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Mann AK, Lisboa LS, Tonkin SJ, Gascooke JR, Chalker JM, Gibson CT. Modification of Polysulfide Surfaces with Low-Power Lasers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202404802. [PMID: 38501442 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The modification of polymer surfaces using laser light is important for many applications in the nano-, bio- and chemical sciences. Such capabilities have supported advances in biomedical devices, electronics, information storage, microfluidics, and other applications. In most cases, these modifications require high power lasers that are expensive and require specialized equipment and facilities to minimize risk of hazardous radiation. Additionally, polymer systems that can be easily modified by lasers are often complex and costly to prepare. In this report, these challenges are addressed with the discovery of low-cost sulfur copolymers that can be rapidly modified with lasers emitting low-power infrared and visible light. The featured copolymers are made from elemental sulfur and either cyclopentadiene or dicyclopentadiene. Using a suite of lasers with discreet wavelengths (532, 638 and 786 nm) and powers, a variety of surface modifications could be made on the polymers such as controlled swelling or etching via ablation. The facile synthesis and laser modification of these polymer systems were exploited in applications such as direct laser lithography and erasable information storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K Mann
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Lynn S Lisboa
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Samuel J Tonkin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Jason R Gascooke
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- Australian National Fabrication Facility, South Australia Node, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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He S, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Luo X, Gibson CT, Gao J, Jellicoe M, Wang H, Young DJ, Raston CL. Enhanced mechanical strength of vortex fluidic mediated biomass-based biodegradable films composed from agar, alginate and kombucha cellulose hydrolysates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127076. [PMID: 37769780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable, biomass derived kombucha cellulose films with increased mechanical strength from 9.98 MPa to 18.18 MPa were prepared by vortex fluidic device (VFD) processing. VFD processing not only reduced the particle size of kombucha cellulose from approximate 2 μm to 1 μm, but also reshaped its structure from irregular to round. The increased mechanical strength of these polysaccharide-derived films is the result of intensive micromixing and high shear stress of a liquid thin film in a VFD. This arises from the incorporation at the micro-structural level of uniform, unidirectional strings of kombucha cellulose hydrolysates, which resulted from the topological fluid flow in the VFD. The biodegradability of the VFD generated polymer films was not compromised relative to traditionally generated films. Both films were biodegraded within 5 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan City, China; College of Engineering, IT & Environment, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia; Flinders Institute for Nanoscale and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yixiao Wu
- College of Engineering, IT & Environment, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan City, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jingrong Gao
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan City, China; Flinders Institute for Nanoscale and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matt Jellicoe
- Institute of Process Research & Development, School of Chemistry and School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Engineering, IT & Environment, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia.
| | - David J Young
- College of Engineering, IT & Environment, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia.
| | - Colin L Raston
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
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Dubrowski P, Gibson CT, Schulz JB, Skinner L, Yu SJ. Closing the Loop: Toward Sustainable 3D Print Recycling in the Clinic. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e661-e662. [PMID: 37785960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) THREE-DIMENSIONAL (: 3D) printing is becoming ubiquitous in Radiation Therapy resulting in large amounts of plastic waste generated. We report on the feasibility, workflows, material properties and cost effectiveness of 3D print recycling to increase sustainability of 3D printing in clinics. MATERIALS/METHODS Polylactic acid (PLA) prints were recycled using a consumer-grade recycling system consisting of i) plastic shredder to granulate used prints ii) heated extruder to melt material into filament iii) fan-cooled path for rapid cooling iv) spooling rig and v) pelletizer to cut filament into more regularized pellets as input material for step ii). The recovery percentage of material was characterized after each step by weighing inputs/outputs; timing and workloads were also recorded. Resulting recycled filaments were characterized in diameter and tensile strength and were compared between two different extruder nozzle configurations and with vs without pelletization to find an optimal recycling process. Recycled filament was finally used to create clinical items and evaluated. Lastly, a cost analysis over the past 1 year of recycling use was performed to determine the cost effectiveness of the recycling system. RESULTS PLA prints were recycled with an overall efficiency of 79.3 ± 12.2% (standard deviation) between color batch runs. The best recycled filament quality was produced using the pelletization process and wider 3.25mm extruder nozzle. Relative to new filament, tensile strength testing showed recycled filament strength was 79% vs 70% (pelletized vs unpelletized) and 86% vs 60% (3.25mm vs 2.85mm nozzle). Extrusion and spooling procedures proved difficult to optimize, requiring lots of operator supervision (∼45 minutes per spool, mean 475g) and achieved a best filament diameter of 2.85 ± 0.09mm. A cost analysis shows that without accounting for operator time, it would require over 25 years to recoup the cost of the recycling system. CONCLUSION Over the past 1-year, clinical 3D printing at our site consisted of 40 patient boluses and 25 electron cutouts, consuming about 6.5kg of PLA. Due to infection control concerns only 35% of this material was eligible for recycling, however 3.5 times that amount was collected from other printing activities. Recycling reduced new filament use by 56% ($470). Recycling workflows proved difficult to streamline and resulted in filament diameter that was marginally outside common industry standards and about 20% less strong but deemed adequate for clinical printing. Although the cost savings analysis indicates a poor return on investment, increasing the scale of the operation would be beneficial. To achieve this, we plan to recycle PLA boluses after disinfection and solicit other clinics in our hospital network and local 3D printing hobbyist community to recycle their prints.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Dubrowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - C T Gibson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA
| | - J B Schulz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - L Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - S J Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Pople JMM, Nicholls TP, Pham LN, Bloch WM, Lisboa LS, Perkins MV, Gibson CT, Coote ML, Jia Z, Chalker JM. Electrochemical Synthesis of Poly(trisulfides). J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:11798-11810. [PMID: 37196214 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
With increasing interest in high sulfur content polymers, there is a need to develop new methods for their synthesis that feature improved safety and control of structure. In this report, electrochemically initiated ring-opening polymerization of norbornene-based cyclic trisulfide monomers delivered well-defined, linear poly(trisulfides), which were solution processable. Electrochemistry provided a controlled initiation step that obviates the need for hazardous chemical initiators. The high temperatures required for inverse vulcanization are also avoided resulting in an improved safety profile. Density functional theory calculations revealed a reversible "self-correcting" mechanism that ensures trisulfide linkages between monomer units. This control over sulfur rank is a new benchmark for high sulfur content polymers and creates opportunities to better understand the effects of sulfur rank on polymer properties. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the ability to recycle the polymer to the cyclic trisulfide monomer by thermal depolymerization. The featured poly(trisulfide) is an effective gold sorbent, with potential applications in mining and electronic waste recycling. A water-soluble poly(trisulfide) containing a carboxylic acid group was also produced and found to be effective in the binding and recovery of copper from aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M M Pople
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Thomas P Nicholls
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Le Nhan Pham
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Witold M Bloch
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Lynn S Lisboa
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Michael V Perkins
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Michelle L Coote
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Zhongfan Jia
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
