Co-reporter:Le Wang;Hongwei Wei;Xin Gu;Yingju Fan;Jinhua Zhan
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C August 13, 2009 Volume 113(Issue 32) pp:14119-14125
Publication Date(Web):2017-2-22
DOI:10.1021/jp902866b
One-dimensional (1D) heterostructures of uniform CdS nanowires separately decorated with hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles or magnetite (Fe3O4) microspheres were successfully synthesized via a two-step solvothermal deposition method. Each CdS nanowire had a uniform diameter of 40−50 nm and a length ranging from several to several tens of micrometers. Quasicubic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, with edge lengths up to about 30 nm, and Fe3O4 microspheres, with diameters of about 200 nm, anchored on nanowires free from any surface pretreatment form 1D dimer-type CdS/α-Fe2O3 semiconductor heterostructures or CdS/Fe3O4 semiconductor magnetic functionally assembled heterostructures. It was also found that α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a smooth surface were well-crystallized, and Fe3O4 microspheres with a relatively rough surface showed a polycrystalline nature. The relationship between the crystal structures and effects of lattice mismatch on the formation of heterojunctions were systematically investigated. The magnetic and optical properties and photocatalytic activities of the as-obtained heterostructures were separately investigated. The 1D CdS/Fe3O4 nanostructures displayed ferromagnetic properties of the Fe3O4 microspheres, and the photoluminescence behaviors of CdS nanowires were conserved in both heterostructures. The enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light (λ > 420 nm) was observed in 1D CdS/α-Fe2O3 heterostructures due to fast charge separation.
Co-reporter:Min Zhang, Xiaoli Zhang, Baofeng Qu, Jinhua Zhan
Talanta 2017 Volume 175(Volume 175) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 December 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2017.07.072
•Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME).•A standard portable kit was designed for high-throughput analyzing PAHs in water.•A linear relationship between the concentration of pyrene and the relative Raman peak intensity was obtained.•DLLME-SERS has the potential for on-site high-throughput analysis.In this work, a portable kit was developed for convenient high-throughput trace analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) process. This portable kit contains three sealed reagent tubes (labeled as T1, T2 and T3), a self-made well plate, and a portable Raman spectrometer. The reagent tube T1 contains a mixture of disperser solvent and extraction solvent, which involved a 2 min sample pretreatment of DLLME process. The quick injection of solvents in tube T1 into the sample containing PAHs formed a cloudy solution immediately, which consists of fine droplets of extraction solvent dispersed entirely into aqueous phase. The enrichment factor was found to be 29.6. T2 and T3 contain methanol and 1-propanethiol-modified silver nanoparticles (PTH-Ag NPs), respectively. The liquid in the tube T3 was used to enhance the Raman signal of analytes on the self-made high-throughput micro reactor. A linear relationship between the concentration of pyrene and the relative Raman peak intensity was obtained (R2 = 0.993). The detection limit was 0.50 μg L−1 for pyrene. RSD of the high-throughput analysis of 12 samples was calculated as 4.8%. The ability of DLLME-SERS technique in the extraction of PAH isomers from water samples were investigated. The performance of DLLME-SERS in the recovery of pyrene from lake, spring and drinking water was also studied.A portable kit was developed combining surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for conveniently high-throughput analyzing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).Download high-res image (356KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Weiwei Bian, Zhen Liu, Gang Lian, Le Wang, Qilong Wang, Jinhua Zhan
Analytica Chimica Acta 2017 Volume 994(Volume 994) pp:
Publication Date(Web):22 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2017.09.004
•An uniform ultrathin-layer of Au was deposited on porous Ag surface by galvanic-free deposition.•This coating facilitates to have a high oxidation resistance for the substrate under heating in atmosphere condition.•A high enhancement factor (1.3 × 106) and low LOD (5.1 ppb) for the extraction and identification of nitrofurazone.•Rapid detection of prohibited antibiotic and its marker residue in a complex matrix.That intense demand for both high sensitivity and high reliability has been a key factor strengthening the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in the analytical application, particular in the hyphenation with pre-concentration technique. Credible data acquisition and processing is very dependent on the stable and uniform performance of SERS-active substrate. Here, a reliable and uniform ultrathin-layer Au was proposed for protecting the porous Ag fiber (porous Ag@Au) and applied in the solid phase microextraction coupled with SERS. The Au layer was carefully deposited on porous Ag surface to form the uniform film by a galvanic-free displacement reaction. This coating endowed the substrate with high oxidation-resistance under heating and good durability in the atmosphere condition. The extraction and SERS performance of Nitrofurazone and Semicarbazide were investigated on this fiber, the bands at 1350 cm−1 and 1387 cm−1 were selected as the characteristic peaks for quantitative determination, respectively. This robust and sensitive substrate provide the high enhancement factor of 1.3 × 106 and low LOD of 5.1 ppb for the extraction and identification of Nitrofurazone compounds. Importantly, this work develops a versatile strategy for rapid detection of prohibited antibiotic and its marker residue in a complex matrix.Download high-res image (297KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Zhen Liu;Le Wang;Weiwei Bian;Min Zhang;Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances (2011-Present) 2017 vol. 7(Issue 6) pp:3117-3124
Publication Date(Web):2017/01/04
DOI:10.1039/C6RA25491H
Preclinical research reveals the risk of organotin compounds (OTCs) as potent endocrine disruptors, immunotoxicants and environmental obesogens for mammals. OTCs are commercial antifungal agents which are found extensively in clothing, female hygiene products and childcare articles. OTCs have been listed as restricted chemicals by REACH Regulation (Annex XVII). Here, a hyphenated method combining surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with solid phase microextraction (SPME) is proposed for rapid screening of OTCs. A porous Ag layer was synthesized in situ and served as the SERS-active SPME coating for adsorption. The SERS spectra of trimethyltin chloride, tributyltin chloride and triphenyltin chloride were investigated, the bands at 554 cm−1, 1410 cm−1 and 999 cm−1, respectively, being selected as the characteristic peaks for quantitative determination. The extraction conditions were optimized. The good stability and uniformity of porous Ag fibers insure a high enhancement factor of 9.1 × 105 and low LOD of 0.2 ppb for triphenyltin chloride. The proposed method was successfully applied to identify a mixture of OTCs in a textile matrix with satisfactory results.
Co-reporter:Lei Sun;Min Zhang;Vinothkumar Natarajan;Xiaofei Yu;Xiaoli Zhang;Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances (2011-Present) 2017 vol. 7(Issue 38) pp:23866-23874
Publication Date(Web):2017/04/27
DOI:10.1039/C7RA03164E
The combined applications of solid phase microextraction coupled with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SPME-SERS) detection have been successfully used in environmental analysis. In this work, ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) decorated with Au@4-ATP@Ag core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated on a stainless steel fiber. The inclusion of an internal reference significantly improved the quality of the quantitative SERS measurements of the analytes. The obtained SERS-active SPME fiber resulted in a better reproducibility of the SERS signals. The relative standard deviation (RSD) value of the SERS-active SPME fiber was found to be 6.7% using malachite green (MG) as a probe molecule. A RSD value of 6.8% was observed when the SERS-active SPME fiber was exposed to laser irradiation continuously for about 10 min. These results suggest that the fiber was prepared with good stability and uniformity. Quantitative SERS measurements of the SERS-active SPME fiber showed an excellent quantitative ability for the detection of MG and crystal violet (CV) in aquaculture water. In CV, the results showed a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 5 × 10−8 M to 5 × 10−6 M, and the limit of detection (LOD) can reach 1.9 × 10−9 M (S/N = 3). This result indicates that the inclusion of an internal reference can effectively correct the signal fluctuation. This work provides versatile detection capability for rapid on-site quantitative SERS detection of different molecular species in environmental media.
