bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dangerous Ideas: the Spell of Breaking the Spell
Authors: Albinus Lars
Published: February 2008

By investigating the philosophical premises behind Daniel Dennett's latest book, Breaking the Spell, this article sets out to present and critically discuss the range of validity which the theory of natural selection can consistently claim for itself. Deduced from a materialist notion of reality, which brings nature and culture on a common agenda, the explanation of religious ideas as products of meme-transmission exposes itself to the charge of reductionism and have thus provoked hostile responses from religious people as well as scepticism from some quarters of humanities. Far from arguing that Dennett should have exempted the sensitive field of religious belief from the intrusion of scientific investigation, this article criticizes the notions of religion as well as science, from which these investigations are set ashore, and remains uncompromising on the possibility of taking a moral stand on the premises of a theory of natural selection. Instead the article advocates for a more modest version of the theory that leaves room for other approaches with regard to self-understanding on a level of intersubjectivity.
Daniel Dennett's Breaking the Spell: An Unapologetic Apology
Authors: Martin Luther
Published: February 2008

Proposals for a scientific study of religion have never been realised because, Daniel Dennett argues in Breaking the Spell, religion is surrounded by a spell that protects it from the critical inquiry characteristic of other academic fields of study. Dennett suggests two reasons for proposing such a study anew at this time. The first is political, namely, major policy decisions are currently being made on the basis of perceptions about religion; the second is theoretical, namely the establishment of an evolutionary psychology and of a cognitive science of religion which can provide the basis for such a study. Surprisingly, a number of those scholars in the field who are well-known for advocating precisely such a scientific study of religion have reacted negatively to Dennett's proposal. Do their very reactions confirm his thesis that an enchanting spell surrounding religion remains unbroken?
How Not to Do the Cognitive Science of Religion Today
Authors: Geertz Armin
Published: February 2008

This article is a critical examination of Dennett's book Breaking the Spell. The main argument is that there are good and effective ways of doing the cognitive science of religion and there are poor and ineffective ways of doing it. Dennett's book is poorly done on a number of fronts: it is exceedingly hostile and rhetorical, thus missing the public audience he wishes to persuade, it is arrogant towards and shows clear ignorance of the professional study of religion, and it poorly represents serious cognitive science of religion. Furthermore, Dennett ignores the vast amount of literature on the very subjects that worry him the most, namely, fundamentalism, terror, violence, bigotry, deception, oppression, rape, child abuse, and false beliefs—all of which are not necessarily related to religion, on which he is silent. He also leaves untouched the literature on a number of subjects highly relevant to his evolutionary scenario, such as the evolution of consciousness, theories of memory, the role of narrative, the development of persons and selves, embodied cognition, extended mind, etc.
Meme Infection or Religious Niche Construction? An Adaptationist Alternative to The Cultural Maladaptationist Hypothesis
Authors: Bulbulia Joseph
Published: February 2008

This paper develops an alternative to Dennett's meme-theoretic explanation for religious commitment. First I build an argument in defense of Dennett's position, drawing on a cultural evolution literature that he mentions but does not develop (Dennett 2006). Then I describe data that even this enhanced account leaves poorly explained. Next I draw on commitment signaling theory to produce an account that explains these puzzling data. I show how religious culture provides a pervasive example of human epistemic niche construction. An adaptationist analysis of religious culture exposes how the propagation of costly misunderstandings massively reduce the cognitive burdens of Machiavellian social complexity.
Bridging the Brentano Gorge: An Introduction to Daniel Dennett's Breaking the Spell
Authors: Day Matthew
Published: February 2008

In this introduction to a special MTSR issue dedicated to Breaking the Spell, I outline the broad philosophical contours of Daniel Dennett's career and its relevance for scholars of religion. By focusing attention on how Dennett's understanding of cognition is informed by a Darwinian principle of naturally selected "design," my goal is to explain why many academics in the field had high hopes for his account of religious cognition's natural origins.
Full of Sound and Fury: The Media Response to Dennett
Authors: Koch Gretchen
Published: February 2008

What has motivated the general hostility towards Dennett's most recent book? Which criticisms should we accept as valid? This paper examines some of the most vociferous attacks on Breaking the Spell which appeared in newspapers and online blogs soon after it was published. More specifically, it considers the question of whether a defense of atheism ought to be coupled with advocacy for the naturalistic (i.e., scientific) study of religion. Further, it addresses the meaning of the oft-made claim that evolution "equals" atheism, and whether the notion constitutes a political red herring.
Evolution, Politics and the Spell of Language: A Critical Analysis of Daniel Dennett's Breaking the Spell
Authors: Vaněk David
Published: February 2008

The author attempts to analyze Daniel Dennett's Breaking the Spell as a discourse, challenging its clean-cut division into descriptive and evaluative parts, proposed by Dennett himself. Rather than focusing on the details of Dennett's contribution to the theory of religion, he identifies several apparently inconspicuous concepts distributed throughout the text which form a web of relations functioning as a narration hidden below its surface. What thus transpires is a story of tension between description and evaluation, science and politics, materialism and spirituality as well as other concepts whose uncontrolled dialectics seems to have deprived Daniel Dennett of his otherwise indisputable mastery over his texts.
Low-Temperature Growth of Flower-Shaped UV-Emitting ZnO Nanostructures on Steel Alloy by Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Kim S. H. , Kim J. H. , Park Y. K. , Hahn Y. B.
Published: February 2008