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Luo Y, Gibson CT, Chuah C, Tang Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Raman imaging for the identification of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics released from non-stick cookware. Sci Total Environ 2022; 851:158293. [PMID: 36030853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The characterisation of microplastics is still difficult, and the challenge is even greater for nanoplastics. A possible source of these particles is the scratched surface of a non-stick cooking pot that is mainly coated with Teflon. Herein we employ Raman imaging to scan the surfaces of different non-stick pots and collect spectra as spectrum matrices, akin to a hyperspectral imaging process. We adjust and optimise different algorithms and create a new hybrid algorithm to extract the extremely weak signal of Teflon microplastics and particularly nanoplastics. We use multiple characteristic peaks of Teflon to create several images, and merge them to one, using a logic-based algorithm (i), in order to cross-check them and to increase the signal-noise ratio. To differentiate the varied peak heights towards image merging, an algebra-based algorithm (ii) is developed to process different images with weighting factors. To map the images via the whole set of the spectrum (not just from the individual characteristic peaks), a principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithm (iii) is employed to orthogonally decode the spectrum matrix to the PCA spectrum and PCA intensity image. To effectively extract the Teflon spectrum information, a new hybrid algorithm is developed to justify the PCA spectra and merge the PCA intensity images with the algebra-based algorithm (PCA/algebra-based algorithm) (iv). Based on these developments and with the help of SEM, we estimate that thousands to millions of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics might be released during a mimic cooking process. Overall, it is recommended that Raman imaging, along with the signal recognition algorithms, be combined with SEM to characterise and quantify microplastics and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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6
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Luo Y, Gibson CT, Chuah C, Tang Y, Ruan Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Fire releases micro- and nanoplastics: Raman imaging on burned disposable gloves. Environ Pollut 2022; 312:120073. [PMID: 36055457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Raman imaging can effectively characterise microplastics and nanoplastics, which is validated here to capture the items released from the plastic gloves when subjected to a mimicked fire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, large quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) units have been used, such as the disposable gloves. If discarded and poorly managed, plastics gloves might break down to release secondary contaminants. The breakdown process can be accelerated by burning in a bushfire or at the incineration plants. During the burning process, the functional groups on the surface can be burned differently due to their different thermal stabilities. The different degrees of burning can be distinguished and visualised via Raman imaging. In the meantime, at the bottom of the burned plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics can be generated at a significant amount. The possible false Raman imaging on microplastics and nanoplastics is also discussed, by effectively extracting and distinguishing the weak signal from the background or noise. Overall, these findings confirm the importance of effectively working waste incineration plants and litter prevention, and suggest that Raman imaging is a suitable approach to characterise microplastics and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Yinlan Ruan
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3526-6613
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7
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Luo Y, Qi F, Gibson CT, Lei Y, Fang C. Investigating kitchen sponge-derived microplastics and nanoplastics with Raman imaging and multivariate analysis. Sci Total Environ 2022; 824:153963. [PMID: 35183629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can be found almost everywhere, including in our kitchens. The challenge is how to characterise them, particularly for the small ones (<1 μm), referred to as nanoplastics, when they are mixed with larger particles and other components. Herewith we advance Raman imaging to characterise microplastics and nanoplastics released from a dish sponge that we use every day to clean our cookware and eating utensils. The scanning electron microscopy result shows significantly different structures of the soft and hard layers of the sponge, with the hard layer being more likely to shed particles. By scanning the sample surface to generate a spectrum matrix, Raman imaging can significantly improve signal-noise-ratio, compared with individual Raman spectra. Through mapping the characteristic peaks from the matrix that contains hundreds, even thousands of Raman spectra, it is confirmed that the particles released from the soft and hard layers of the sponge are mainly Nylon PA6 and polyethylene terephthalate, respectively. Using principal component analysis (PCA) to decode the spectrum matrix further enhances the signal-noise ratio, which enables mapping the whole set of the spectrum, rather than the selected peaks. By optimising the Raman scanning parameters, the PCA-Raman imaging is able to reliably capture and visualise microplastics and nanoplastics released from both sides of the dish sponge, including a plastic-surrounding-sand composite structure. Overall, PCA-Raman imaging is a holistic and effective approach to characterising miniature plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Fangjie Qi
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Yongjia Lei
- College of Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 625014, PR China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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8
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Luo Y, Chuah C, Amin MA, Khoshyan A, Gibson CT, Tang Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Assessment of microplastics and nanoplastics released from a chopping board using Raman imaging in combination with three algorithms. J Hazard Mater 2022; 431:128636. [PMID: 35278972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As contaminants of emerging concern, microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous in not only aquatic and terrestrial environments but also household settings. While the characterisation of microplastics is still a challenge, the analysis of nanoplastics is even more difficult. In this study, we aim to examine several novel algorithmic methods intended for analysing complex Raman spectrum matrices towards visualisation of plastic particles released from a chopping board. Specifically, we compare and advance three decoding algorithms, including (i) a logic-based algorithm to merge and cross-check multiple Raman images that map the intensities of several characteristic peaks; (ii) a principal component analysis-based algorithm to generate intensity images from whole sets of spectra, not just from individual characteristic peaks; (iii) an algebra-based algorithm to merge and cross-check the loading matrix to enhance characterisation efficiency. Assisted with a scanning electron microscope, we estimate that 100-300 microplastics / nanoplastics per mm per cut along the groove formed on the chopping board, and ~3000 per mm2 per cut in the scratched area, may be released from a chopping board during food preparation and may be subsequently ingested by human. Overall, the Raman imaging combined with algorithms can provide effective characterisation of microplastics and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Md Al Amin
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ashkan Khoshyan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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9
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Worthington MJH, Mann M, Muhti IY, Tikoalu AD, Gibson CT, Jia Z, Miller AD, Chalker JM. Modelling mercury sorption of a polysulfide coating made from sulfur and limonene. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:12363-12373. [PMID: 35552571 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01903e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A polymer made from sulfur and limonene was used to coat silica gel and then evaluated as a mercury sorbent. A kinetic model of mercury uptake was established for a range of pH values and concentrations of sodium chloride. Mercury uptake was generally rapid from pH = 3 to pH = 11. At neutral pH, the sorbent (500 mg with a 10 : 1 ratio of silica to polymer) could remove 90% of mercury within one minute from a 100 mL solution containing 5 ppm HgCl2 and 99% over 5 minutes. It was found that sodium chloride, at concentrations comparable to seawater, dramatically reduced mercury uptake rates and capacity. It was also found that the spent sorbent was stable in acidic and neutral media, but degraded at pH 11 which led to mercury leaching. These results help define the conditions under which the sorbent could be used, which is an important advance for using this material in remediation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J H Worthington
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Maximilian Mann
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Ismi Yusrina Muhti
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Alfrets D Tikoalu
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Zhongfan Jia
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Anthony D Miller
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. .,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
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10