Co-reporter:Lei Sun;Min Zhang;Vinothkumar Natarajan;Xiaofei Yu;Xiaoli Zhang;Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances (2011-Present) 2017 vol. 7(Issue 38) pp:23866-23874
Publication Date(Web):2017/04/27
DOI:10.1039/C7RA03164E
The combined applications of solid phase microextraction coupled with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SPME-SERS) detection have been successfully used in environmental analysis. In this work, ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) decorated with Au@4-ATP@Ag core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated on a stainless steel fiber. The inclusion of an internal reference significantly improved the quality of the quantitative SERS measurements of the analytes. The obtained SERS-active SPME fiber resulted in a better reproducibility of the SERS signals. The relative standard deviation (RSD) value of the SERS-active SPME fiber was found to be 6.7% using malachite green (MG) as a probe molecule. A RSD value of 6.8% was observed when the SERS-active SPME fiber was exposed to laser irradiation continuously for about 10 min. These results suggest that the fiber was prepared with good stability and uniformity. Quantitative SERS measurements of the SERS-active SPME fiber showed an excellent quantitative ability for the detection of MG and crystal violet (CV) in aquaculture water. In CV, the results showed a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 5 × 10−8 M to 5 × 10−6 M, and the limit of detection (LOD) can reach 1.9 × 10−9 M (S/N = 3). This result indicates that the inclusion of an internal reference can effectively correct the signal fluctuation. This work provides versatile detection capability for rapid on-site quantitative SERS detection of different molecular species in environmental media.
Co-reporter:Lanlan Xiao;Min Zhang;Zhen Liu;Weiwei Bian;Xiaoli Zhang;Jinhua Zhan
Analytical Methods (2009-Present) 2017 vol. 9(Issue 11) pp:1816-1824
Publication Date(Web):2017/03/16
DOI:10.1039/C7AY00489C
The migration of solid samples from the interior to the surface of materials has raised serious concerns due to the increasing environmental health hazards in recent years. The convenient in situ detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is especially needed. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as an effective tool for spectroscopic detection and gives unique spectroscopic fingerprints of analytes. In this study, a hydrophobic 1-propanethiol-modified Ag nanowire membrane (PTH-Ag NMs) coupled with a portable Raman spectrometer was developed for the flexible on-site swabbing extraction and detection of typical PAHs. The swabbing process using an extracting agent was similar to the contact between a baby's mouth and toys. The SERS substrate suggested high uniformity, stability, and reusability. The curve of the normalized SERS intensity against the fluoranthene concentration displayed a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.98). The detection levels of fluoranthene, anthracene and pyrene reached 40.45, 35.65, and 45.45 ng cm−2, respectively. In addition, the simulated detection of these three PAHs on children's toys was demonstrated. The prepared hydrophobic PTH-Ag NMs have potential applications in the field of the inspection of toys by a simultaneous processing with simple pretreatment and a short total analysis time.
Co-reporter:Weiwei Bian;Sha Zhu;Mingying Qi;Lanlan Xiao;Zhen Liu;Jinhua Zhan
Analytical Methods (2009-Present) 2017 vol. 9(Issue 3) pp:459-464
Publication Date(Web):2017/01/19
DOI:10.1039/C6AY03036J
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a very high toxicity and slowly biodegraded organic pollutant. People may be exposed to PCP in environmental media through the inhalation of contaminated air, and ingestion of water and hazardous waste. Even low PCP intake will have serious effects on renal, metabolic and neurological functions, particularly in terms of carcinogenicity. Here, an electrostatic interaction driven solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was proposed for rapid detection of PCP in environmental water. The nanoporous Ag coating was in-situ electrochemically synthesized and modified by cysteamine to form a positive stationary phase on a fiber surface. The PCP was extracted using the DI-SPME mode and its SERS spectra were investigated; the characteristic bands at 338 cm−1, 378 cm−1 and 480 cm−1 were identified as the fingerprint peaks. The extraction procedure was optimized, and the adsorption mechanism was also discussed by the electric double layer model. The good stability and uniformity of the substrate provide a high enhancement factor of 3.7 × 105 and low LOD of 6.4 × 10−9 M for quantitative determination. This work provides a versatile strategy for rapid on-site detection of ionic or polar organic pollutants in environmental media.
Co-reporter:Hai Fan, Nan Wang, Yijun Tian, Shiyun Ai, Jinhua Zhan
Carbon 2016 Volume 107() pp:747-753
Publication Date(Web):October 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2016.06.082
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), composed of only non-metallic elements, possesses a graphene-like structure and an appropriate band gap around 2.7 eV. It is finding its promising applications in sustainable chemistry. In this paper, highly ordered laminated porous carbon nitride nanostructures (OLP-C3N4) are successfully prepared via a novel two-step hydrothermal-calcination method using acetic acid as the order-inducing agent and pore-forming agent. Acetic acid and melamine are first hydrothermally synthesized to form a solid precursor. Then, the precursor is calcinated to obtain the product. The electrostatic interaction existed between acetic acid and melamine in water during the hydrothermal process is considered to play a key role on the formation of layered nanostructures. While, carboxyl group in acetic acid is favorable for the porous structure of the products. The prepared carbon nitride nanostructures exhibit high surface area and show excellent electric transport and optical properties, which may have wide applications in catalytic, adsorptive and battery materials fields. This work opens a novel way for the preparing hierarchical porous materials with unique properties.
Co-reporter:Enli Guan, Meng Xie, Yu-e Shi, Xiaoli Zhang, Jinhua Zhan
Carbon 2016 Volume 102() pp:462-469
Publication Date(Web):June 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2016.02.068
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been applied extensively in many fields, where there often shows synergistic intermolecular interaction to promote reaction process. In this paper, the dimolecular interaction between g-C3N4 and phenols (picric acid (PA), pentachlorophenol (PCP), phenol (PhOH)) was examined by photoluminescence quenching of g-C3N4. The spectroscopy analysis, thermodynamic analysis combined with theoretical simulation helped to reveal mechanism. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy indicated that the interaction mechanism was charge-transfer. The fluorescence quenching constants calculated from Stern–Volmer equation showed weak binding complexes between g-C3N4 and phenols were formed. The interaction affinity decreased in the order of PA > PCP > PhOH. The enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) calculated from Van't Hoff equation showed that electrostatic interaction was the essential force in stabilizing g-C3N4–PA, while hydrogen bond was the essential force in stabilizing g-C3N4–PCP and g-C3N4–PhOH. Theoretical simulation showed that the –N– residue or the cavity of g-C3N4 was the preferential active site. It is the auto-doped N atoms in g-C3N4 nanosheets that lead to region charge polarization and introduce active sites for adsorption of molecules.
Co-reporter:Bo Li, Yu-e Shi, Jingcheng Cui, Zhen Liu, Xiaoli Zhang, Jinhua Zhan
Analytica Chimica Acta 2016 Volume 923() pp:66-73
Publication Date(Web):7 June 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2016.04.002
•Au-coated ZnO nanorods on stainless steel fiber as a SERS-active SPME fiber was fabricated.•The SERS-active SPME fiber can directly extract and detect the crystal violet and malachite green.•The SERS-active SPME fiber owns good extraction effect, and high SERS sensitivity.•Self-cleaning property of the fiber were achieved based on the photocatalytic degradation property of ZnO.Solid phase microextraction-surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SPME–SERS), combining the pretreatment and determination functions, has been successfully used in environmental analysis. In this work, Au-coated ZnO nanorods were fabricated on stainless steel fiber as a self-cleaning SERS-active SPME fiber. The ZnO nanorods grown on stainless steel fiber were prepared via a simple hydrothermal approach. Then the obtained nanostructures were decorated with Au nanoparticles through ion-sputtering at room temperature. The obtained SERS-active SPME fiber is a reproducible sensitivity sensor. Taking p-aminothiophenol as the probe molecule, the RSD value of the SERS-active SPME fiber was 8.9%, indicating the fiber owned good uniformity. The qualitative and quantitative detection of crystal violet and malachite green was also achieved. The log–log plot of SERS intensity to crystal violet and malachite green concentration showed a good linear relationship. Meanwhile, this SERS-active SPME fiber can achieve self-cleaning owning to the excellent photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanorods. Crystal violet was still successfully detected even after five cycles, which indicated the high reproducibility of this SERS-active SPME fiber.Au-coated ZnO NRs on stainless steel fiber were used as SERS-active SPME fiber with good extraction effect, high SERS sensitivity. Self-cleaning function of the fiber was achieved based on the photocatalytic degradation property of ZnO nanorods by UV irradiation.