Flower-shaped ZnO nanostructures, containing the triangular-shaped petals (sharpened tips and wider bases) have been achieved by simple thermal evaporation of high purity metallic zinc powder in the presence of oxygen at 440 °C on steel alloy substrate without the use of metal catalyst
or additives. Detailed structural studies confirm that the obtained flower-shaped nanostructures are single crystalline and possesses a wurtzite hexagonal structure, grown along the c-axis in the [0001] direction. Raman and room temperature photoluminescence analysis substantiate a
wurtzite hexagonal phase with a good crystal quality and a strong UV emission at 378 nm, respectively, indicating few or no structural defects. Additionally, a detailed possible growth mechanism has also been discussed.
Two-Step Growth of Hexagonal-Shaped ZnO Nanowires and Nanorods and Their Properties
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Kim S. H. , Kim J. H. , Hahn Y. B.
Published: February 2008

Single-crystalline with perfect hexagonal-shaped ZnO nanowires and nanorods, possessing the Zn-terminated (0001) facets bounded with the six-crystallographic equivalent {0110} surfaces, have been grown on Au-coated silicon substrate via thermal evaporation method using the metallic
zinc powder in presence of oxygen. The detailed structural analyses reveal that the obtained nano-structures are single-crystalline with the wurtzite hexagonal phase and are preferentially oriented in the c-axis, [0001] direction. Raman spectra exhibit a sharp and strong optical phonon E2
mode at 437 cm−1 further confirms the good crystal quality with wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure for the deposited products. The room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra, for both the structures, showed a sharp and strong UV emission with a suppressed green emission,
indicating the good optical properties for the as-grown nanostructures.
Layer Spacing of Montmorillonites Modified with Rigid Rods
Authors: Solar Lorena , Navarro Rodrigo , Gómez Clara , Reinecke Helmut
Published: February 2008

The dependence of the interlayer distance in modified montmorillonite clays on the length of rigid rod molecules used for clay organophilization is studied. Therefore, a series of fully aromatic compounds of different length functionalized with a terminal amine group has been synthesized
and transformed into the corresponding ammonium salts. The interlayer distance is determined by X-ray diffraction, the quantity of the modifier incorporated in the clay is obtained by thermogravimetric analysis. It is shown that the distance between layers in the modified clay does not depend
on the length of the modifier used. This fact leads to the conclusion that rigid rods must be oriented parallel to the clay layers. On the other hand, the molar percentage of modifier molecules incorporated in the clay structure depends on the length of the rigid rods in the sense that shorter
molecules are considerably easier to incorporate than longer ones.
Preparation and Characterization of Silica-Coated ZnSe Nanowires with Thermal Stability and Photoluminescence
Authors: Xiong Shenglin , Xi Baojuan , Wang Weizhi , Zhou Hongyang , Zhang Shuyuan , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2008

Silica-coated ZnSe nanowires with well-controlled the thickness of sheath in the range of 10–60 nm have been synthesized through a simple sol–gel process. The thickness of silica coating could be controlled through altering reaction parameters such as volume ratio of TEOS
and ammonia. XRD, high-resolution TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to characterize the core/sheath nanostructures. Room-temperature PL measurements indicate these silica-coated ZnSe nanowires
remarkably improve the PL intensity. Meanwhile, the thermal stability has been enhanced greatly, which is useful for their potential applications in advanced semiconductor devices.
Swift Morphosynthesis of Hierarchical Nanostructures of CdS via Microwave-Induced Semisolvothermal Route
Authors: Amalnerkar Dinesh P. , Lee Hye-Young , Hwang Young Kyu , Kim Dong-Pyo , Chang Jong-San
Published: February 2008

For the swift generation of hierarchical nanostructures of CdS, we propose herein a docile microwave-induced semi-solvothermal reaction (i.e., involving simultaneous usage of nonaqueous and aqueous solvents) between cadmium acetate and thiourea in binary solution of diethylenetriamine
and deionized water. Typically, such microwave-assisted reaction was accomplished within 5 minutes as against 12 h required in conventional approach. The resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive
analysis by X-rays, laser Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction data indicates occurrence of hexagonal CdS with strong (002) preferred orientation. SEM images reveal formation of solvent-ratio dependent complex morphological (i.e., hierarchical) features
both at the microscale and nanoscale. Fine-scale microstructure examination by TEM discloses formation of entangled nanorods, nano(potato)sticks, nanoflowers etc. Elemental analysis facility (equipped with TEM) suggests presence of Cd rich product. Raman spectroscopy shows the fundamental
and overtone bands pertaining to hexagonal CdS with remarkable enhancement in relative intensities of such bands in case of sample corresponding to diethylen-etriamine(DETA)/deionized water(DI) volume ratio of 6:1. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra mainly reveal broad asymmetric emission
background composed of classical band edge and trap-induced emission in CdS.
Mechanical Behaviors of Carbon Nanotubes with Randomly Located Vacancy Defects
Authors: Hou Wenyi , Xiao Shaoping
Published: February 2008