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Luo Y, Al Amin M, Gibson CT, Chuah C, Tang Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Raman imaging of microplastics and nanoplastics generated by cutting PVC pipe. Environ Pollut 2022; 298:118857. [PMID: 35033619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The characterisation of nanoplastics is much more difficult than that of microplastics. Herewith we employ Raman imaging to capture and visualise nanoplastics and microplastics, due to the increased signal-noise ratio from Raman spectrum matrix when compared with that from a single spectrum. The images mapping multiple characteristic peaks can be merged into one using logic-based algorithm, in order to cross-check these images and to further increase the signal-noise ratio. We demonstrate how to capture and identify microplastics, and then zoom down gradually to visualise nanoplastics, in order to avoid the shielding effect of the microplastics to shadow and obscure the nanoplastics. We also carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of Raman imaging, while giving recommendations for improvement. We validate our approach to capture the microplastics and nanoplastics as particles released when we cut and assemble PVC pipes in our garden. We estimate that, during a cutting process of the PVC pipe, thousands of microplastics in the range of 0.1-5 mm can be released, along with millions of small microplastics in the range of 1-100 μm, and billions of nanoplastics in the range of <1 μm. Overall, Raman imaging can effectively capture microplastics and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Md Al Amin
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia, 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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11
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Luo Y, Gibson CT, Chuah C, Tang Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Applying Raman imaging to capture and identify microplastics and nanoplastics in the garden. J Hazard Mater 2022; 426:127788. [PMID: 34823958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The characterisation of microplastics is still a challenge, and the challenge is even greater for nanoplastics, of which we only have a limited knowledge so far. Herewith we employ Raman imaging to directly visualise microplastics and nanoplastics which are released from the trimmer lines during lawn mowing. The signal-noise ratio of Raman imaging is significantly increased by generating an image from hundreds or thousands of Raman spectra, rather than from a single spectrum, and is further increased by combining with the logic-based and PCA-based algorithms. The increased signal-noise ratio enables us to capture and identify microplastics and particularly nanoplastics, including plastic fragments or shreds (with diameters / widths of 80 nm - 3 µm) and nanoparticles (with diameters of < 1000 nm) that are released during the mimicked mowing process. Using Raman imaging, we estimate that thousands of microplastics (0.1-5 mm), and billions of nanoplastics (< 1000 nm), are released per minute when a line trimmer is used to mow lawn. Overall, Raman imaging provides effective characterisation of the microplastics and is particularly suitable for nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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12
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Luo Y, Gibson CT, Tang Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Characterising microplastics in shower wastewater with Raman imaging. Sci Total Environ 2022; 811:152409. [PMID: 34923349 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can potentially be released in our daily activities, such as via our showers, as our clothes are made of plastic fibres, and/or cotton fibres. The challenge is how to characterise these microplastics in shower debris. Herewith we employ Raman imaging to directly visualise the microplastics collected from shower wastewater. Raman can map an image from the scanning array that contains a matrix of thousands of spectra, featuring a considerably higher signal-noise ratio than that from a single spectrum. The increased signal-noise ratio reduces the complexity of sample preparation. Consequently, after the shower debris was sampled and washed, Raman imaging allowed us to distinguish the microplastic fibres from the background including cotton fibres and dirt aggregates. Interestingly, by adjusting the laser power intensity, the scanning process enabled simultaneous in-situ bleaching of the colorants formulated in the textile fibres and collection of signals. The disadvantage of Raman imaging such as the short focusing/working distance is also presented and discussed. Overall, the Raman imaging can extract meaningful information from the complex shower debris samples to enable analysis of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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13
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Luo Y, Sobhani Z, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Gibson CT, Naidu R, Fang C. Raman imaging and MALDI-MS towards identification of microplastics generated when using stationery markers. J Hazard Mater 2022; 424:127478. [PMID: 34666291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The characterisation of microplastics is still a challenge, particularly when the sample is a mixture with a complex background, such as an ink mark on paper. To address this challenge, we developed and compared two approaches, (i) Raman imaging, combined with logic-based and principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithms, and (ii) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). We found that, accordingly, (i) if the Raman signal of plastics is identifiable and not completely shielded by the background, Raman imaging can extract the plastic signals and visualise their distribution directly, with the help of a logic-based or PCA-based algorithm, via the "fingerprint" spectrum; (ii) when the Raman signal is shielded and masked by the background, MALDI-MS can effectively capture and identify the plastic polymer, via the "barcode" of the mass spectrum linked with the monomer. Overall, both Raman imaging and MALDI-MS have benefits and limitations for microplastic analysis; if accessible, the combined use of these two techniques is generally recommended, especially when assessing samples with strong background interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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14
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Lundquist NA, Yin Y, Mann M, Tonkin SJ, Slattery AD, Andersson GG, Gibson CT, Chalker JM. Magnetic responsive composites made from a sulfur-rich polymer. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py00903j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A magnetic responsive composite was made from a sulfur-rich polymer and iron nanoparticles. Diverse applications in mercury remediation, microwave curing, and magnetic responsive actuators were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Lundquist
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Yanting Yin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Maximilian Mann
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Samuel J. Tonkin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- Adelaide Microscopy, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Gunther G. Andersson
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
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15
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Mann M, Zhang B, Tonkin SJ, Gibson CT, Jia Z, Hasell T, Chalker JM. Processes for coating surfaces with a copolymer made from sulfur and dicyclopentadiene. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py01416a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A copolymer made from sulfur and dicyclopentadiene was useful as a mercury sorbent, and also as a protective and repairable coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Mann
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Samuel J. Tonkin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Zhongfan Jia
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Tom Hasell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
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16
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Vimalanathan K, Palmer T, Gardner Z, Ling I, Rahpeima S, Elmas S, Gascooke JR, Gibson CT, Sun Q, Zou J, Andersson MR, Darwish N, Raston CL. High shear in situ exfoliation of 2D gallium oxide sheets from centrifugally derived thin films of liquid gallium. Nanoscale Adv 2021; 3:5785-5792. [PMID: 36132680 PMCID: PMC9419649 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00598g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A diversity of two-dimensional nanomaterials has recently emerged with recent attention turning to the post-transition metal elements, in particular material derived from liquid metals and eutectic melts below 330 °C where processing is more flexible and in the temperature regime suitable for industry. This has been explored for liquid gallium using an angled vortex fluidic device (VFD) to fabricate ultrathin gallium oxide (Ga2O3) sheets under continuous flow conditions. We have established the nanosheets to form highly insulating material and have electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution, with a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec-1 revealing promoting effects of the surface oxidation (passivation layer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Vimalanathan
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Timotheos Palmer
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Zoe Gardner
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Irene Ling
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500 Selangor Malaysia
| | - Soraya Rahpeima
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin Institute for Functional Molecule and Interfaces, Curtin University Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Sait Elmas
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Jason R Gascooke
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
| | - Qiang Sun
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- Materials Engineering, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Jin Zou