Co-reporter:Juan Chen, Yu-e Shi, Min Zhang and Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances 2016 vol. 6(Issue 57) pp:51823-51829
Publication Date(Web):20 May 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6RA06111G
The nonvolatile inorganic explosives deposition on various surfaces requires rapid in situ detection by homeland security. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a prompt and sensitive detection method, has been widely applied in chemical and biological samples analysis. The most popular noble metal nanoparticle colloids, prepared by chemical reduction with citrate or hydroxylamine, are generally negatively charged. This study demonstrates that the negatively charged silver nanoparticles were transformed into the positively charged ones by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), a potent copper chelating agent. The zeta potential of DDTC modified silver colloid is about 32.1 mV, suggesting its positively charged nature. The XPS and SERS spectra indicate the positively charged silver nanoparticles resulted from the bidentate configuration leading to the redistribution of the free electron pair in N atom and formation of the CN+ bonding of DDTC. The positively charged silver nanoparticles can be used in the detection of inorganic explosives anions with a subnanogram detection limit through electrostatic interactions. The common organic explosive picric acid (PA) could also be detected through a similar interaction force.
Co-reporter:Xue Han, Yu Sun, Zhenyu Feng, Guochen Zhang, Zichun Chen and Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances 2016 vol. 6(Issue 44) pp:37750-37756
Publication Date(Web):11 Apr 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6RA05941D
The indoors volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be classified into seven groups as oxy hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, terpenes, esters and aldehydes, have been brought to the forefront because millions of people are suffering from indoor air pollution. In this study, well-dispersive Au nanoparticles were deposited on porous single-crystalline ZnO nanoplates (Au@ZnO) via photodeposition free from additives for the gas sensing detection of the seven-group VOCs. The structure and morphology of Au@ZnO nanoplates were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, mapping and XRD. Comparing to pure ZnO nanoplates, the Au@ZnO sensor has prominent enhanced performance at 360 °C with high sensitivity (about 2–9 times for each group of VOCs), fast response/recovery time (less than 30/14 s) and stable repeatability (relative standard deviation less than 0.039) in the gas sensing tests. The fluctuation range of relative humidity is less than 80% and the contribution ratios of oxy hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, terpenes, esters and aldehydes were 0.1678, 0.0989, 0.0826, 0.0739, 0.2396, 0.1887, 0.1495, respectively. Finally, the possible sensing mechanism was discussed based on these results.
Co-reporter:Zichen Huang, Yafei Qi, Dexin Yu and Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances 2016 vol. 6(Issue 37) pp:31031-31036
Publication Date(Web):11 Mar 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6RA03226E
MoS2, a typical transition-metal dichalcogenide, has attracted increasing attention in the field of biomedicine due to its preeminent properties. In this paper, MoS2 nanoparticles with radar-like shapes were demonstrated as 808 nm laser-induced photothermal agents with outstanding photothermal performance. According to our calculations, the radar-like morphology endowed the MoS2 nanoparticles with higher photothermal conversion efficiency (53.3%) compared to other morphologies including nanoflowers, microspheres and irregular nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that the radar-like nanoparticles were biocompatible. Results of in vitro photothermal therapy and apoptosis assay indicated that tumor cells treated with MoS2 radar-like nanoparticles can be seriously damaged. Photothermal therapy on tumor-bearing mice was carried out to further verify the anti-cancer properties of the MoS2 radar-like nanoparticles. All the aforementioned results suggested that the MoS2 radar-like nanoparticles exhibit enormous potential for cancer photothermal therapy.
Co-reporter:Min Zhang, Xiaoli Zhang, Yu-e Shi, Zhen Liu, Jinhua Zhan
Talanta 2016 Volume 158() pp:322-329
Publication Date(Web):1 September 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2016.05.069
•An in-situ SERS-microextraction technique for detecting PAHs was developed.•SERS spectra were achieved based on the interaction between PAHs and PTH-Ag NPs.•Hot spots were formed with the aggregation of PTH-Ag NPs, allowing SERS detection.•This hyphenated method allows screening PAH mixtures free from sample pretreatment.Highly bioaccumulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have cause health concerns because of their carcinogenic properties. PAHs could migrate to food from contaminated food contact materials. In this study, a hyphenated technique combining surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with surface microextraction was developed for in-situ on site screening of PAHs on food contact materials. Methanol and 1-propanethiol-modified silver nanoparticles (PTH-Ag NPs) were used to perform the in-situ microextraction and detection of PAHs, respectively. The SERS spectra can be obtained by a portable Raman spectrometer. The vibration of the C–C bond of PTH at 1030 cm−1 was chosen as an internal standard peak. The PTH-Ag NPs showed high uniformity with an RSD of 2.96%. A plot of the normalized SERS intensity against fluoranthene concentration showed a linear relationship (R2=0.98). The detection limit could reach 0.27 ng cm−2. The in-situ microextraction-SERS hyphenated technique for the detection of three PAHs at five food contact materials was demonstrated. The method can be also applied to detect PAH mixtures. This in-situ microextraction-SERS hyphenated method demonstrated its ability to rapidly screen PAHs on contaminated food contact materials free from complex sample pretreatment.A hyphenated technique combining surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with surface microextraction was developed for in-situ sensitively screening of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on food contact materials.
Co-reporter:Cuicui Liu, Xiaoli Zhang, Limei Li, Jingcheng Cui, Yu-e Shi, Le Wang and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2015 vol. 140(Issue 13) pp:4668-4675
Publication Date(Web):07 May 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5AN00590F
Solid phase microextraction (SPME), a solvent free technique for sample preparation, has been successfully coupled with GC, GC-MS, and HPLC for environmental analysis. In this work, a method combining solid phase microextraction with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is developed for detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Silver nanoparticle aggregates were deposited on the Ag–Cu fibers via layer-by-layer deposition, which were modified with propanethiol (PTH). The SERS-active SPME fiber was immersed in water directly to extract PAHs and then detected using a portable Raman spectrometer. The pronounced valence vibration of the C–C bond at 1030 cm−1 was chosen as an internal standard peak for the constant concentration of PTH. The RSD values of the stability and the uniformity of the SERS-active SPME fiber are 2.97% and 5.66%, respectively. A log–log plot of the normalized SERS intensity versus fluoranthene concentration showed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.95). The detection limit was 7.56 × 10−10 M and the recovery rate of water samples was in the range of 95% to 115%. The method can also be applied to detection of PAH mixtures, and each component of the mixtures can be distinguished by Raman characteristic peaks. The SERS-active SPME fiber could be further confirmed by GC-MS.
Co-reporter:Manlin Wang, Peng Liu, Yu Wang, Dongmei Zhou, Chen Ma, Dongju Zhang, Jinhua Zhan
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2015 Volume 447() pp:1-7
Publication Date(Web):1 June 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2015.01.061
The effective recognition and enrichment of trace polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment are currently challenging issues due to human health concerns. In this paper, a surface absorptive layer coating superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for PCBs enrichment were prepared. This protocol involved the synthesis of Fe3O4 particles through a solvothermal reaction and the covering of a silica layer bonded β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) over Fe3O4 via a sol–gel process to construct core–shell Fe3O4@β-CD composites. β-CD was linked covalently to Fe3O4 nanoparticles to generate the binding sites, enhancing the stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in water. Meanwhile, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 core could be rapidly separated from matrix to simplify time-consuming washing extraction. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@β-CD composites to PCB28 and PCB52 in aqueous solutions was investigated. To estimate the theoretical binding site number of Fe3O4@β-CD, the obtained binding data were replotted according to Scatchard equation. The host–guest interaction between β-CD and PCBs were further examined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It provides theoretical evidence of β-CD as host molecule has a higher binding amount towards PCB-28 than PCB-52 on the basis of their optimized geometries and calculated complexation energies. The nanomaterial reported herein is an ideal candidate for various applications, including the recognition and removal of environmentally deleterious substances.