In this paper, 10 0 zigzag nanotubes and (6, 6) armchair nanotubes are considered to investigate the effects of randomly distributed vacancy defects on mechanical behaviors of single-walled carbon nanotubes. A spatial Poisson point process is employed to randomly locate vacancy defects
on nanotubes. Atomistic simulations indicate that the presence of vacancy defects result in reducing nanotube strength but improving nanotube bending stiffness. In addition, the studies of nanotube torsion indicate that vacancy defects prevent nanotubes from being utilized as torsion springs.
Modeling and Simulation of Biological Self-Assembly Structures from Nanoscale Entities
Authors: Pidaparti Ramana M. , Primeaux David , Saunders Brandon
Published: February 2008

Many natural and biological systems are formed by the process of molecular self-assembly. Molecular self-assembly is defined as the spontaneous organization of molecules under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions into structurally well defined and rather stable arrangements. In this
paper, we developed a novel computational methodology to investigate the self-assembly process of simple 1-D structures representing protein monomers into long filaments, rings, pyramids, bundles, etc. Based on the preliminary results obtained, the methodology was extended to mimic the microtubule
self-assembly, which occurs in all eukaryotic cells.
Fabricating ZnO Nanorods Sensor for Chemical Gas Detection at Room Temperature
Authors: Cheng Chuanwei , Xu Guoyue , Zhang Haiqian , Luo Yan
Published: February 2008

We present a sensor fabricated by simply casting ZnO nanorods on a microelectrodes array for chemical gas detection at room temperature. The ammonia and ethanol gas sensing characteristics were carefully investigated. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity for both ammonia and ethanol
gases. The response and recover time are less than 20 seconds, respectively. Present results demonstrate the potential application of ZnO nanorods for fabricating highly sensitive gas sensors.
Effect of Gold Adsorption on the Conductive Properties of Cyclo-octasulfur Microcrystals
Authors: Vaganova E. , Leitus G. , Wachtel E. , Popov I. , Shimoni N. , Olea D. , Gomez-Herrero J. , Yitzchaik S.
Published: February 2008

The formation of gold crystallites on the surface of S8 promotes diffusion of electrons and determines the conductive properties of the shell-core nanosystems. Conducting probe atomic microscopy and four-probe resistance measurements confirmed that Au/S8 shell-core
systems exhibit electrical conductivity on the micro- as well as on the nanoscale in contrast to non-covered S8 crystals, which are insulating. The conductivity of Au/S8 systems on the microscale was measured to be 10 ± 1 S · cm−1. In XPS
measurements, a single peak at 163.6 eV was observed for bulk S8 whereas an additional peak corresponding to a binding energy of 161.4 eV appeared for S8 adsorbed on a Au substrate. This is interpreted to mean that a chemical reaction has taken place. A process which
results in adsorption of uniform gold nanolayers on needle shaped or fibrous S8 crystallites is under investigation.
AC Electric Field-Induced Alignment and Long-Range Assembly of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Inside Aqueous Media
Authors: Guo Zhihui , Wood Jeffery A. , Huszarik Krista L. , Yan Xiaohu , Docoslis Aristides
Published: February 2008

The present work examines the behavior of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) inside AC electric fields created by three-dimensional electrodes. The response of carbon nanotubes stably suspended in water with the aid of a nonionic surfactant is monitored by combining microscopic observations
with on-line measurements of the suspension resistivity. It is found that polarization effects induced by the externally applied AC electric field on MWCNTs can cause their unidirectional orientation and end-to-end contact that result in formations of spatially distributed, long-range, three-dimensional
and electrically conducting structures that span the entire gap between the electrodes. The length of the formed structures, which in the present case was approximately 30 times larger than that of an individual carbon nanotube, can be controlled by adjusting the spacing between the electrodes.
The influence of main experimental parameters, namely, MWCNT concentration, applied voltage, AC field frequency, and electrode surface topography on the suspension behavior is experimentally examined. Results are demonstrated for applied voltage values, AC field frequencies, and carbon nanotube
concentrations in the range 4–40 Vptp, 10 Hz–5 MHz, and 0.001–2.0 wt%, respectively. While higher electric field strengths accelerate the formation of aligned structures, higher frequency values were found to result in suspensions that exhibit smaller electrical
resistivity. Carbon nanotube dispersions exposed to an AC electric field exhibit a 100-fold or more decrease in their electrical resistivity, even when carbon nanotube concentrations as low as 0.005 wt% are used.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Magnetite and Maghemite Nanoparticles
Authors: Bhagwat Shrikant , Singh Hema , Athawale Anjali , Hannoyer Beatrice , Jouen Samuel , Lefez Benoit , Kundaliya Darshan , Pasricha Renu , Kulkarni Shailaja , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: February 2008

We report on the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles below 100 °C by a simple chemical protocol. The uniqueness of the method lies in the use of Ferrous ammonium sulphate (in conjugation with FeCl3) which helps maintain the stability of Fe2+ state in the
reaction sequence thereby controlling the phase formation. Hexamine was added as the stabilizer. The nanoparticles synthesized at three different temperatures viz, 5°, 27°, and 95 °C are characterized by several techniques. Generally, when a mixture of Fe3+ and Fe2+
is added to sodium hydroxide, α-Fe2O3 (the anti-ferromagnetic phase) is formed after the dehydration process of the hydroxide. In our case however, the phases formed at all the three temperatures were found to be ferro (ferri) magnetic, implying modification
of the formation chemistry due to the specifics of our method. The nanoparticles synthesized at the lowest temperature exhibit magnetite phase, while increase in growth temperature to 95 °C leads to the maghemite phase.
Ordered ZnO Nanorods Synthesized by Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Meilin
Published: February 2008