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- Materials Engineering, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Mats R Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Nadim Darwish
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin Institute for Functional Molecule and Interfaces, Curtin University Bentley Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Colin L Raston
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
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17
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Fang C, Sobhani Z, Zhang D, Zhang X, Gibson CT, Tang Y, Luo Y, Megharaj M, Naidu R. Capture and characterisation of microplastics printed on paper via laser printer's toners. Chemosphere 2021; 281:130864. [PMID: 34020184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are among the ubiquitous contaminants in our environment. As emerging contaminants, microplastics are still facing with lots of challenges on the characterisation, including their capture, identification and visualisation, particularly from a complex background. For example, when we print documents using a laser printer, we are printing microplastics onto paper, because the plastics are the main ingredient of the toner powder mixture. Characterisation of these microplastic mixture meets an even more complicated challenge, because plastic's signals might be shielded by other toner powder ingredients such as the pigments, the dyes, the black carbon, and the paper fabrics as well. To solve this challenge, we employ various techniques, including SEM, TEM, XPS, FT-IR, TGA and Raman, to characterise the microplastics printed via the toner powders. Interestingly, we show that Raman can distinguish and visualise the distribution of the microplastics from the complex background of the mixture. We estimate the millions of toner powders, each of which is ~4-6 μm in size, are printed out per A4 sheet as microplastics. The findings send a strong warning that millions of microplastics might be generated from the printing activities in our daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia, 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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18
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Bu Najmah I, Lundquist NA, Stanfield MK, Stojcevski F, Campbell JA, Esdaile LJ, Gibson CT, Lewis DA, Henderson LC, Hasell T, Chalker JM. Insulating Composites Made from Sulfur, Canola Oil, and Wool*. ChemSusChem 2021; 14:2352-2359. [PMID: 33634605 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An insulating composite was made from the sustainable building blocks wool, sulfur, and canola oil. In the first stage of the synthesis, inverse vulcanization was used to make a polysulfide polymer from the canola oil triglyceride and sulfur. This polymerization benefits from complete atom economy. In the second stage, the powdered polymer was mixed with wool, coating the fibers through electrostatic attraction. The polymer and wool mixture were then compressed with mild heating to provoke S-S metathesis in the polymer, which locks the wool in the polymer matrix. The wool fibers imparted tensile strength, insulating properties, and reduced the flammability of the composite. All building blocks are sustainable or derived from waste and the composite is a promising lead on next-generation insulation for energy conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa Bu Najmah
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Lundquist
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Melissa K Stanfield
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Filip Stojcevski
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Jonathan A Campbell
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Louisa J Esdaile
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Luke C Henderson
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Tom Hasell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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19
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Fang C, Sobhani Z, Zhang X, McCourt L, Routley B, Gibson CT, Naidu R. Identification and visualisation of microplastics / nanoplastics by Raman imaging (iii): algorithm to cross-check multi-images. Water Res 2021; 194:116913. [PMID: 33601233 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We recently developed the Raman mapping image to visualise and identify microplastics / nanoplastics (Fang et al. 2020, Sobhani et al. 2020). However, when the Raman signal is low and weak, the mapping uncertainty from the individual Raman peak intensity increases and may lead to images with false positive or negative features. For real samples, even the Raman signal is high, a low signal-noise ratio still occurs and leads to the mapping uncertainty due to the high spectrum background when: the target plastic is dispersed within another material with interfering Raman peaks; materials are present that exhibit broad Raman peaks; or, materials are present that fluoresce when exposed to the excitation laser. In this study, in order to increase the mapping certainty, we advance the algorithm to combine and merge multi-images that have been simultaneously mapped at the different characteristic peaks from the Raman spectra, akin imaging via different mapping channels simultaneously. These multi-images are merged into one image via algorithms, including colour off-setting to collect signal with a higher ratio of signal-noise, logic-OR to pick up more signal, logic-AND to eliminate noise, and logic-SUBTRACT to remove image background. Specifically, two or more Raman images can act as "parent images", to merge and generate a "daughter image" via a selected algorithm, to a "granddaughter image" via a further selected algorithm, and to an "offspring image" etc. More interestingly, to validate this algorithm approach, we analyse microplastics / nanoplastics that might be generated by a laser printer in our office or home. Depending on the toner and the printer, we might print and generate millions of microplastics and nanoplastics when we print a single A4 document.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Luke McCourt
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ben Routley
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
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Qian G, Fan R, Huang J, Pring A, Harmer SL, Zhang H, Rea MAD, Brugger J, Teasdale PR, Gibson CT, Schumann RC, Smart RSC, Gerson AR. Oxidative Dissolution of Sulfide Minerals in Single and Mixed Sulfide Systems under Simulated Acid and Metalliferous Drainage Conditions. Environ Sci Technol 2021; 55:2369-2380. [PMID: 33507750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite commonly coexist with pyrite in sulfidic waste rocks. The aim of this work was to investigate their impact, potentially by galvanic interaction, on pyrite oxidation and acid generation rates under simulated acid and metalliferous drainage conditions. Kinetic leach column experiments using single-minerals and pyrite with one or two of the other sulfide minerals were carried out at realistic sulfide contents (total sulfide <5.2 wt % for mixed sulfide experiments), mimicking sulfidic waste rock conditions. Chalcopyrite was found to be most effective in limiting pyrite oxidation and acid generation with 77-95% reduction in pyrite oxidation over 72 weeks, delaying decrease in leachate pH. Sphalerite had the least impact with reduction of pyrite dissolution by 26% over 72 weeks, likely because of the large band gap and poor conductivity of sphalerite. Galena had a smaller impact than chalcopyrite on pyrite oxidation, despite their similar band gaps, possibly because of the greater extent of oxidation and the significantly reduced surface areas of galena (area reductions of >47% for galena vs <1.5% for chalcopyrite) over 72 weeks. The results are directly relevant to mine waste storage and confirm that the galvanic interaction plays a role in controlling acid generation in multisulfide waste even at low sulfide contents (several wt %) with small probabilities (≤0.23%) of direct contact between sulfide minerals in mixed sulfide experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gujie Qian
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Rong Fan
- CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton, Victoria 3169, Australia
| | - Jianyin Huang
- Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Allan Pring
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Sarah L Harmer
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - He Zhang
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- School of Earth and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Maria Angelica D Rea
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- CSIRO Land and Water, Environmental Contaminant Mitigation and Technologies, PMB2, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - Joël Brugger
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and the Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peter R Teasdale
- Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Makes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Russell C Schumann
- Environmental Geochemistry International, Balmain, New South Wales 2041, Australia
| | - Roger St C Smart
- Blue Minerals Consultancy, Wattle Grove, Tasmania 7109, Australia
| | - Andrea R Gerson
- Blue Minerals Consultancy, Wattle Grove, Tasmania 7109, Australia
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21
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Mann M, Luo X, Tikoalu AD, Gibson CT, Yin Y, Al-Attabi R, Andersson GG, Raston CL, Henderson LC, Pring A, Hasell T, Chalker JM. Carbonisation of a polymer made from sulfur and canola oil. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:6296-6299. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01555a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A polymer made from sulfur and canola oil can be used as an oil spill sorbent and then repurposed into a sulfur-rich graphitic carbon for mercury removal from water.