Co-reporter:Sha Zhu, Xiaoli Zhang, Jingcheng Cui, Yu-e Shi, Xiaohong Jiang, Zhen Liu and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2015 vol. 140(Issue 8) pp:2815-2822
Publication Date(Web):12 Feb 2015
DOI:10.1039/C4AN02109F
Perchlorate, which causes health concerns because of its effects on the thyroid function, is highly soluble and mobile in the environment. In this study, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC)-modified silver nanoplates were fabricated on a copper wire to perform the on-site microextraction and detection of perchlorate. This fiber could be inserted into water or soil to extract perchlorate through electrostatic interaction and then can be detected by a portable Raman spectrometer, owing to its surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) activity. A relatively stable vibrational mode (δ(HCH)(CH3), (CH2)) of DDTC at 1273 cm−1 was used as an internal standard, which was negligibly influenced by the absorption of ClO4−. The DDTC-modified Ag/Cu fiber showed high uniformity, good reusability and temporal stability under continuous laser radiation each with an RSD lower than 10%. The qualitative and quantitative detection of perchlorate were also realized. A log–log plot of the normalized SERS intensity against perchlorate concentration showed a good linear relationship. The fiber could be also directly inserted into the perchlorate-polluted soil, and the perchlorate could thereby be detected on site. The detection limit in soil reached 0.081 ppm, which was much lower than the EPA-published safety standard. The recovery of the detection was 105% and comparable with the ion chromatography. This hyphenated method of microextraction with direct SERS detection may find potential application for direct pollutant detection free from complex sample pretreatment.
Co-reporter:Lixiao Jing, Yu-e Shi, Jingcheng Cui, Xiaoli Zhang and Jinhua Zhan
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 18) pp:13443-13450
Publication Date(Web):19 Jan 2015
DOI:10.1039/C4RA14089C
The persistent toxic substances (PTS), pollutants that have environmental persistence and toxic effects such as carcinogenicity and endocrine disruption, are generally detected by the chromatographic method. In this work, hydrophobic gold nanostructures were fabricated via simple electrochemical deposition and could be used for direct SERS detection of PTS with a portable Raman spectrometer. The obtained hydrophobic substrates free from modification show high affinity towards PTS, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). According to the Cassie equation, the wetting properties of the surface changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the contact angle changed from 77° to 123°, increasing the deposition time. The SERS signals collected on sixteen randomly selected points show that the relative standard deviation of the SERS intensity is 9.0%, indicating the substrate had good uniformity. Quantitative SERS detection of PTS was achieved, as the log–log plot of SERS intensity to PTS concentration exhibited a good linear relationship in view of the Freundlich equation. Quantitative analysis of fluoranthene, BDE-15 and PCB-15 was accomplished in the concentration range of 0.02–200 μM, 0.02–200 μM, 0.04–440 μM, with the detection limits of 6.7 nM, 2.6 nM and 5.3 nM, respectively. The effective SERS substrates provide a rapid and sensitive platform for trace level detection of hydrophobic contaminants in the environment.
Co-reporter:Pengcheng Dai, Yanhe Zhang, Yanming Xue, Xiangfen Jiang, Xuebin Wang, Jinhua zhan, Yoshio Bando
Materials Letters 2015 Volume 158() pp:198-201
Publication Date(Web):1 November 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2015.06.016
•CZTSe nanoparticles were synthetized via green method using water as solvent.•CZTS thin film was fabricated by screen printing CZTSe nanoparticle ink.•Tandem solar cell with CZTS photocathode shows improved performance.Nanoparticle-based ink printing may offer excellent manufacturing scalability at very low cost relative to conventional approaches. In the present study, we prepared CZTS thin film by screen printing using CZTSe nanoparticle ink. Replacing the counter electrode of quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) with CZTS photocathode, we demonstrate a novel tandem solar cell with enhanced photoelectrochemical performances. The enhancement can be attributed to the secondary photon absorption by CZTS photocathode.CZTSe nanoparticles were synthesized via a low temperature method using water as solvent. CZTS thin film was successfully fabricated by screen printing CZTSe nanoparticle ink. Replacing Pt counter electrode with CZTS photocathode, quantum dot solar cell showed extended light responding from 600 nm to 750 nm.
Co-reporter:Junling Duan;Jinhua Zhan
Science China Materials 2015 Volume 58( Issue 3) pp:223-240
Publication Date(Web):2015 March
DOI:10.1007/s40843-015-0031-8
Mercuric ion (Hg2+), released from both natural and industrial sources, has severe adverse effects on human health and the environment even at very low concentrations. It is very important to develop a rapid and economical method for the detection of Hg2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity. Nanomaterials with unique size and shape-dependent optical properties are attractive sensing materials. The application of nanomaterials to design optical sensors for Hg2+ provides a powerful method for the trace detection of Hg2+ in the environment, because these optical sensors are simple, rapidly responsive, cost-effective and highly sensitive. This review summarizes the recent advances on the development of optical assays for Hg2+ in aqueous solution by using functionalized nanomaterials (including noble metal nanoparticles, fluorescent metal nanoclusters, semiconductor quantum dots and carbon nanodots). Detection strategies based on the Hg2+-induced changes in spectral absorbance, fluorescence intensity and surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals were described. And the design principles for each optical assay were presented. In addition, the future challenge and the prospect of the development of nanomaterial optical sensors for Hg2+ detection were also discussed.汞离子(Hg2+)即使在微量浓度下也会给人类健康和环境带来危害, 因此发展快速、 经济、 具有高灵敏度和高选择性检测汞离子的方法是非常重要的. 纳米材料由于其优异的光学特性, 为环境中检测痕量汞离子的光学传感器的设计提供了一种强有力的手段. 纳米材料的光学传感器具有简单、 快速、 经济、 灵敏等优异特性. 本文综述了利用功能化纳米材料(包括贵金属, 金属团簇, 半导体量子点和碳点)检测汞离子的光学方法的最新进展, 分别描述了比色法、 荧光法和表面增强拉曼散射法对汞离子的检测路线. 我们给出了每种检测方法的检测原理, 同时也讨论了未来发展基于纳米材料检测汞离子的光学传感器的前景和挑战.
Co-reporter:Jingcheng Cui, Yongchao Lai, Wei Wang, Huafeng Li, Xicheng Ma, Jinhua Zhan
Carbon 2014 Volume 66() pp:738-741
Publication Date(Web):January 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2013.09.078
Copper–silver or copper–gold galvanic displacement could induce the reduction of graphene oxide, resulting in a fast and effective removal of the oxygen-containing groups in graphene oxide and formation of silver or gold nanoparticles on graphene sheets. A graphene oxide mediated long-range electron transfer process between copper and silver or chloroauric ions is proposed for the occurrence of the reactions.
Co-reporter:Yu-e Shi, Limei Li, Min Yang, Xiaohong Jiang, Quanqin Zhao and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2014 vol. 139(Issue 10) pp:2525-2530
Publication Date(Web):12 Feb 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4AN00163J
A disordered silver nanowires membrane combining solid-phase extraction (SPE) with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used for the rapid collection and detection of food contaminants. The membrane was fabricated via filtration of the silver nanowires colloid solution, which was prepared by a solvothermal polyol process. Analytes in 5 mL of liquid phase were concentrated in less than 10 s due to their affinity for the silver nanowires on the filter membrane. The membrane combined the advantages of SPE and SERS technology for the analysis of food safety contaminants. The use of the SERS-active extraction membrane eliminated the procedure of elution, which shortened the time of analysis. It has been shown that the as-prepared membrane had good uniformity and high temporal stability under continuous laser irradiation. Qualitative and quantitative detection of phorate and melamine was further performed based on a flow-through method. The characteristic SERS intensity plotted against phorate and melamine concentrations exhibited a good linear relationship over the concentration range of 2.5 to 10 μg mL−1 (phorate) and 2.5 to 100 μg mL−1 (melamine).