Aligned single-crystal ZnO rod arrays with diameters ranging from 50 nm to 300 nm and length up to 10 μm have been synthesized on silicon substrate under open-air conditions using a combustion chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The ZnO rods grew in the direction of 0001
with six {1120} peripheral surface planes. A single ZnO rod solid-state gas sensor fabricated on an interdigitated electrode pattern demonstrated prompt response to ethanol vapor at 400 °C.
Sol–Gel Synthesized SnO2 Nanoparticles and Their Properties
Authors: Das Soumen , Basu Soumen , Majumdar Gautam , Chakravorty Dipankar , Chaudhuri S.
Published: February 2008

Sol–gel synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 2.0 nm obtained at 373 K were gradually annealed to 673 K in air for 25 minutes. Sequentially taken transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that particle agglomeration of these non-matrix SnO2
nanocrystals was a very slow process. The blue shifts of the band gap (∼ 2.3 eV) obtained from the optical absorbance spectra were matched with the theoretical results of the size related excitonic binding energies. These calculations also supported the observed slow grain growth. The
depth sensitive hardness measurements of the thin films indicated hardness in the range of 5.03 GPa to 6.79 GPa. These undoped and non-matrix SnO2 nanoparticles were also investigated with the X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction
spectroscopy (XRD), and ac impedance analyzer.
Fabrication of SnS2 Flower Like Nanoflake Assemblies Through Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Biswas Subhajit , Kar Soumitra , Ghoshal Tandra , Chaudhuri Subhadra
Published: February 2008

Uniform as well as flower like patterns of SnS2 nanoflakes were produced by a thermal evaporation process. Interpenetrating phenomenon was observed between the individual nanoflakes during the course of their lateral growth. The interpenetrating growth and controlled vapor
concentration as well as the substrate temperature leads to the formation of flower like assemblies of SnS2 nanoflakes. Morphology and growth mechanism of the nanostructures were studied by scanning electron microscopic observations at different stages of the nanoflake growth. The
produced nanoflakes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopic measurements. SnS2 nanoflakes were perfectly single crystalline and growth direction of the nanoflakes was along the {101}-lattice plane.
Silica Encapsulated Ni Nanoparticles: Variation of Optical and Magnetic Properties with Particle Size
Authors: Das Soumen , Panda Subhendu K. , Nandi Prithiwish , Chaudhuri Subhadra , Pandey Abhishek , Ranganathan R.
Published: February 2008

Ni nanoparticles embedded in SiO2 matrix were prepared by sol–gel process. The molar percentages of Ni were varied from 2 to 20% of total SiO2 present in the matrix. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed that particle sizes varied from 8.0–15.7
nm at an annealing temperature of 773 K with variation of concentration. The optical absorption spectra revealed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak in the UV region of the spectrum shifted with the particle diameter (D) from that at 247.3 nm for D = 8.0 nm to 250.7
nm for D = 15.7 nm. In hysteresis loop measurements the magnetizations (M) of the nanocomposites also increased with higher Ni content in the matrix and did not saturate in the measuring limit of the magnetic filed (H) of 4 KOe. The anhysteric curves for different samples were analyzed
with the law of approach to saturation (LAS). The zero field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) magnetization measurements at 50 Oe showed increasing broadening of the ZFC curve with the higher Ni content. To calculate the average blocking temperature () a distribution
of the blocking temperatures (TB) was assumed to initiate theoretical fittings and it was found to be increasing with the Ni concentration in the matrix.
Wavelength Shift of InP-Based InAs Quantum Dot Lasers Above Room Temperature
Authors: Kim Jin Soo , Lee Cheul-Ro , Seol Kyeong Won , Oh Dae Kon
Published: February 2008

For the InAs quantum dot (QD) lasers based on the InAlGaAs-InAlAs-InP material system, the lasing operation was successfully achieved up to 100 °C. The lasing wavelength was linearly increased with a slope of 0.100 nm/K up to 50 °C and then, decreased with (−)0.419 nm/K
above 50 °C. The temperature-induced shift in the lasing wavelength can be attributed to both the band-gap shrinkage and the band-filling effect of carriers, which was well agreed with the characteristic temperatures of the InAs QD laser calculated from the temperature dependence of threshold
current density.
Immobilisation of Fully Sulfonated Polyaniline on Nanostructured Calcium Silicate
Authors: Borrmann Thomas , Dominis Anton , McFarlane Andrew J. , Johnston James H. , Richardson Michael J. , Kane-Maguire Leon A. P. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: February 2008