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22
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Fang C, Sobhani Z, Zhang X, Gibson CT, Tang Y, Naidu R. Identification and visualisation of microplastics/ nanoplastics by Raman imaging (ii): Smaller than the diffraction limit of laser? Water Res 2020; 183:116046. [PMID: 32629180 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We recently reported (Sobhani et al., 2020) that when a confocal Raman microscope imaged a nanoplastic with the diameter of 100 nm, the imaging lateral size was 300-400 nm, due to the diffraction limit of the laser spot. In this study, we examine the lateral intensity distribution of the Raman signal emitted by nanoplastics (diameters ranging ∼30-600 nm) within the excitation laser spot. We find that the Raman emission intensity, similar to the excitation power density distributed within a laser spot, also follows a lateral Gaussian distribution. To image and visualise individual nanoplastics, we (i) decrease the mapping pixel size, in a hope to generate an image with high-resolution and simultaneously to pick up items from the "blind point". We can then either (ii) offset the colour to intentionally image only the high-intensity portion of the Raman signal (emitted from the centre of the laser spot), to localise the exact position of the nanoplastic; or (iii) categorise the imaged nanoplastics to different groups via their Raman intensity, to simultaneously and separately visualise large nanoplastics/strong Raman signals, medium nanoplastics and small nanoplastics, in an effort to avoid the shielding and overlooking of weak signals. We (iv) also cross-check multi-images simultaneously mapped at two or three characteristic peaks via either a logic-OR or a logic-AND algorithm. Thus the imaging uncertainty can be significantly reduced from a statistical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia, 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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23
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Lundquist NA, Tikoalu AD, Worthington MJH, Shapter R, Tonkin SJ, Stojcevski F, Mann M, Gibson CT, Gascooke JR, Karton A, Henderson LC, Esdaile LJ, Chalker JM. Reactive Compression Molding Post-Inverse Vulcanization: A Method to Assemble, Recycle, and Repurpose Sulfur Polymers and Composites. Chemistry 2020; 26:10035-10044. [PMID: 32428387 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inverse vulcanization provides dynamic and responsive materials made from elemental sulfur and unsaturated cross-linkers. These polymers have been used in a variety of applications such as energy storage, infrared optics, repairable materials, environmental remediation, and precision fertilizers. In spite of these advances, there is a need for methods to recycle and reprocess these polymers. In this study, polymers prepared by inverse vulcanization are shown to undergo reactive compression molding. In this process, the reactive interfaces of sulfur polymers are brought into contact by mechanical compression. Upon heating these molds at relatively low temperatures (≈100 °C), chemical bonding occurs at the polymer interfaces by S-S metathesis. This method of processing is distinct from previous studies on inverse vulcanization because the polymers examined in this study do not form a liquid phase when heated. Neither compression nor heating alone was sufficient to mold these polymers into new architectures, so this is a new concept in the manipulation of sulfur polymers. Additionally, high-level ab initio calculations revealed that the weakest S-S bond in organic polysulfides decreases linearly in strength from a sulfur rank of 2 to 4, but then remains constant at about 100 kJ mol-1 for higher sulfur rank. This is critical information in engineering these polymers for S-S metathesis. Guided by this insight, polymer repair, recycling, and repurposing into new composites was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Lundquist
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Alfrets D Tikoalu
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Max J H Worthington
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Ryan Shapter
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Samuel J Tonkin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Filip Stojcevski
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Maximilian Mann
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Jason R Gascooke
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Amir Karton
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Luke C Henderson
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Louisa J Esdaile
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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24
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Tonkin SJ, Gibson CT, Campbell JA, Lewis DA, Karton A, Hasell T, Chalker JM. Chemically induced repair, adhesion, and recycling of polymers made by inverse vulcanization. Chem Sci 2020; 11:5537-5546. [PMID: 32874497 PMCID: PMC7441575 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc00855a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inverse vulcanization is a copolymerization of elemental sulfur and alkenes that provides unique materials with high sulfur content (typically ≥50% sulfur by mass). These polymers contain a dynamic and reactive polysulfide network that creates many opportunities for processing, assembly, and repair that are not possible with traditional plastics, rubbers and thermosets. In this study, we demonstrate that two surfaces of these sulfur polymers can be chemically joined at room temperature through a phosphine or amine-catalyzed exchange of the S-S bonds in the polymer. When the nucleophile is pyridine or triethylamine, we show that S-S metathesis only occurs at room temperature for a sulfur rank > 2-an important discovery for the design of polymers made by inverse vulcanization. This mechanistic understanding of the S-S metathesis was further supported with small molecule crossover experiments in addition to computational studies. Applications of this chemistry in latent adhesives, additive manufacturing, polymer repair, and recycling are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Tonkin
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia 5042 , Australia .
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis , College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia 5042 , Australia
| | - Jonathan A Campbell
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia 5042 , Australia .
| | - David A Lewis
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia 5042 , Australia .
| | - Amir Karton
- School of Molecular Sciences , University of Western Australia , Perth , Western Australia 6009 , Australia
| | - Tom Hasell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 7ZD , UK
| | - Justin M Chalker
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia 5042 , Australia .
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25
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Vimalanathan K, Suarez-Martinez I, Peiris MCR, Antonio J, de Tomas C, Zou Y, Zou J, Duan X, Lamb RN, Harvey DP, Alharbi TMD, Gibson CT, Marks NA, Darwish N, Raston CL. Vortex fluidic mediated transformation of graphite into highly conducting graphene scrolls. Nanoscale Adv 2019; 1:2495-2501. [PMID: 36132736 PMCID: PMC9417623 DOI: 10.1039/c9na00184k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional graphene has remarkable properties that are revolutionary in many applications. Scrolling monolayer graphene with precise tunability would create further potential for niche applications but this has proved challenging. We have now established the ability to fabricate monolayer graphene scrolls in high yield directly from graphite flakes under non-equilibrium conditions at room temperature in dynamic thin films of liquid. Using conductive atomic force microscopy we demonstrate that the graphene scrolls form highly conducting electrical contacts to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). These highly conducting graphite-graphene contacts are attractive for the fabrication of interconnects in microcircuits and align with the increasing interest in building all sp2-carbon circuits. Above a temperature of 450 °C the scrolls unravel into buckled graphene sheets, and this process is understood on a theoretical basis. These findings augur well for new applications, in particular for incorporating the scrolls into miniaturized electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Vimalanathan
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Irene Suarez-Martinez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Curtin University Bentley Campus Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - M Chandramalika R Peiris
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin Institute of Functional Molecule and Interfaces, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Joshua Antonio
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin Institute of Functional Molecule and Interfaces, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Carla de Tomas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Curtin University Bentley Campus Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Yichao Zou
- School of Engineering, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Jin Zou
- School of Engineering, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Xiaofei Duan
- Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (TrACEES), The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Robert N Lamb
- Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (TrACEES), The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - David P Harvey
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Thaar M D Alharbi
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Nigel A Marks
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Curtin University Bentley Campus Perth WA 6102 Australia
| | - Nadim Darwish
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin Institute of Functional Molecule and Interfaces, Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Colin L Raston
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
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26
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Smith JA, Green SJ, Petcher S, Parker DJ, Zhang B, Worthington MJH, Wu X, Kelly CA, Baker T, Gibson CT, Campbell JA, Lewis DA, Jenkins MJ, Willcock H, Chalker JM, Hasell T. Crosslinker Copolymerization for Property Control in Inverse Vulcanization. Chemistry 2019; 25:10433-10440. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201901619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Smith
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
| | - Sarah J. Green
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
| | - Samuel Petcher
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
| | | | - Bowen Zhang
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
| | - Max J. H. Worthington
- Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
| | - Catherine A. Kelly
- School of Metallurgy and MaterialsUniversity of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Thomas Baker
- Department of MaterialsLoughborough University Loughborough LE11 3TU UK
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and MicroanalysisCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Jonathan A. Campbell
- Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - David A. Lewis
- Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Mike J. Jenkins
- School of Metallurgy and MaterialsUniversity of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Helen Willcock
- Department of MaterialsLoughborough University Loughborough LE11 3TU UK
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyCollege of Science and EngineeringFlinders University Sturt Road Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Tom Hasell
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7ZD UK
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27
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Alsulami IK, Alharbi TMD, Harvey DP, Gibson CT, Raston CL. Controlling the growth of fullerene C 60 cones under continuous flow. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:7896-7899. [PMID: 29926036 DOI: 10.1039/c8cc03730b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Micromixing of an o-xylene solution of C60 with N-N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature under continuous flow in a vortex fluidic device (VFD) results in the formation of symmetrical right cones in high yield with diameters 0.5 to 2.5 μm, pitch angle 25° to 55° and wall thickness 120 to 310 nm. Their formation is in the absence of surfactants and any other reagents, and is scalable. The cones are formed at specific operating parameters of the VFD, including rotational speed, flow rate and concentration, and varying these results in other structures such as grooved fractals. Other aromatic solvents in place of o-xylene results in the formation of rods, spicules and prisms, respectively for m-xylene, p-xylene and mesitylene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim K Alsulami
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology (CNST), College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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28
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Chambers BA, Shearer CJ, Yu L, Gibson CT, Andersson GG. Measuring the Density of States of the Inner and Outer Wall of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2018; 8:nano8060448. [PMID: 29921819 PMCID: PMC6027179 DOI: 10.3390/nano8060448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The combination of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and metastable helium induced electron spectroscopy is used to determine the density of states of the inner and outer coaxial carbon nanotubes. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy typically measures the density of states across the entire carbon nanotube, while metastable helium induced electron spectroscopy measures the density of states of the outermost layer alone. The use of double-walled carbon nanotubes in electronic devices allows for the outer wall to be functionalised whilst the inner wall remains defect free and the density of states is kept intact for electron transport. Separating the information of the inner and outer walls enables development of double-walled carbon nanotubes to be independent, such that the charge transport of the inner wall is maintained and confirmed whilst the outer wall is modified for functional purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Chambers
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Cameron J Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.