Co-reporter:Yunlong Zhang, Heng Yang, Guan Zhang, Jingcheng Cui and Jinhua Zhan
CrystEngComm 2014 vol. 16(Issue 9) pp:1831-1836
Publication Date(Web):20 Nov 2013
DOI:10.1039/C3CE42262C
The tunable surface of solid matter is important for its application. The silver foil was deposited with oriented hydrozincite nanoplates in the aqueous solution containing Zn(NO3)2 and NH2(CO)2 at 90 °C. The rough porous ZnO nanoplates were obtained through calcination of the hydrozincite precursor on the substrate for 1 h. The growing process of hydrozincite on the silver is discussed. The products were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns and contact angle measurement (CAM). After they were soaked with the fatty acids, the surface of the silver foil became hydrophobic. The contact angle of the samples can be tunable from 17 to 155° with appropriate control.
Co-reporter:Xiaohong Jiang, Min Yang, Yanjing Meng, Wei Jiang, and Jinhua Zhan
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2013 Volume 5(Issue 15) pp:6902
Publication Date(Web):July 2, 2013
DOI:10.1021/am401718p
Cysteamine-modified silver nanoparticle aggregates has been fabricated for pentachlorophenol (PCP) sensing by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using a portable Raman spectrometer. The cysteamine monolayers could preconcentrate PCP close to the substrate surface through the electrostatic interaction, which makes the SERS detection of PCP possible. Moreover, the Raman bands of cysteamine could be used as the internal spectral reference in the quantitative analysis. Qualitative detection of PCP was carried out by SERS without any sample pretreatment. Quantitative analysis of PCP was further realized based on the prepared substrate, as the log–log plot of normalized SERS intensity of PCP versus its concentrations exhibits a good linear relationship. The SERS signals collected on 20 randomly selected points show that the relative standard deviation of the normalized Raman intensity is 5.8%, which indicates the substrate had good uniformity. The PCP sensor also shows good long-term stability in the analyte solution. The substrate was cyclic immersed into PCP and methanol solution; after several cycles, the sensor still had good adsorption to PCP, which revealed the sensor has good reusability. Coupling with a portable Raman spectrometer, the cysteamine-modified silver nanoparticle aggregates have the potential to be used for in situ and routine SERS analysis of PCP in environmental samples.Keywords: cysteamine; pentachlorophenol; quantitative; silver nanoparticle aggregates; surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy;
Co-reporter:Wenxiao Pan, Dongju Zhang, Zhe Han, Jinhua Zhan, and Chengbu Liu
Environmental Science & Technology 2013 Volume 47(Issue 15) pp:8489-8498
Publication Date(Web):June 14, 2013
DOI:10.1021/es400632j
Chlorophenols are known as precursors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). The widely accepted formation mechanism of PCDD/Fs always assumes chlorophenoxy radicals as key and important intermediates. Based on the results of density functional theory calculations, the present work reports new insight into the formation mechanism of PCDD/Fs from chlorophenol precursors. Using 2-chlorophenol as a model compound of chlorophenols, we find that apart from the chlorinated phenoxy radical, the chlorinated phenyl radical and the chlorinated α-ketocarbene also have great potential for PCDD/F formation, which has scarcely been considered in previous literature. The calculations on the self- and cross-coupling reactions of the chlorophenoxy radical, the chlorinated phenyl radical and the chlorinated α-ketocarbene show that the formations of 1-MCDD, 1,6-DCDD, 4,6-DCDF, and 4-MCDF are both thermodynamically and kinetically favorable. In particular, some pathways involving the chlorinated phenyl radicals and the chlorinated α-ketocarbene are even energetically more favorable than those involving the chlorophenoxy radical. The calculated results may improve our understanding for the formation mechanism of PCDD/Fs from chlorophenol precursors and be informative to environmental scientists.
Co-reporter:Wei Wang, Zhenyu Feng, Wei Jiang and Jinhua Zhan
CrystEngComm 2013 vol. 15(Issue 7) pp:1339-1344
Publication Date(Web):03 Dec 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2CE26591E
Porous CuO–Ag nanofibers have been synthesized via a combination of the electrospinning technique and the PVP-assisted sol–gel technique in the absence of any templates. The thermal behavior of the as-spun fibers was characterized by TG-DSC while FT-IR was employed to prove the removal of the polymer, which resulted in a porous structure. The structure and morphology of the resultant products were characterized by XRD, TEM and SEM. Porous CuO–Ag nanofibers fabricated on a Si substrate exhibited large Raman enhancement ability, which was also investigated. The SERS signals on the obtained substrate had perfect temporal stability under continuous laser radiation and a good uniform response, enabling quantitative detection of analyte azobenzene. The log–log plot of the SERS intensity to the azobenzene concentration exhibited a good linear relationship.
Co-reporter:Yongchao Lai, Jingcheng Cui, Xiaohong Jiang, Sha Zhu and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2013 vol. 138(Issue 9) pp:2598-2603
Publication Date(Web):30 Jan 2013
DOI:10.1039/C3AN36700B
A surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active extraction column based on propanethiol modified silver dendrites was fabricated. The column, which combines the advantages of solid phase extraction and SERS, may facilitate the development of rapid analysis with high reliability and accuracy. High temporal stability (under a continuous and intensive laser radiation) and excellent repeatability (repeated extraction and elution) were also achieved using this column. As an example, the quantitative analysis of fluoranthene was accomplished in the concentration range of 0.01–100 μg mL−1 with this column. The extraction process could be accomplished in 10 s and the total time of one sample analysis including extraction, spectral acquisition, elution and intermediate process could be less than 30 s. This method can greatly simplify the sample preparation and reduce the total analysis time.
Co-reporter:Yanjing Meng, Yongchao Lai, Xiaohong Jiang, Quanqin Zhao and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2013 vol. 138(Issue 7) pp:2090-2095
Publication Date(Web):17 Jan 2013
DOI:10.1039/C3AN36485B
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated filter papers combining solid-phase extraction (SPE) with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) achieved rapid collection of analytes and in situ detection. The AgNPs were fabricated by cellulose self-sacrificing reduction. Aqueous Ag(NH3)2OH was reduced by hydroxyl groups in cellulose under alkaline conditions. The AgNPs were highly uniform and firmly adhered to the microfibers. Reaction conditions were optimized by the probe molecule p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to attain the best Raman enhancement. Methylene blue trihydrate (MB) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) were detected by flow-through method. The results exhibited outstanding SERS effect and an obvious improvement in detection limit was observed compared to common immersion methods. SERS detection was quantitative as the log-log plot of Raman intensity against MB and 6-TG concentrations showed a linear relationship. The SERS-active paper is degradable because it could be burned after analyte detection.
Co-reporter:Peng Liu;Hao Xu;Dongju Zhang;Jinhua Zhan
Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry 2013 Volume 76( Issue 3-4) pp:301-309
Publication Date(Web):2013 August
DOI:10.1007/s10847-012-0199-4
The effective enrichment and identification of lowly concentrated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment is attracting much research attention due to human health concerns raised from their emissions. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are known to be capable to form inclusion complexes with a variety of organic molecules. The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical evidences whether CDs can form energetically stable inclusion complexes with PCBs through a host–guest interaction, and if so, whether infrared and Raman techniques are suitable for the detection of CD-modified PCBs. Focusing on a representative PCB molecule, 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), we studied its molecular inclusion by β-CD (BCD) by performing molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations. Calculated results show that PCB126 and BCD preferentially form the stable 1:1 inclusion complex. The calculated IR spectra of the 1:1 inclusion complexes mainly present the spectra features of BCD and give only a slight indication for bands of the guest molecule. In contrast, the characteristic vibration modes of the guest molecule are remarkably prominent in the Raman spectra of the inclusion complexes. Based on the present results, we propose that BCD can potentially serve as a candidate for including PCB126 to form the stable 1:1 host–guest complex, and that Raman spectroscopy technology is expected to be suitable for the identification of the CD-modified PCBs, whereas IR spectroscopy is not feasible for such an application.