Up to 7.4% (w/w) of the sulfonated polyaniline, poly(2-methoxyaniline-5-sulfonic acid) (PMAS) can be absorbed onto nanostructured calcium silicates. Spectroscopic and leaching studies on the novel PMAS-silicate nanocomposites obtained indicate that attachment of the PMAS occurs via
electrostatic binding of PMAS sulfonate groups to Ca2+ sites on the silicates. The surface area and pore volume of the nanocomposites are comparable to those of pure silicate and increase the surface area of the PMAS polymer by several orders of magnitude. The PMAS emeraldine salt
in the nanocomposites retains its chemical reactivity, being readily oxidised and reduced to its pernigraniline and leucoemeraldine forms, respectively. The conductivity of the composite is comparable to that of the pure PMAS, several orders of magnitude higher than that of dried nanostructured
calcium silicate.
Sn-Catalyzed Growth of MgO Nanowires
Authors: Kim Hyoun Woo , Shim Seung Hyun , Lee Jong Woo
Published: February 2008

We reported the fabrication and characterization of MgO nanowires, which were grown by thermal evaporation of the mixture of MgB2 and Sn powders at 800 °C through a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process. We characterized as-synthesized MgO nanowires using X-ray diffraction,
scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Sn nanoparticles were located at the tips of the nanowires, serving as catalyst for the growth of MgO nanowires. The produced nanowires were of cubic MgO structures with diameters in the range of 10–170 nm. The PL measurement
with a Gaussian fitting exhibited visible light emission bands centered at 403, 576, and 720 nm.
Synthesis of In2 S3 Nanoplates and Their Self-Assembly into Superlattices
Authors: Zhong Haizheng , Ye Mingfu , Zhou Yi , Yang Chunhe , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2008

Ultrathin nanoplates of β-phase semiconductor In2S3 with the diameter of 50 ∼ 80 nm and a thickness of 1.85 nm were synthesized via a simple hot injection solution method with Hexadecylamine (HDA) as ligand, and the nanoplates self-assembled into
superlattices by face to face stacking during evaporation of the solvent. The nanoplates and the assembled superlattices were characterized by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, XPS etc. The TEM and XRD results display that the nanocrystals are highly crystalline, hexagonal shape, and uniform in thickness.
A strong quantum confinement effect of the 2D nanoplates was observed from the UV-Vis and PL spectra for the first time in the In2S3 nanoplates. A possible mechanism of the synthesis and assembly was proposed.
A Novel Preparation of Nanocapsules from Alginate-Oligochitosan
Authors: Wang Ting , Feng Zhangqi , He Nongyue , Wang Zhifei , Li Song , Guo Yafei , Xu Lijian
Published: February 2008

A novel, simple and efficient method to prepare a new kind of nanocapsules in a demulsifying W/O micro-emulsion system from low molecular weight (MW) alginate and oligochitosan (OCS) was reported. Low MW alginate (LMWALG) was prepared by radiation of UV in the presence of cathode ion,
OCS were used as anode ions. The composition for LMWALG demulsifying W/O micro-emulsion system is 50.75% (wt) of cyclohexane, 17.67% (Triton X-100 + n-pentanol), and 31.58% of LMWALG gelatum, while that for OCS one is 48.21% of cyclohexane, 16.09% (Triton X-100 + n-pentanol),
and 35.70% OCS aqueous solution. The preparation of nanocapsules was optimized based on the above compositions for the MW of alginate, the MW of OCS, concentration of OCS and the encapsulation time. Ultimately the MW of LMWALG is 0.13 million and that of OCS is 3000 with a concentration of
1%, encapsulating for 30 min, under the above optimal conditions nanocapsules were formed in diameter of 136 nm.
Spatial Control of Quantum Sized Nanocrystal Arrays onto Silicon Wafers
Authors: Choi Seong Jae , Yi Dong Kee , Choi Jae-Young , Park Jong-Bong , Song In-Yong , Jang Eunjoo , Lee Joo In , An Minshi , Hong Jong-Dal , Yoon Seon-Mi , Shin Hyeon-Jin
Published: February 2008

Monolayer arrays of monodispersed nanocrystals (<10 nm) onto three dimensional (3D) substrates have considerable potential for various engineering applications such as highly integrated memory devices, solar cells, biosensors and photo and electro luminescent displays because of
their highly integrated features with nanocrystal homogeneity. However, most reports on nanocrystal arrays have focused on two dimensional (2D) flat substrates, and the production of wafer-scale monolayer arrays is still challenging. Here we address the feasibility of arraying nanocrystal
monolayers in wafer-scale onto 3D substrates. We present both metal (Pd) and semiconductor (CdSe) nanocrystals arrayed in monolayer onto trenched silicon wafers (4 inch diameter) using a facile electrostatic adsorption scheme. In particular, CdSe nanocrystal arrays in the trench well showed
superior luminescent efficiency compared to those onto the protruded trench flat, due to the densely arrayed CdSe nanocrystals in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the surface coverage controllability was investigated using a 2D silicon substrate. Our approach can be applied to generate
highly efficient displays, memory chips and integrated sensing devices.
Synthesis of Chainlike In2Ge2O7/Amorphous GeO2 Core/Shell Nanocables and Their Luminescence
Authors: Su Yong , Meng Xia , Li Sen , Chen Yiqing , Xu Liang , Zhou Qingtao , Yin Song , Peng Bo , Liang Xuemei , Feng Yi
Published: February 2008