| | - LePing Yu
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
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29
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Corletto A, Yu L, Shearer CJ, Gibson CT, Shapter JG. Direct-Patterning SWCNTs Using Dip Pen Nanolithography for SWCNT/Silicon Solar Cells. Small 2018; 14:e1800247. [PMID: 29575578 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201800247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dip pen nanolithography (DPN) is used to pattern single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) lines between the n-type Si and SWCNT film in SWCNT/Si solar cells. The SWCNT ink composition, loading, and DPN pretreatment are optimized to improve patterning. This improved DPN technique is then used to successfully pattern >1 mm long SWCNT lines consistently. This is a 20-fold increase in the previously reported direct-patterning of SWCNT lines using the DPN technique, and demonstrates the scalability of the technique to pattern larger areas. The degree of the uniformity of SWCNTs in these lines is further characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The patterned SWCNT lines are used as thin conductive pathways in SWCNT/Si solar cells, similar to front contact electrodes. The critical parameters of these solar cells are measured and compared to control cells without SWCNT lines. The addition of SWCNT lines increases power conversion efficiency by 40% (relative). Importantly, the SWCNT lines reduce average series resistance by 44%, and consequently increase average fill factor by 24%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Corletto
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - LePing Yu
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Cameron J Shearer
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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30
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Batmunkh M, Shrestha A, Bat‐Erdene M, Nine MJ, Shearer CJ, Gibson CT, Slattery AD, Tawfik SA, Ford MJ, Dai S, Qiao S, Shapter JG. Electrocatalytic Activity of a 2D Phosphorene‐Based Heteroelectrocatalyst for Photoelectrochemical Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201712280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Munkhbayar Batmunkh
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Aabhash Shrestha
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Nanotechnology Research Laboratory Research School of Engineering Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Munkhjargal Bat‐Erdene
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Md Julker Nine
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Cameron J. Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- Adelaide Microscopy The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Sherif Abdulkader Tawfik
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences University of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales 2 007 Australia
| | - Michael J. Ford
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences University of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales 2 007 Australia
| | - Sheng Dai
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials Newcastle University Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
| | - Shizhang Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Joseph G. Shapter
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
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31
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Batmunkh M, Shrestha A, Bat‐Erdene M, Nine MJ, Shearer CJ, Gibson CT, Slattery AD, Tawfik SA, Ford MJ, Dai S, Qiao S, Shapter JG. Electrocatalytic Activity of a 2D Phosphorene‐Based Heteroelectrocatalyst for Photoelectrochemical Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:2644-2647. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201712280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Munkhbayar Batmunkh
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Aabhash Shrestha
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Nanotechnology Research Laboratory Research School of Engineering Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Munkhjargal Bat‐Erdene
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Md Julker Nine
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Cameron J. Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- Adelaide Microscopy The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Sherif Abdulkader Tawfik
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences University of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales 2 007 Australia
| | - Michael J. Ford
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences University of Technology Sydney Ultimo New South Wales 2 007 Australia
| | - Sheng Dai
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials Newcastle University Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
| | - Shizhang Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Joseph G. Shapter
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
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Lundquist NA, Worthington MJH, Adamson N, Gibson CT, Johnston MR, Ellis AV, Chalker JM. Polysulfides made from re-purposed waste are sustainable materials for removing iron from water. RSC Adv 2018; 8:1232-1236. [PMID: 35540927 PMCID: PMC9077003 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra11999b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Water contaminated with Fe3+ is undesirable because it can result in discoloured plumbing fixtures, clogging, and a poor taste and aesthetic profile for drinking water. At high levels, Fe3+ can also promote the growth of unwanted bacteria, so environmental agencies and water authorities typically regulate the amount of Fe3+ in municipal water and wastewater. Here, polysulfide sorbents—prepared from elemental sulfur and unsaturated cooking oils—are used to remove Fe3+ contaminants from water. The sorbent is low-cost and sustainable, as it can be prepared entirely from waste. The preparation of this material using microwave heating and its application in iron capture are two important advances in the growing field of sulfur polymers. A polymer prepared by co-polymerisation of sulfur and canola oil removed Fe3+ from water. Microwave irradiation was convenient in promoting the polymerisation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Lundquist
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Max J. H. Worthington
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Nick Adamson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Martin R. Johnston
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Amanda V. Ellis
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- College of Science and Engineering
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
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33
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Worthington MJH, Kucera RL, Albuquerque IS, Gibson CT, Sibley A, Slattery AD, Campbell JA, Alboaiji SFK, Muller KA, Young J, Adamson N, Gascooke JR, Jampaiah D, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK, Ippolito SJ, Lewis DA, Quinton JS, Ellis AV, Johs A, Bernardes GJL, Chalker JM. Laying Waste to Mercury: Inexpensive Sorbents Made from Sulfur and Recycled Cooking Oils. Chemistry 2017; 23:16219-16230. [PMID: 28763123 PMCID: PMC5724514 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201702871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mercury pollution threatens the environment and human health across the globe. This neurotoxic substance is encountered in artisanal gold mining, coal combustion, oil and gas refining, waste incineration, chloralkali plant operation, metallurgy, and areas of agriculture in which mercury-rich fungicides are used. Thousands of tonnes of mercury are emitted annually through these activities. With the Minamata Convention on Mercury entering force this year, increasing regulation of mercury pollution is imminent. It is therefore critical to provide inexpensive and scalable mercury sorbents. The research herein addresses this need by introducing low-cost mercury sorbents made solely from sulfur and unsaturated cooking oils. A porous version of the polymer was prepared by simply synthesising the polymer in the presence of a sodium chloride porogen. The resulting material is a rubber that captures liquid mercury metal, mercury vapour, inorganic mercury bound to organic matter, and highly toxic alkylmercury compounds. Mercury removal from air, water and soil was demonstrated. Because sulfur is a by-product of petroleum refining and spent cooking oils from the food industry are suitable starting materials, these mercury-capturing polymers can be synthesised entirely from waste and supplied on multi-kilogram scales. This study is therefore an advance in waste valorisation and environmental chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J. H. Worthington
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Renata L. Kucera
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Inês S. Albuquerque
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Alexander Sibley
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jonathan A. Campbell
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Salah F. K. Alboaiji
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Katherine A. Muller
- Environmental Sciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTennesseeUSA
| | - Jason Young
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Flinders Analytical, School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Nick Adamson
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jason R. Gascooke
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Deshetti Jampaiah
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ylias M. Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Suresh K. Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Samuel J. Ippolito
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of EngineeringRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - David A. Lewis
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jamie S. Quinton
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Amanda V. Ellis
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alexander Johs
- Environmental Sciences DivisionOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTennesseeUSA
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- School of Chemical and Physical SciencesFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
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34
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Slattery AD, Shearer CJ, Shapter JG, Quinton JS, Gibson CT. Solution Based Methods for the Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube Modified Atomic Force Microscopy Probes. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2017; 7:E346. [PMID: 29068385 PMCID: PMC5707563 DOI: 10.3390/nano7110346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
High aspect ratio carbon nanotubes are ideal candidates to improve the resolution and lifetime of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes. Here, we present simple methods for the preparation of carbon nanotube modified AFM probes utilising solvent evaporation or dielectrophoresis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the modified probes shows that the carbon nanotubes attach to the probe apex as fibres and display a high aspect ratio. Many of the probes made in this manner were initially found to exhibit anomalous feedback characteristics during scanning, which rendered them unsuitable for imaging. However, we further developed and demonstrated a simple method to stabilise the carbon nanotube fibres by scanning with high force in tapping mode, which either shortens or straightens the carbon fibre, resulting in stable and high quality imaging AFM imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D Slattery
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
- Adelaide Microscopy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Cameron J Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Jamie S Quinton
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
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35
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Worthington MJH, Kucera RL, Albuquerque IS, Gibson CT, Sibley A, Slattery AD, Campbell JA, Alboaiji SFK, Muller KA, Young J, Adamson N, Gascooke JR, Jampaiah D, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK, Ippolito SJ, Lewis DA, Quinton JS, Ellis AV, Johs A, Bernardes GJL, Chalker JM. Cover Feature: Laying Waste to Mercury: Inexpensive Sorbents Made from Sulfur and Recycled Cooking Oils (Chem. Eur. J. 64/2017). Chemistry 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201704108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Max J. H. Worthington