Co-reporter:Xiaohong Jiang, Yongchao Lai, Wei Wang, Wei Jiang, Jinhua Zhan
Talanta 2013 Volume 116() pp:14-17
Publication Date(Web):15 November 2013
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2013.04.056
•The detection of PBDEs was performed based on SERS.•Quantitative detection of PBDEs in real sea water was realized.•The theoretical Raman spectrum of PBDEs was obtained.•The calculated result agrees well with the experimental data.Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), one of the most common brominated flame retardants, are toxic and persistent, generally detected by the chromatographic method. In this work, qualitative and quantitative detection of PBDEs were explored based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique using a portable Raman spectrometer. Alkanethiol modified silver nanoparticle aggregates were used as the substrate and PBDEs could be pre-concentrated close to the substrate surface through their hydrophobic interactions with alkanethiol. The effect of alkanethiols with different chain length on the SERS detection of PBDEs was evaluated. It was shown that 1-hexanethiol (HT) modified substrate has higher sensitivity, good stability and reusability. Qualitative and quantitative SERS detection of PBDEs in real sea water was accomplished, with the measured detection limits at 1.2×102 μg L−1. These results illustrate SERS could be used as an effective method for the detection of PBDEs.
Co-reporter:Hechun Jiang, Pengcheng Dai, Zhenyu Feng, Weiliu Fan and Jinhua Zhan
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 vol. 22(Issue 15) pp:7502-7506
Publication Date(Web):2012/03/09
DOI:10.1039/C2JM16870G
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is acknowledged as an alternative to traditional p-type semiconductors. Traditionally obtained CZTS, however, is mostly kesterite or stannite phase, which features a tetragonal crystal cell. Herein, novel orthorhombic CZTS has been synthesized via an ethylenediamine-assisted hydrothermal method. Ethylenediamine plays an important part in the construction of the orthorhombic phase. Kesterite CZTS was also obtained in an ultrapure water system without ethylenediamine. The structure was confirmed by XRD, XPS and HRTEM. The band gap of the orthorhombic CZTS is about 1.45 eV, which approaches the optimum value for solar photoelectric conversion. What's more, we found that this orthorhombic CZTS is metastable. After annealing at 500 °C, a phase transformation from the orthorhombic structure to the tetragonal kesterite structure was achieved. The photoelectric response was also characterised, which demonstrated its potential for application in photovoltaic devices.
Co-reporter:Pengcheng Dai, Guan Zhang, Yuncheng Chen, Hechun Jiang, Zhenyu Feng, Zhaojun Lin and Jinhua Zhan
Chemical Communications 2012 vol. 48(Issue 24) pp:3006-3008
Publication Date(Web):10 Jan 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2CC17652A
Porous copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin film was prepared via a solvothermal approach. Compared with conventional dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), double junction photoelectrochemical cells using dye-sensitized n-type TiO2 (DS-TiO2) as the photoanode and porous p-type CZTS film as the photocathode shows an increased short circuit current, external quantum efficiency and power conversion efficiency.
Co-reporter:Junling Duan, Min Yang, Yongchao Lai, Jingpeng Yuan, Jinhua Zhan
Analytica Chimica Acta 2012 Volume 723() pp:88-93
Publication Date(Web):20 April 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2012.02.031
The addition of Bismuthiol II to the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) solution led to the aggregation of AuNPs with a color change from red to blue. As a result, hot spots were formed and strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal of Bismuthiol II was observed. However, the Bismuthiol II-induced aggregation of AuNPs could be reversed by Hg2+ in the system, accompanied by a remarkable color change from blue to red. As evidenced by UV–vis and SERS spectroscopy, the variation in absorption band and SERS intensity was strongly dependent on the concentration of Hg2+, suggesting a colorimetric and SERS dual-signal sensor for Hg2+. The sensor had a high sensitivity, low detection limits of 2 nM and 30 nM could be achieved by UV–vis spectroscopy and by SERS spectroscopy, respectively. Other environmentally relevant metal ions did not interfere with the detection of Hg2+. The method was successfully applied to detect Hg2+ in water samples. It was simple, rapid and cost-effective without any modifying or labeling procedure.Graphical abstractA colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-signal sensor for Hg2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity has been developed based on Hg2+-induced anti-aggregation of Bismuthiol II–gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).Highlights► A dual-signal sensor for Hg2+ was developed by mixing Bismuthiol II and AuNPs. ► Colorimetric sensing was achieved based on the Hg2+-inhibited aggregation of AuNPs. ► Hot spots were formed with the aggregation of AuNPs, allowing SERS detection. ► The method showed high sensitivity and selectivity.
Co-reporter:Heng Yang, Shou-Qing Ni, Xiaohong Jiang, Wei Jiang and Jinhua Zhan
CrystEngComm 2012 vol. 14(Issue 18) pp:6023-6028
Publication Date(Web):06 Jun 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2CE25609F
Hierarchical porous materials have received much attention in recent years owing to their important applications in many fields. In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication of porous ZnO nanoplates on zinc foil. The precursor hydrozincite was synthesized by the reaction of zinc foil and urea solution in a teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave. After calcination, the hydrozincite was converted to porous ZnO. A possible formation process of porous ZnO nanoplates on zinc foil is proposed. The precursor hydrozincite nanoplates assemble to microspheres at a primary stage and grow with the reaction time. After reaching the maximum dimension at 2 h, the nanoplates begin to dissolve. The prepared porous ZnO showed a single-crystalline nature. Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the porous ZnO nanoplates to form a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. The substrate showed good uniformity and temporal stability under laser irradiation. The results indicate that it is a promising SERS substrate.
Co-reporter:Changhua An, Jizhuang Wang, Shutao Wang, Qinhui Zhang, Min Yang and Jinhua Zhan
CrystEngComm 2012 vol. 14(Issue 18) pp:5886-5891
Publication Date(Web):13 Jun 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2CE25544H
Silver nanowires have been synthesized from AgCl nanocubes through a glycerol-mediated solution method with the assistance of a polymer surfactant (PVP). The influencing factors such as reaction time, PVP and temperature on the quality and quantity of the product were investigated through monitoring the reaction process using electronic microscopy. The results indicate that appropriate temperature and time are crucial to produce nanowires, whereas PVP concentration influences the diameter and length of the nanowires. The possible mechanism is proposed. The investigations of silver sources show that AgCl nanocubes are proper feedstock to acquire silver nanowires. This paper provides a new way to produce silver nanowires from insoluble salts.
Co-reporter:Xiaohong Jiang, Yongchao Lai, Min Yang, Heng Yang, Wei Jiang and Jinhua Zhan
Analyst 2012 vol. 137(Issue 17) pp:3995-4000
Publication Date(Web):21 Jun 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2AN35713E
Silver nanoparticle aggregates were synthesized on copper foil, which was used for the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a portable Raman spectrometer. Silver nanoparticle aggregates were prepared by immersing copper foil in the solution of Sn2+ and AgNO3 in a cyclic fashion. A four-cycle process was selected for the following experiments due to its high enhancement and relatively convenient experimental procedure. The substrate has greater temporal stability under continuous laser radiation, good uniformity and reproducibility, which indicated that the substrate could provide reliable measurements. The relationship between SERS intensity and concentrations of PAHs was studied. Quantitative analysis of PAHs in aqueous solution was further performed based on the prepared substrate. The log–log plot of normalized SERS intensity to PAHs concentration exhibited a good linear relationship, with the detection limits in the range of 5–500 μg L−1. Thus, due to the stability, reproducibility and quantitative results, the prepared substrate could be used as a potential SERS sensor for the analysis of environmental pollutants.
Co-reporter:Yongchao Lai, Wenxiao Pan, Dongju Zhang and Jinhua Zhan
Nanoscale 2011 vol. 3(Issue 5) pp:2134-2137
Publication Date(Web):30 Mar 2011
DOI:10.1039/C0NR01030H
Silver nanoplates were prepared by modified galvanic displacement on commercial copper foil. SEM, TEM, UV-vis and XPS were employed to analyze those closely packed silver nanoplates. This type of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates showed strong surface plasmon absorption and reliable surface-enhanced Raman activity.