Novel chainlike In2Ge2O7/amorphous GeO2 core/shell nanocables were successfully synthesized by the simple thermal evaporation method without the presence of catalyst. The growth process of the nanocables is based on vapor–solid (VS)
growth mechanism. Its morphology and microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Studies indicate that typical chainlike nanocables consist of single crystalline
In2Ge2O7 nanowires (core) with diameter of about 30 nm and amorphous GeO2 chainlike nanostructures (shell). Four emission peaks, namely 401 nm, 448.5 nm, 466.5 nm, and 491 nm, were observed in the room-temperature photoluminescence measurements.
Synthesis of Ultra-Fine Conducting Polyaniline Micro/Nanotubes Using Fiber Template and Their NH3 Gas Sensitivity
Authors: Xue Bo , Qi Shaoyan , Gong Jian , Gao Yu , Yao Shuang , Yin Rong , Qu Lunyu
Published: February 2008

We have recently fabricated ultra-fine conducting polyaniline (PANI) tubes with high gas sensitivity. This route includes two steps. Firstly, aniline polymerizes on the surface of a suitable fiber template prepared by electrospun nitrocellulose (NC). Then, the NC fiber template is dissolved
and the ultra-fine PANI tubes are obtained. The structure of the conducting PANI tubes is characterized by IR spectrum and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the PANI shows the shape
of ultra-fine tubes with average inner diameter of 250–350 nm. The wall thickness of the ultra-fine PANI tubes increases with increasing the content of oxidant. The conductivity of the doped PANI tubes is about 6 9 × 10−2 S. The results of gas sensitivity of the
ultra-fine PANI tubes indicate that the PANI tubes can act as "electronic nose" to detect toxic NH3 gas below 20 ppm.
Nanogold-Assisted Multi-Round Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Pan Jiakui , Li Haikuo , Cao Xueyan , Huang Jiehuan , Zhang Xiaodong , Fan Chunhai , Hu Jun
Published: February 2008

We have previously demonstrated that nanogold effectively enhances the specificity and yield of error-prone two-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here we reported that, with the assistance of nanogold, we could perform multi-round PCR. In the presence of appropriate amount of 10
nm nanogold, we could obtain the target product even after six rounds of PCR, as manifested by a single bright band in gel electrophoresis (1% agarose). In fact, we could still observe the target band even at the 7th round of PCR, which nevertheless was accompanied by smearing bands (non-specific
amplification). In contrast, in the absence of nanogold, the target band was completely lost only after four rounds of amplification. This marked difference in the performance of multi-round PCR clearly showed that nanogold was a powerful enhancer for PCR. More importantly, with this nanogold-assisted
multi-round PCR, it might be possible to produce a large amount of target DNA, or to amply very low copies of genomic DNA from rare sources.
Electrochemically Grown Pd Nanoparticles Used for Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube by Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Joshi Rakesh K. , Yoshimura Masamishi , Matsuura Yusuke , Ueda Kazuyuki , Tanaka Kei
Published: February 2008

Pd nanoparticles of well-defined shapes with face centered cubic structure were grown electrochemically on silicon substrates with high degree of reproducibility. As direct application of these electrochemically grown Pd nanostructures they have been used as catalyst for the growth
of multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). It is observed that the MWCNTs are filled with a Pd based material during growth by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) technique. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, used to study the material inside MWCNT suggests
the formation of PdH0 649 or Pd2 Si during the growth of carbon nanotube. Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of the MPECVD grown carbon nanotubes.
A Facile Synthesis of CuInS2 Nanoparticles from Molecular Single Source Precursors
Authors: Dutta Dimple P. , Sharma Garima , Tyagi A. K.
Published: February 2008

CuInS2 nanoparticles have been synthesized via solvent thermolysis of novel bimetallic complexes of the general formula [(Ph3P)2 CuIn(S2COR)4] (where R = CH3; C2H5; C(CH3)2;
and [(Ph3P)2 CuIn(SCH2CH2S)2]. These complexes have been prepared by the reactions of Na/KS2 COR and NaSCH2 CH2 SNa with InCl3 and [(Ph3 P)2 CuNO3] in methanol,
respectively. Solvent thermolyses of these complexes were carried out in ethylene glycol at 196 °C for different time periods. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized extensively by techniques like powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron
diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical band gap of the nanoparticles was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS).
Bacterial Enzyme Mediated Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Bharde Atul , Kulkarni Aarohi , Rao Mala , Prabhune Asmita , Sastry Murali
Published: February 2008

Development of synthesis methods for anisotropic metal nanoparticles is of considerable interest due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties. Various shapes ranging from rods to cubes to tetrapods and prisms may be obtained by chemical methods. Here we show that anisotropic gold
nanoparticles can be synthesized biologically by the bacterium Actinobacter spp. when challenged with gold chloride in the presence of Bovine serum albumin (BSA). We also observed that synthesis of gold nanoparticles occur with simultaneous induction of the protease enzyme secreted
by the bacterium in the presence of BSA. The presence of BSA helps to enhance the rate of gold nanoparticles biosynthesis and may also impart some shape control. Controlling simple experimental conditions like incubation temperature and presence or absence of oxygen have drastic effect on
the reaction rate and the morphology of the particles. Various assay experiments show that the presence of enzyme protease can act as a reducing as well as shape directing agent.
Carrier Transport and Luminescence Properties of Nanocomposites of Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] and Dehydrated Nanotubes Titanic Acid
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xu Zheng , Liu Ran , Teng Feng , Wang Yongsheng , Xu Xurong
Published: February 2008

