ma12244060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, five 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium salts and their relative self-assembly processes towards TiO2 nanocrystalline layers were evaluated as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Integration of these 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium salts with the semiconductor allow for the performance of highly specific functions suitable for smart applications in material science. Spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical measurements conducted on these five bio-inspired dyes, in solution and upon adsorption onto titanium dioxide films, allowed detailed discussion of the anchoring ability of the different donor groups decorating the 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium core and have demonstrated their ability as photosensitizers. Our results suggest that the introduction of a dimethylamino group in position 4' of the 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium skeleton can alter the conjugation of the molecule leading to larger absorption in the visible region and a stronger electron injection of the dye into the conduction band of TiO2. Moreover, our experimental data have been supported by theoretical calculations with the aim to study the energy of the excited states of the five compounds. In this specific case, the simulations reported contributed to better describe the properties of the compounds used and to help create the necessary basis for the design of new and targeted bio-inspired molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calogero
- CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy; (I.C.); (G.C.S.); (G.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (A.J.P.); Tel.: +39-090-39762247 (G.C.); +351-212948300 (A.J.P.)
| | - Ilaria Citro
- CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy; (I.C.); (G.C.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Gioacchino Calandra Sebastianella
- CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy; (I.C.); (G.C.S.); (G.D.M.)
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Marco
- CNR-IPCF, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy; (I.C.); (G.C.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Ana Marta Diniz
- Health Technology College of Lisbon (ESTeSL)—Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - A. Jorge Parola
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Monte de Caparica, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (A.J.P.); Tel.: +39-090-39762247 (G.C.); +351-212948300 (A.J.P.)
| | - Fernando Pina
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Monte de Caparica, Portugal;
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Lombardo D, Munaò G, Calandra P, Pasqua L, Caccamo MT. Evidence of pre-micellar aggregates in aqueous solution of amphiphilic PDMS-PEO block copolymer. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:11983-11991. [PMID: 31134980 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp02195g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The self-assembly process in a water solution of an amphiphilic polydimethylsiloxane-b-polyethyleneoxide (PDMS-PEO) diblock copolymer was investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments in the concentration region below (and near) the critical micellar concentration (c.m.c. = 0.007 g cm-3). In the highly diluted region, at the copolymer concentration of c = 0.002 g cm-3, the early stage of the self-assembly process was characterized by the formation of small (primary) micellar units (with a radius of R = 2.7 nm) with core-shell morphology, which coexisted with larger supramolecular aggregates of entangled micelles (with an average radius of R = 9.5 nm). The increase in the copolymer concentration (to c = 0.005 and c = 0.01 g cm-3) caused increase in the sizes of both the small micelles and supra-micellar aggregates. Interestingly, at the concentration of c = 0.005 g cm-3, both the size and micelle aggregation number (Nagg) were found to increase on increasing the temperature in the range of 10 ≤ T ≤ 55 °C. This phenomenon was characterised by the dehydration process of the ethylene oxide (EO) segments, as evidenced by the calculation of excess water in the hydrophilic shell of the micelles. The more compact (less hydrated) structure of the hydrophilic PEO chains, which strongly influenced the spontaneous curvature of the amphiphile hydrophilic region, turned out to be the driving factor that favoured the increase in the micelle aggregation number with the increase in temperature. The obtained results evidence that the self-assembly process of PDMS-PEO copolymer amphiphiles is a gradual process that is already present at the very low concentration region (far below the macroscopically determined c.m.c.); moreover, it is characterised by a multi-stage organization process, where the primary building blocks self-assemble into more complex secondary structures that encompass multiple length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Lombardo
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici - (Sez. Messina) Viale, F. Stagno D'Alcontres, 37, I-98158, Messina, Italy.
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Prajapati PK, Kansara AM, Aswal VK, Singh PS. Effect of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 nanocrystals on hydrocarbon permselective Poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane as probed by small-angle neutron scattering. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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How self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules can generate complexity in the nanoscale. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2015.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Modeling dendrimers charge interaction in solution: relevance in biosystems. Biochem Res Int 2014; 2014:837651. [PMID: 24719765 PMCID: PMC3955673 DOI: 10.1155/2014/837651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are highly branched macromolecules obtained by stepwise controlled, reaction sequences. The ability to be designed for specific applications makes dendrimers unprecedented components to control the structural organization of matter during the bottom-up synthesis of functional nanostructures. For their applications in the field of biotechnology the determination of dendrimer structural properties as well as the investigation of the specific interaction with guest components are needed. We show how the analysis of the scattering structure factor S(q), in the framework of current models for charged systems in solution, allows for obtaining important information of the interdendrimers electrostatic interaction potential. The finding of the presented results outlines the important role of the dendrimer charge and the solvent conditions in regulating, through the modulation of the electrostatic interaction potential, great part of the main structural properties. This charge interaction has been indicated by many studies as a crucial factor for a wide range of structural processes involving their biomedical application. Due to their easily controllable properties dendrimers can be considered at the crossroad between traditional colloids, associating polymers, and biological systems and represent then an interesting new technological approach and a suitable model system of molecular organization in biochemistry and related fields.
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