Co-reporter:Zhipeng Li, Quanqin Zhao, Weiliu Fan and Jinhua Zhan
Nanoscale 2011 vol. 3(Issue 4) pp:1646-1652
Publication Date(Web):31 Jan 2011
DOI:10.1039/C0NR00728E
Porous SnO2 nanospheres with high surface areas have been synthesized through a solvothermal method in the absence of any templates. The structure and morphology of the resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption technique. The as-prepared SnO2 porous nanospheres with the diameters ranging from 90–150 nm are composed of small nanocrystals with average sizes of less than 10 nm. Results demonstrated that the formation of porous SnO2 nanospheres is ascribed to etching the center part of the nanospheres. It was found that hydrochloric acid and NaClO played important roles in determining the final morphologies of the porous SnO2 nanospheres. The gas sensing properties of the as-prepared porous SnO2 nanospheres were investigated. By the comparative gas sensing tests, the porous SnO2 nanospheres exhibited a superior gas sensing performance toward ppb level 2-chloroethanol and formaldehyde vapor, implying promising applications in detecting toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Co-reporter:Zhipeng Li, Hui Yan, Shiling Yuan, Yingju Fan, Jinhua Zhan
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2011 Volume 354(Issue 1) pp:89-93
Publication Date(Web):1 February 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.033
Hierarchical In2O3 rod-like microbundles were fabricated via the Pluronic F127–(EO106PO70EO106–) assisted hydrothermal reaction followed by calcining the In(OH)3 precursors. The results revealed that the In2O3 microarchitectures were constructed with well-aligned one-dimensional (1D) single-crystalline nanorods with highly uniform morphologies and particular exposed facets. Structural analysis suggested that the In2O3 nanorods were enclosed by {1 1 0} and {0 0 1} facets. The triblock copolymer acted as a structure-directing agent and played a key role in the formation of In(OH)3 microbundles. The formation of the precursors In(OH)3 microbundles was studied through contrastive experiments and computational simulation, which can be contributed to the soft-template-directed self-assembly mechanism. The gas sensing properties of the as-prepared In2O3 microbundles were investigated. Compared to the samples prepared in the absence of F127, the In2O3 microbundles exhibited a superior sensing performance toward 2-chloroethanol vapor, which can be explained by hierarchically ordered structures and exposed crystal surfaces.Hierarchical In2O3 microbundles were prepared through the triblock copolymer F127 self-assembled micelle template, which exhibited enhanced gas sensing performance toward toxic 2-chloroethanol.
Co-reporter:Junling Duan, Xiaochen Jiang, Shouqing Ni, Min Yang, Jinhua Zhan
Talanta 2011 Volume 85(Issue 4) pp:1738-1743
Publication Date(Web):30 September 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2011.06.071
This paper described an investigation of a novel eco-friendly fluorescence sensor for Hg2+ ions based on N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC)-capped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in aqueous solution. By using safe and low-cost materials, ZnS QDs modified by NAC were easily synthesized in aqueous medium via a one-step method. The quantitative detection of Hg2+ ions was developed based on fluorescence quenching of ZnS QDs with high sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, its response was linearly proportional to the concentration of Hg2+ ions in a range from 0 to 2.4 × 10−6 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 5.0 × 10−9 mol L−1. Most of common physiologically relevant cations and anions did not interfere with the detection of Hg2+. The proposed method was applied to the trace determination of Hg2+ ions in water samples. The possible quenching mechanism was also examined by fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectra.
Co-reporter:Pengcheng Dai, Xiangna Shen, Zhaojun Lin, Zhenyu Feng, Hui Xu and Jinhua Zhan
Chemical Communications 2010 vol. 46(Issue 31) pp:5749-5751
Publication Date(Web):28 Jun 2010
DOI:10.1039/C0CC00899K
Sphalerite-type (Cu2Sn)x/3Zn1−xS (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) nanocrystals with tunable band gaps were successfully prepared via a solvothermal approach. Band gaps of the nanoparticles could be adjusted from 3.48 eV to 1.23 eV by changing the composition. Their implementation in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) suggests considerable potential in solar cells.
Co-reporter:Zhipeng Li;Yingju Fan;Jinhua Zhan
European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 2010 Volume 2010( Issue 21) pp:3348-3353
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ejic.201000313
Abstract
In2O3 nanofibers and nanoribbons were prepared by electrospinning combined with a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-assisted sol–gel technique. By tuning the experimental parameters, the morphological transformation of In2O3 from nanofibers to nanoribbons was achieved. It was found that both the rapid evaporation of solvent and the concentration of the precursor played important roles in the formation process of In2O3 nanoribbons. The average diameter of the In2O3 nanofibers is 180 nm. The nanoribbons have an average width of 1 μm and a thickness of about 150 nm. The lengths of both can reach millimeters. The average grain size consisting of nanofibers and nanoribbons is 18.6 and 11.2 nm, respectively. The gas-sensing properties of In2O3 nanofibers and nanoribbons toward formaldehyde vapor were investigated. Interestingly, the gas sensor fabricated with In2O3 nanoribbons exhibited a higher and faster response at a relatively lower operating temperature than that fabricated with nanofibers.
Co-reporter:Lianxiang Song, Junling Duan, Jinhua Zhan
Materials Letters 2010 Volume 64(Issue 16) pp:1843-1845
Publication Date(Web):31 August 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2010.05.015
Aqueous soluble homogeneously alloyed CdSexTe1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by co-reduction of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and sodium tellurite (Na2TeO3) at 120 °C under microwave irradiation. The optical modulation of the photoluminescence (PL) between 600 and 710 nm could be facilely demonstrated through changing molar ratios of Se to Te. The PL quantum yields (QYs) of CdSexTe1-x NCs were lower than that of CdTe NCs. On the other hand, it could be higher than that of CdSe NCs.
Co-reporter:Peng Liu, Dongju Zhang, and Jinhua Zhan
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 2010 Volume 114(Issue 50) pp:13122-13128
Publication Date(Web):November 19, 2010
DOI:10.1021/jp109306v
The effective enrichment and identification of lowly concentrated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment is attracting enormous research attention due to human health concerns. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are known to be capable of forming inclusion complexes with a variety of organic molecules. The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical evidence of whether CDs as host molecules can include the guest molecules PCBs to form stable host−guest inclusion complexes, and if so, whether the general infrared and Raman techniques are suitable for the direction of CD-modified PCBs. Focusing on a representative PCB molecule, 2,2′,5,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB52), we carried out density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on its complexes with α-, β-, and γ-CDs with different host−guest stoichiometry ratios, including 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 2:2. On the basis of both the optimized geometries and calculated energy changes raised from encapsulating the guest molecule into the cavities of CDs, the CDs are believed to be suitable hosts for accommodating PCB52 guest molecules. The stability of inclusion complexes depends on both the type of CD and host−guest stoichiometry ratio. MD simulations give a clear picture of the scene on how the PCB52 molecule enters the cavity of β-CD. The vibrational analyses on the 1:1 complexes of CDs provide information for the spectral characterization of the inclusion complexes: Raman spectroscopy can deliver the characteristic bands of PCB52, whereas IR spectroscopy cannot uniquely assign them, implying that Raman spectroscopy is a useful technique for the identification of CD-modified PCBs. The present theoretical results are expected to provide guidance for the relevant experimental research.
Co-reporter:Zhipeng Li;Wenxiao Pan;Dongju Zhang Dr. ;Jinhua Zhan Dr.
Chemistry – An Asian Journal 2010 Volume 5( Issue 8) pp:1854-1859
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/asia.201000036
Abstract
The crystal-plane effect of ZnO nanostructures on the toxic 2-chlorophenol gas-sensing properties was examined. Three kinds of single-crystalline ZnO nanostructures including nanoawls, nanorods, and nanodisks were synthesized by using different capping agents via simple hydrothermal routes. Different crystal surfaces were expected for these ZnO nanostructures. The sensing tests results showed that ZnO nanodisks exhibited the greatest sensitivity for the detection of toxic 2-chlorophenol. The results revealed that the sensitivity of these ZnO samples was heavily dependent on their exposed surfaces. The polar (0001) planes were most reactive and could be considered as the critical factor for the gas-sensing performance. In addition, calculations using density functional theory were employed to simulate the gas-sensing reaction involving surface reconstruction and charge transfer both of which result in the change of electronic conductance of ZnO.
