Interfacial design for detection of a few molecules

Engineering ZIF-8@Ag core-satellite superstructures through solvent-induced tunable self-assembly for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Metal-organic framework (MOF) based substrates have great potential for quantitative analysis of hazardous substances using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) due to their significant signal enhancement, but face challenges like complex preparation, and lack of tunability. Here, we have successfully prepared a well-defined core-satellite superstructure (ZIF-8@Ag) through solvent-induced assembly of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on truncated rhombic dodecahedral ZIF-8. By wisely selecting toluene as the solvent, the assembly process can be easily initiated through ultrasonic treatment and it allows for precise morphological adjustments to build a range of superstructures with different assembly densities of Ag NPs via feed ratio tuning. The as-prepared ZIF-8@Ag substrate leverages the high-density distribution of Ag NPs and the exceptional adsorption capabilities of ZIF-8. This combination makes it an outstanding SERS substrate for the detection of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB), achieving a concentration as low as 1 × 10-10 M and 1 × 10-9 M, respectively. Moreover, the Raman analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of this ZIF-8@Ag substrate can reach 1.35 × 107, and the Raman signals exhibited high homogeneity. These findings are essential for constructing complex structures and achieving better performance in SERS enhancement substrates, which can broaden the application of this technology in other fields.

Nanostructured Surfaces with Plasmonic Activity and Superhydrophobicity: Review of Fabrication Strategies and Applications

Plasmonics and superhydrophobicity have garnered broad interest from academics and industry alike, spanning fundamental scientific inquiry and practical technological applications. Plasmonic activity and superhydrophobicity rely heavily on nanostructured surfaces, providing opportunities for their mutually beneficial integration. Engineering surfaces at microscopic and nanoscopic length scales is necessary to achieve superhydrophobicity and plasmonic activity. However, the dissimilar surface energies of materials commonly used in fabricating plasmonic and superhydrophobic surfaces and different length scales pose various challenges to harnessing their properties in synergy. In this review, an overview of various techniques and materials that researchers have developed over the years to overcome this challenge is provided. The underlying mechanisms of both plasmonics and superhydrophobicity are first overviewed. Next, a general classification scheme is introduced for strategies to achieve plasmonic and superhydrophobic properties. Following that, applications of multifunctional plasmonic and superhydrophobic surfaces are presented. Lastly, a future perspective is presented, highlighting shortcomings, and opportunities for new directions.

Wetting Behavior-Induced Interfacial transmission of Energy and Signal: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications

Wetting behaviors can significantly affect the transport of energy and signal (E&S) through vapor, solid, and liquid interfaces, which has prompted increased interest in interfacial science and technology. E&S transmission can be achieved using electricity, light, and heat, which often accompany and interact with each other. Over the past decade, their distinctive transport phenomena during wetting processes have made significant contributions to various domains. However, few studies have analyzed the intricate relationship between wetting behavior and E&S transport. This review summarizes and discusses the mechanisms of electrical, light, and heat transmission at wetting interfaces to elucidate their respective scientific issues, technical characteristics, challenges, commonalities, and potential for technological convergence. The materials, structures, and devices involved in E&S transportation are also analyzed. Particularly, harnessing synergistic advantages in practical applications and constructing advanced, multifunctional, and highly efficient smart systems based on wetted interfaces is the aim to provide strategies.

Antifouling binary liquid-infused membranes for biological sample pretreatment

Hydrophobic membranes infused with mixed solvents including a low polar solvent and a specific solvent can efficiently separate analytes from blood upon applying a voltage. In contrast, membranes infused with a specific solvent alone show significantly reduced separation efficiencies for blood samples. Infusion of a low polar solvent is of importance for achieving antifouling ability of membranes for biological sample pretreatment.