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Renata L. Kucera
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Inês S. Albuquerque
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Alexander Sibley
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Jonathan A. Campbell
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Salah F. K. Alboaiji
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Katherine A. Muller
- Environmental Sciences Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
| | - Jason Young
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Flinders Analytical, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Nick Adamson
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Jason R. Gascooke
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Deshetti Jampaiah
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Ylias M. Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Suresh K. Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Samuel J. Ippolito
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Engineering RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David A. Lewis
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Jamie S. Quinton
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Amanda V. Ellis
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Alexander Johs
- Environmental Sciences Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
- Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology Flinders University Bedford Park South Australia Australia
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36
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Shearer CJ, Yu L, Fenati R, Sibley AJ, Quinton JS, Gibson CT, Ellis AV, Andersson GG, Shapter JG. Adsorption and Desorption of Single‐Stranded DNA from Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes. Chem Asian J 2017; 12:1625-1634. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.201700446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - LePing Yu
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Renzo Fenati
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
- Present Address: School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Alexander J. Sibley
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Jamie S. Quinton
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Amanda V. Ellis
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
- Present Address: School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Gunther G. Andersson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Joseph G. Shapter
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology School of Chemical and Physical Science Flinders University Sturt Rd Bedford Park South Australia 5042 Australia
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37
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Slattery AD, Shearer CJ, Gibson CT, Shapter JG, Lewis DA, Stapleton AJ. Carbon nanotube modified probes for stable and high sensitivity conductive atomic force microscopy. Nanotechnology 2016; 27:475708. [PMID: 27782008 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/47/475708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) is used to characterise the nanoscale electrical properties of many conducting and semiconducting materials. We investigate the effect of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modification of commercial Pt/Ir cantilevers on the sensitivity and image stability during C-AFM imaging. Pt/Ir cantilevers were modified with small bundles of SWCNTs via a manual attachment procedure and secured with a conductive platinum pad. AFM images of topography and current were collected from heterogeneous polymer and nanomaterial samples using both standard and SWCNT modified cantilevers. Typically, achieving a good current image comes at the cost of reduced feedback stability. In part, this is due to electrostatic interaction and increased tip wear upon applying a bias between the tip and the sample. The SWCNT modified tips displayed superior current sensitivity and feedback stability which, combined with superior wear resistance of SWCNTs, is a significant advancement for C-AFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D Slattery
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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38
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Sader JE, Borgani R, Gibson CT, Haviland DB, Higgins MJ, Kilpatrick JI, Lu J, Mulvaney P, Shearer CJ, Slattery AD, Thorén PA, Tran J, Zhang H, Zhang H, Zheng T. A virtual instrument to standardise the calibration of atomic force microscope cantilevers. Rev Sci Instrum 2016; 87:093711. [PMID: 27782587 DOI: 10.1063/1.4962866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscope (AFM) users often calibrate the spring constants of cantilevers using functionality built into individual instruments. This calibration is performed without reference to a global standard, hindering the robust comparison of force measurements reported by different laboratories. Here, we describe a virtual instrument (an internet-based initiative) whereby users from all laboratories can instantly and quantitatively compare their calibration measurements to those of others-standardising AFM force measurements-and simultaneously enabling non-invasive calibration of AFM cantilevers of any geometry. This global calibration initiative requires no additional instrumentation or data processing on the part of the user. It utilises a single website where users upload currently available data. A proof-of-principle demonstration of this initiative is presented using measured data from five independent laboratories across three countries, which also allows for an assessment of current calibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Sader
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Borgani
- Nanostructure Physics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Roslagstullsbacken 21, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - David B Haviland
- Nanostructure Physics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Roslagstullsbacken 21, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael J Higgins
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Jason I Kilpatrick
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jianing Lu
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Mulvaney
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Cameron J Shearer
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ashley D Slattery
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Per-Anders Thorén
- Nanostructure Physics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Roslagstullsbacken 21, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jim Tran
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Heyou Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Hongrui Zhang
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Tian Zheng
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
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Abstract
Graphene has emerged as a material with a vast variety of applications. The electronic, optical and mechanical properties of graphene are strongly influenced by the number of layers present in a sample. As a result, the dimensional characterization of graphene films is crucial, especially with the continued development of new synthesis methods and applications. A number of techniques exist to determine the thickness of graphene films including optical contrast, Raman scattering and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), in particular, is used extensively since it provides three-dimensional images that enable the measurement of the lateral dimensions of graphene films as well as the thickness, and by extension the number of layers present. However, in the literature AFM has proven to be inaccurate with a wide range of measured values for single layer graphene thickness reported (between 0.4 and 1.7 nm). This discrepancy has been attributed to tip-surface interactions, image feedback settings and surface chemistry. In this work, we use standard and carbon nanotube modified AFM probes and a relatively new AFM imaging mode known as PeakForce tapping mode to establish a protocol that will allow users to accurately determine the thickness of graphene films. In particular, the error in measuring the first layer is reduced from 0.1-1.3 nm to 0.1-0.3 nm. Furthermore, in the process we establish that the graphene-substrate adsorbate layer and imaging force, in particular the pressure the tip exerts on the surface, are crucial components in the accurate measurement of graphene using AFM. These findings can be applied to other 2D materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Shearer
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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40
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Crockett MP, Evans AM, Worthington MJH, Albuquerque IS, Slattery AD, Gibson CT, Campbell JA, Lewis DA, Bernardes GJL, Chalker JM. Sulfur-Limonene Polysulfide: A Material Synthesized Entirely from Industrial By-Products and Its Use in Removing Toxic Metals from Water and Soil. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:1714-8. [PMID: 26481099 PMCID: PMC4755153 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201508708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A polysulfide material was synthesized by the direct reaction of sulfur and d-limonene, by-products of the petroleum and citrus industries, respectively. The resulting material was processed into functional coatings or molded into solid devices for the removal of palladium and mercury salts from water and soil. The binding of mercury(II) to the sulfur-limonene polysulfide resulted in a color change. These properties motivate application in next-generation environmental remediation and mercury sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Crockett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Austin M Evans
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Max J H Worthington
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Inês S Albuquerque
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ashley D Slattery
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan A Campbell
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Justin M Chalker
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
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41
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Jones DB, Chen X, Sibley A, Quinton JS, Shearer CJ, Gibson CT, Raston CL. Plasma enhanced vortex fluidic device manipulation of graphene oxide. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:10755-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc04032b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A vortex fluid device (VFD) with non-thermal plasma liquid processing within dynamic thin films has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl B. Jones
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Xianjue Chen
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Alexander Sibley
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Jamie S. Quinton
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Cameron J. Shearer
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Colin L. Raston
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
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42
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Macdonald TJ, Tune DD, Dewi MR, Gibson CT, Shapter JG, Nann T. A TiO2 Nanofiber-Carbon Nanotube-Composite Photoanode for Improved Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. ChemSusChem 2015; 8:3396-3400. [PMID: 26383499 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201500945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A light-scattering layer fabricated from electrospun titanium dioxide nanofibers (TiO2 -NFs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) formed a fiber-based photoanode. The nanocomposite scattering layer had a lawn-like structure and integration of carbon nanotubes into the NF photoanodes increased the power conversion efficiency from 2.9 % to 4.8 % under 1 Sun illumination. Under reduced light intensity (0.25 Sun), TiO2 -NF and TiO2 -NF/SWCNT-based DSSCs reached PCE values of up to 3.7 % and 6.6 %, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Macdonald
- Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Daniel D Tune
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344, Germany
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Melissa R Dewi
- Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Thomas Nann
- Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia.