The carrier transport capability and luminescence efficiency of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) films are enhanced by doping with dehydrated nanotubed titanic acid (DNTA). MEH-PPV molecules, either wrapped on the outer surface of or encapsulated
into DNTA pores, have a more open, straighter conformation than undoped molecules, which induces a longer conjugated backbone and stronger interchain interactions, thereby, enhancing carrier mobility. MEH-PPV molecules within DNTA pores have higher exciton recombination efficiency owing to
quantum confinement and the antenna effect.
Enhanced Emission from Single Component Organic Core–Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Dhara Koushik , Sarkar Krishanu , Roy Partha , Bhaumik Asim , Banerjee Pradyot
Published: February 2008

By one-step mixed-solvent mediated approach, we have prepared fluorescent organic core–shell nanoparticles with an oligomer (1) derived from the Schiff base condensation reaction of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and o-phenylenediamine at room temperature. The core
and shell structures are generated by the same oligomer (1) featuring the aggregation structure in core different from that in shell. The radial packing factor distribution of oligomer cluster depending on the solvent interaction in the time of nucleation is mainly responsible for the
single component core–shell formation. Different morphologies of the core–shell nanospheres (CSNS) and core–shell nanohemispheres (CSNHS) were generated simply by changing the concentration of 1 in chloroform-methanol mixed solvent (1:2). We observed that fluorescent
emission from those core–shell nanoparticles is intense whereas as-synthesized oligomer (1) itself is non-fluorescent in dilute solution. The enhanced emission in the core–shell form with more than 50 times increase in fluorescent quantum yield vis-à-vis 1
is a remarkable feature of the study. As UV absorption spectra of nanoparticles are blue-shifted relative to their properties in solution, the observed strong emission in the solid state makes the oligomer an outstanding exception to a well-established rule based on the molecular exciton model.
The core–shell nanoparticles have been characterized by FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, nanosecond (ns) time-resolved fluorescence dynamics, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The longer fluorescence lifetimes (τ) of core–shell nanoparticles (3.50 ns and 3.52 ns for CSNS and CSNHS
respectively) than 1 as-synthesized (1.28 ns) implies that the formation of the nanoparticles restricts the rotation and vibration of the groups in the molecules. The factor that induces fluorescent enhancement of nanoparticles is mainly ascribed to the increase of radiative rate constant
(kr) and simultaneous decrease of nonradiative rate constant (knr).
Electrical Bistability in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Polymer Composites
Authors: Pradhan Basudev , Majee Swarup K. , Batabyal Sudip K. , Pal Amlan J.
Published: February 2008

The article reports observed electrical bistability in thin films of ZnO nanoparticles embedded in an insulating polymer matrix. From the current–voltage and impedance characteristics, they studied transport mechanisms involved in the two conducting-states. The electrical bistability
in such films has been associated with a memory phenomenon. The bistability, which is reversible in nature, led to read-only and random-access memory applications in the devices based on such nanoparticles.
One-Step Wet Chemical Method to Cu(OH)2 Nanowires
Authors: Sun Jinhe , Jia Yongzhong , Jing Yan , Yao Ying , Li Wu
Published: February 2008

Under controlled temperature and pH of solution, Cu(OH)2 nanowires were successfully fabricated by dropping simply NaOH solution into CuSO4 solution. The morphology and composition of as-synthesized products were controllable by adjusting the pH value, reaction
temperature and aging time. The influence of reaction conditions on the products was discussed in detail and optimum synthesis conditions were obtained. A mechanism of reconstruction involving dissolution, reprecipitation and transportation of [Cu(OH)4]2− was proposed.
OH− ions played an important role by absorbing on the surface of crystal planes which resulted in anisotropic growth of Cu(OH)2 crystals. This method with mild conditions was simple and repeatable. This route provides a new perspective to synthesize similar 1-D
nanomaterials, such as Co(OH)2 and Ni(OH)2 and so on. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the products.
EDTA-Directed Synthesis of Highly Active Porous Titania with Bicrystalline Framework
Authors: Liu Yun , Liu Chun-Yan , Zhang Zhi-Ying
Published: February 2008

Porous titania with bicrystalline (anatase and rutile) framework was successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process using inexpensive and nontoxic organic molecules, EDTA (ethylenediamine-tetra-acetic acid) or its sodium salts as a template, which could be removed from porous
titania by the extraction with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and then easily recovered by acidification. XRD investigation suggested that the ratio of anatase to rutile could be readily tuned by employing different sodium salts of EDTA. All of as-prepared porous titania showed higher activities
than the commercial photocatalyst P25 for the degradation of methyl orange (MO), because of the high surface area, bicrystalline phase composition and bimodal porous structures.
Selected Synthesis of CuS Nanotubes and Hollow Nanospheres at Room Temperature
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Xi Guangcheng , Liu Yankuan , Xiong Shenglin , Chai Lanlan , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2008