Co-reporter:Lianxiang Song, Hongwei Wei, Hui Xu, Jinhua Zhan
Materials Research Bulletin 2010 45(10) pp: 1396-1400
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1016/j.materresbull.2010.06.044
Co-reporter:Le Wang;Xinzheng Liu;Min Yang;Yingju Fan;Jinhua Zhan
European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 2009 Volume 2009( Issue 7) pp:897-902
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ejic.200800855
Abstract
Preparation of 1D CdS-Ni semiconductor-magnetic nanocomposites was achieved by means of electroless plating of nickel nanoparticles on CdS nanowires. Preformed CdS nanowires with a diameter of ca. 45 nm, a length up to several tens of μm were magnetically functionalised by the hydrazine-induced reduction of nickel chloride in ethylene glycol at 140 °C. It was found that nickel nanoparticles with a diameter of ca. 80 nm anchored on the nanowires without any surface pretreatment. Furthermore, a conversion process was detected and confirmed, something which is favourable for the nonepitaxial growth of Ni nanoparticles on CdS nanowires. The products prepared thereof were characterised in detail by XRD, TEM, HR-TEM and EDS techniques. Magnetic property measurements show that the nanocomposites display ferromagnetic properties at room temperature.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Co-reporter:Yingju Fan;Zhen Liu;L. e. Wang;Jinhua Zhan
Nanoscale Research Letters 2009 Volume 4( Issue 10) pp:
Publication Date(Web):2009 October
DOI:10.1007/s11671-009-9387-6
The starch-stabilized Ag nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a reduction approach and characterized with SPR UV/Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and HRTEM. By utilizing the redox reaction between Ag nanoparticles and Hg2+, and the resulted decrease in UV/Vis signal, we develop a colorimetric method for detection of Hg2+ion. A linear relationship stands between the absorbance intensity of the Ag nanoparticles and the concentration of Hg2+ion over the range from 10 ppb to 1 ppm at the absorption of 390 nm. The detection limit for Hg2+ions in homogeneous aqueous solutions is estimated to be ~5 ppb. This system shows excellent selectivity for Hg2+over other metal ions including Na+, K+, Ba2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe3+, and Cd2+. The results shown herein have potential implications in the development of new colorimetric sensors for easy and selective detection and monitoring of mercuric ions in aqueous solutions.
Co-reporter:Le Wang;Hongwei Wei;Yingju Fan;Xinzheng Liu;Jinhua Zhan
Nanoscale Research Letters 2009 Volume 4( Issue 6) pp:
Publication Date(Web):2009 June
DOI:10.1007/s11671-009-9280-3
One-dimensional (1D) CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a two-step solvothermal method. Preformed CdS nanowires with a diameter of ca. 45 nm and a length up to several tens of micrometers were coated with a layer of ZnS shell by the reaction of zinc acetate and thiourea at 180 °C for 10 h. It was found that uniform ZnS shell was composed of ZnS nanoparticles with a diameter of ca. 4 nm, which anchored on the nanowires without any surface pretreatment. The 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites were confirmed by XRD, SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, ED, and EDS techniques. The optical properties and photocatalytic activities of the 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites towards methylene blue (MB) and 4-chlorophenol (4CP) under visible light (λ > 420 nm) were separately investigated. The results show that the ZnS shell can effectively passivate the surface electronic states of the CdS cores, which accounts for the enhanced photocatalytic activities of the 1D CdS@ZnS core-shell nanocomposites compared to that of the uncoated CdS nanowires.
Co-reporter:Junling Duan;Lianxiang Song;Jinhua Zhan
Nano Research 2009 Volume 2( Issue 1) pp:61-68
Publication Date(Web):2009 January
DOI:10.1007/s12274-009-9004-0
A facile one-pot microwave irradiation reduction route has been developed for the synthesis of highly luminescent CdTe quantum dots using Na2TeO3 as the Te source in an aqueous environment. The synthesis parameters of this simple and rapid approach, including the reaction temperature and time, the pH of the reaction solution and the molar ratio of the 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) stabilizer to Cd2+, have considerable influence on the particle size and photoluminescence quantum yield of the CdTe quantum dots. The photoluminescence quantum yield of CdTe quantum dots prepared using relatively short reaction times (10–40 min) reached 40%–60% (emission peaks at 550–640 nm). Furthermore, the resulting products could be used as fluorescent probes to detect Hg2+ ions in aqueous media. The response was linearly proportional to the concentration of Hg2+ ion in the range 8.0×10−9 mol/L to 2.0×10−6 mol/L with a detection limit of 2.7×10−9 mol/L.
Co-reporter:Zhihong Jing ;Jinhua Zhan
Advanced Materials 2008 Volume 20( Issue 23) pp:4547-4551
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/adma.200800243
Co-reporter:L. Q. Xu;J. H. Zhan;J. Q. Hu;Y. Bo;M. Mitome;X. L. Yuan;T. Sekiguchi;D. Golberg
Advanced Materials 2007 Volume 19(Issue 16) pp:2141-2144
Publication Date(Web):4 JUL 2007
DOI:10.1002/adma.200700366
Unique, highly crystalline, triangular BN nanoplates (see figure) with a wide bandgap—which will ease their integration into nanoelectronic and photonic devices—are reported to be synthesized by reaction of NH4BF4 and NaNH2 with the assistance of metallic Ni. A thorough analysis of the morphological and structural characteristics of the nanoplates is presented.
Co-reporter:Manlin Wang, Guodong Fang, Peng Liu, Dongmei Zhou, Chen Ma, Dongju Zhang, Jinhua Zhan
Applied Catalysis B: Environmental (5 July 2016) Volume 188() pp:113-122
Publication Date(Web):5 July 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.01.071
Co-reporter:Hechun Jiang, Pengcheng Dai, Zhenyu Feng, Weiliu Fan and Jinhua Zhan
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 - vol. 22(Issue 15) pp:NaN7506-7506
Publication Date(Web):2012/03/09
DOI:10.1039/C2JM16870G
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is acknowledged as an alternative to traditional p-type semiconductors. Traditionally obtained CZTS, however, is mostly kesterite or stannite phase, which features a tetragonal crystal cell. Herein, novel orthorhombic CZTS has been synthesized via an ethylenediamine-assisted hydrothermal method. Ethylenediamine plays an important part in the construction of the orthorhombic phase. Kesterite CZTS was also obtained in an ultrapure water system without ethylenediamine. The structure was confirmed by XRD, XPS and HRTEM. The band gap of the orthorhombic CZTS is about 1.45 eV, which approaches the optimum value for solar photoelectric conversion. What's more, we found that this orthorhombic CZTS is metastable. After annealing at 500 °C, a phase transformation from the orthorhombic structure to the tetragonal kesterite structure was achieved. The photoelectric response was also characterised, which demonstrated its potential for application in photovoltaic devices.
Co-reporter:Pengcheng Dai, Guan Zhang, Yuncheng Chen, Hechun Jiang, Zhenyu Feng, Zhaojun Lin and Jinhua Zhan
Chemical Communications 2012 - vol. 48(Issue 24) pp:NaN3008-3008
Publication Date(Web):2012/01/10
DOI:10.1039/C2CC17652A
Porous copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin film was prepared via a solvothermal approach. Compared with conventional dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), double junction photoelectrochemical cells using dye-sensitized n-type TiO2 (DS-TiO2) as the photoanode and porous p-type CZTS film as the photocathode shows an increased short circuit current, external quantum efficiency and power conversion efficiency.
Co-reporter:Pengcheng Dai, Xiangna Shen, Zhaojun Lin, Zhenyu Feng, Hui Xu and Jinhua Zhan
Chemical Communications 2010 - vol. 46(Issue 31) pp:NaN5751-5751
Publication Date(Web):2010/06/28
DOI:10.1039/C0CC00899K
Sphalerite-type (Cu2Sn)x/3Zn1−xS (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) nanocrystals with tunable band gaps were successfully prepared via a solvothermal approach. Band gaps of the nanoparticles could be adjusted from 3.48 eV to 1.23 eV by changing the composition. Their implementation in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) suggests considerable potential in solar cells.