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43
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Crockett MP, Evans AM, Worthington MJH, Albuquerque IS, Slattery AD, Gibson CT, Campbell JA, Lewis DA, Bernardes GJL, Chalker JM. Sulfur-Limonene Polysulfide: A Material Synthesized Entirely from Industrial By-Products and Its Use in Removing Toxic Metals from Water and Soil. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201508708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Crockett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; The University of Tulsa; Tulsa Oklahoma United States
| | - Austin M. Evans
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; The University of Tulsa; Tulsa Oklahoma United States
| | - Max J. H. Worthington
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Inês S. Albuquerque
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
| | - Ashley D. Slattery
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Jonathan A. Campbell
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - David A. Lewis
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
- Department of Chemistry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park South Australia Australia
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44
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Goreham RV, Thompson VC, Samura Y, Gibson CT, Shapter JG, Köper I. Interaction of silver nanoparticles with tethered bilayer lipid membranes. Langmuir 2015; 31:5868-5874. [PMID: 25950498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles are well-known for their antibacterial properties. However, the detailed mechanism describing the interaction between the nanoparticles and a cell membrane is not fully understood, which can impede the use of the particles in biomedical applications. Here, a tethered bilayer lipid membrane has been used as a model system to mimic a natural membrane and to study the effect of exposure to small silver nanoparticles with diameters of about 2 nm. The solid supported membrane architecture allowed for the application of surface analytical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Exposure of the membrane to solutions of the silver nanoparticles led to a small but completely reversible perturbation of the lipid bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee V Goreham
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
| | - Vanessa C Thompson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
| | - Yuya Samura
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
| | - Ingo Köper
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia 5042
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45
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Dilag J, Kobus H, Yu Y, Gibson CT, Ellis AV. Non-toxic luminescent carbon dot/poly(dimethylacrylamide) nanocomposite reagent for latent fingermark detection synthesized via surface initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. POLYM INT 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.4861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessirie Dilag
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology; Flinders University; Sturt Road Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
- Centre for Forensic Science; University of Technology Sydney; Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Hilton Kobus
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Sturt Road Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
| | - Yang Yu
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology; Flinders University; Sturt Road Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology; Flinders University; Sturt Road Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
| | - Amanda V Ellis
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology; Flinders University; Sturt Road Bedford Park SA 5042 Australia
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46
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Wahid MH, Eroglu E, LaVars SM, Newton K, Gibson CT, Stroeher UH, Chen X, Boulos RA, Raston CL, Harmer SL. Microencapsulation of bacterial strains in graphene oxide nano-sheets using vortex fluidics. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra04415d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microencapsulation of bacterial cells with different shapes in graphene oxide (GO) layers is effective using a vortex fluidic device, with the bacterial cells showing restricted cellular growth with their biological activity sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Haniff Wahid
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
- Department of Chemistry
| | - Ela Eroglu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
- The University of Western Australia
- Crawley
- Australia
| | - Sian M. LaVars
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Kelly Newton
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | | | - Xianjue Chen
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Ramiz A. Boulos
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Colin L. Raston
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Sarah-L. Harmer
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
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47
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Lu H, Eggers PK, Gibson CT, Duan X, Lamb RN, Raston CL, Chua HT. Facile synthesis of electrochemically active Pt nanoparticle decorated carbon nano onions. NEW J CHEM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4nj01378f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Well dispersed platinum nanoparticles (∼2 nm) on carbon nano-onions are accessible using a simple and scalable one-step batch method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Lu
- School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
- Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication
| | - Paul K. Eggers
- Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication
- School of Biomedical
- Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
- The University of Western Australia
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Xiaofei Duan
- Surface Science & Technology Group
- School of Chemistry
- The University of Melbourne
- Australia
| | - Robert N. Lamb
- Surface Science & Technology Group
- School of Chemistry
- The University of Melbourne
- Australia
| | - Colin L. Raston
- Centre for NanoScale Science and technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Bedford Park
- Australia
| | - Hui Tong Chua
- School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
- The University of Western Australia
- Perth
- Australia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
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48
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Chen X, Gibson CT, Britton J, Eggers PK, Wahid MH, Raston CL. p-Phosphonic acid calix[8]arene assisted dispersion and stabilisation of pea-pod C60@multi-walled carbon nanotubes in water. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:2399-402. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc09368b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pristine C60 and MWCNTs are non-covalently stabilised in water by p-phosphonic acid calix[8]arene, additionally with ‘pea-pod’ encapsulation of C60 inside the MWCNTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjue Chen
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Joshua Britton
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Paul K. Eggers
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
| | - M. Haniff Wahid
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Colin L. Raston
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
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49
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Abstract
A simple and scalable method has been developed for directly forming water-dispersible heterolaminar solids involving mixing aqueous solution of amphiphilic graphene oxide with hexagonal boron nitride or molybdenum disulphide in N-methylpyrrolidone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Haniff Wahid
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
- Department of Chemistry
| | - Xianjue Chen
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Christopher T. Gibson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
| | - Colin L. Raston
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Flinders University
- Australia
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50
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Lu HB, Boulos RA, Chan BCY, Gibson CT, Wang X, Raston CL, Chua HT. Carbon nanofibres from fructose using a light-driven high-temperature spinning disc processor. Chem Commun (Camb) 2014; 50:1478-80. [PMID: 24366520 DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47354f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel high flux bright light-driven high temperature spinning disc processor operating at ∼720 °C can effectively synthesise carbon nanofibres from fructose, a natural feedstock, in polyethylene glycol-200, within minutes and with multiple reactor passes being a pivotal operating parameter in controlling the growth of the fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-bo Lu
- School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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