A solution route has been developed to synthesize covellite (CuS) nanostructures through the precitation reaction of CuCl2 · 2H2O, thiourea (Tu), and NaHCO3 in distilled water at room temperature. By regulating the concentration of Tu, CuS nanotubes
and hollow nanospheres with diameters of 100–200 nm have been selectively prepared. Structural characterizations indicate that both nanotubes and hollow spheres are composed of CuS nanoparticles with diameters of about 5–10 nm. UV-Vis absorption and room temperature photoluminescence
(PL) spectra display different morphology-related absorption phenomena for nanotubes and hollow nanospheres. A systematic investigation has been carried out to understand the factors influencing the CuS morphology. Two different routes are identified to explain the formation of the nanotubes
and hollow nanospheres herein.
"Green" Synthesis of Size Controllable Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Stabilized by Soluble Starch
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Ling , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2008

"Green" and size-controlled Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles have been synthesized using soluble starch as protective agent. The transmission electron images (TEM) showed that the average dimensions of the monodispersed PB nanoparticles could be tuned from 5 to 20 nm by using different
concentration of starch. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis further identified a face-centered cubic structure of the nanoparticles. Investigations of optical properties of nanoparticles were also conducted with FT-IR and UV–vis spectroscopy. Moreover, cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed
that the starch-PB nanoparticles kept their intrinsic electrochemical properties. The utilization of environmentally benign and renewable starch as the protecting agents offers numerous benefits ranging from environmental safety to integration of these nanomaterials to biologically relevant
systems.
Structural, Magnetic, and Magneto-Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline Face Centered Cubic Co70Cr30/Pt Multilayers with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Papaioannou E. Th. , Angelakeris M. , Poulopoulos P. , Tsiaoussis I. , Rüdt C. , Fumagalli P. , Flevaris N. K.
Published: February 2008

Co70Cr30 alloyed layers are combined with extremely thin Pt layers in order to produce novel face-centered-cubic multilayered films to be considered as a potential perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The films were grown on Si, glass and polyimide substrates
by e-beam evaporation at a temperature slightly higher than room temperature. The multilayered structure of the films was verified by X-ray diffraction experiments. Plane-view transmission electron microscopy images have revealed the formation of very small grains in the range of 7–9
nm. Hysteresis loops as a function of temperature were recorded via the magneto-optic Kerr effect in the polar geometry configuration. The system exhibits perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, which enhances with decreasing temperature. Hysteresis loops with a squareness of 1 and a coercivity
of 1.45 kOe were obtained at 10 K. Furthermore, complete magneto-optic spectra of the films are recorded, showing a strong magneto-optic enhancement in the ultraviolet region at around 4.5 eV.
Machining Carbon Nanotubes into Uniform Slices
Authors: Liu Changhong , Huang Hua , Song Pengcheng , Fan Shoushan
Published: February 2008

Shearing the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to desired size or trimming the CNT tips conveniently is usually necessary for many applications. CNTs are normally believed possessing very high strength and toughness. In this paper we present a simple and novel method to actualize this process.
In this method, aligned CNT arrays were embedded in paraffin matrix, and then the materials were carefully sliced up along the direction normal to the CNTs with a microtome. These slices consisted of vertically aligned CNTs with desired and uniform length. The experiments proved that there
were enough interaction forces between the CNTs and the paraffin matrix to prevent the CNTs from being pulled out during the machining process. These sheared CNTs have shown better performance for thermal interface materials and field emission applications. This process may redound to unlocking
the great potential of CNT applications.
Development of Nanostructured Catalytic Membranes for Partial Benzene Hydrogenation to Cyclohexene
Authors: Carretero-González J. , López J. M. Benito , Barbero M. A. Rodríguez , Ramos I. Rodríguez , Ruiz A. Guerrero
Published: February 2008

Novel nanostructured catalytic membranes (NCMs) have been prepared by ruthenium deposition (Ru3(CO)12 wet-impregnation) within the porous framework of different tubular porous supports modified and unmodified with microporous glassy-carbon (GC) material. The aim
of this work is to investigate the influence of the transport mechanism, layer distribution, textural properties, surface composition and metallic phase distribution of each type of NCMs on the partial benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexene performance in gas phase, operating under through-flow
mode in a membrane reactor. Two types of glass (Vycor®) and ceramic (Cordierite-Alumina) supports with different layer distribution, have been used to prepared the NCMs. The modified and unmodified with GC membranes have been characterised by gas permeability measurements. High
resolution-scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) have been realised to evidence GC deposition and to analyse the ruthenium nanoparticles distribution along the porous membranes section, respectively. An attempt to correlate the membrane characterization
results and the catalytic results has been carried out.
Analysis of Nanoindentation Response of Diatom Frustules
Authors: Yao S. , Subhash G. , Maiti S.
Published: February 2008

Diatom frustules have been suggested for numerous nanotechnological applications. Experimental studies using nanoindenter have shown that the hardness and the stiffness of the frustules vary with location of indentation. To gain further insight, a computational framework has been developed
where the Berkovich nanoindentation experiments were simulated by a rigid-deformable contact process. Three different approaches that provide progressively increasing level of understanding of the deformation behavior of frustules were adopted. The differences in the mechanical responses of
the frustule due to variation of indentation location, size of pores, and distribution of pores were analyzed. It has been found that the effective stiffness of the frustule is linearly related to the porosity level and does not depend on the frustule size or its pore architecture. It has
been shown that a 3D porous shell computational model is more appropriate to simulate the experimentally obtained mechanical response of diatom frustules.