bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guiding the Choice of Carbon Nanotubes Conductive Additives for Silicon Anode Electrode through Microstructure Scale Analysis
Authors: Usseglio-Viretta Francois L. E. , Kim Jae Ho , Preimesberger Juliane Irine , Neale Nathan R. , Weddle Peter J , Verma Ankit , Colclasure Andrew M. 
Published: August 2024

Silicon anode electrodes exhibit a large microstructure design space as several carbon additives are considered to improve its conductivity and thus electrochemical performance. Investigating each combination experimentally is time-consuming. In this work, microstructure scale modeling is used to discriminate between different carbon additives to accelerate electrode development [1]. Baseline spherical C45, single wall carbon nano tube (SWCNT, cf. Fig. 1), carbon nano rods (CNR), and mixed SWCNT-CNR are considered and their respective impact on connectivity, effective conductivity, specific surface area, pore size distributions, and effective diffusivity are calculated to provide design recommendations. To do so, microstructures are numerically generated using the NREL open-source Microstructure Analysis Toolbox (MATBOX) available to the battery community* [2].
Additionally, the model is used to correlate material utilization and silicon particle size, in agreement with experimental data, to further guide the selection of silicon material.
Lastly, the model is used to investigate the porosity specific surface area relationship in the low porosity range, for which the analytical expression 3ε/r (with ε the particle volume fraction and r the particle radius) is no longer valid due to the packing density limit, and revealed a non-monotonic correlation. Such result is very relevant for silicon anode development as one major hindrance to this chemistry is its limited calendar life due to SEI growth, for which the specific surface area is a key parameter.

*Nanotube generation new feature will be released after article [1] publication.

[1] F. L. E. Usseglio-Viretta, J. H. Kim, J. Preimesberger, N. Neale, P. Weddle, A. Verma, A. M. Colclasure, Guiding the Choice of Carbon Nanotubes Conductive Additives for Silicon Anode Electrode Through Microstructure Scale Analysis, in preparation
[2] F. L. E. Usseglio-Viretta, P. Patel, E. Bernhardt, A. Mistry, P. P. Mukherjee, J. Allen, S. J. Cooper, J. Laurencin, K. Smith, MATBOX: An Open-source Microstructure Analysis Toolbox for microstructure generation, segmentation, characterization, visualization, correlation, and meshing, SoftwareX, 17 (2022) 100915.

Figure 1
High-Throughput Evolution of Near-Infrared Oxytocin Nanosensors
Authors: Adams Jaquesta , Navarro Nicole , Komatsu Natsumi , Leem Esther , Sun Xiaoqi , Landry Markita P 
Published: August 2024

Neuropeptide oxytocin is known for its crucial regulatory role in various social behaviors, yet our understanding of its function in the brain remains incomplete. There is a demonstrable need for an imaging probe with the requisite specificity and resolution to image endogenous oxytocin signaling. Here, we leverage an evolution-based molecular recognition platform called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment on Carbon Nanotubes (SELEC).1

With an initial library of over 1010 DNA sequences, we conducted six iterative rounds of competitive DNA-SWNCT binding in the presence and absence of oxytocin, respectively termed experimental and control SELEC, followed by adsorbed DNA isolation and enzymatic amplification to prepare the aptamer library for the subsequent round. Deep sequencing analysis and oxytocin sensitivity screening of the most enriched constructs per round revealed that oxytocin incubation enhanced the appearance of highly responsive DNA-SWCNT; only top nanosensors from SELEC experimental rounds 5 and 6 demonstrated a normalized ΔF/F0 greater than 60% in response to 100 µM oxytocin. Furthermore, the most oxytocin-sensitive aptamer was identified as E6#4, the 4th most-enriched sequence from the 6th experimental round. We briefly discuss how machine learning approaches can mine sequencing data from our SELEC experimental rounds to identify top-performing oxytocin nanosensors.
Lastly, we characterize the top nanosensor candidates for sensitivity, selectivity, and reversibility, prior to demonstrating their use to image endogenous oxytocin release in acute brain slices. Our results indicate SELEC can serve as a general approach to evolving molecular recognition and developing imaging probes for complex targets such as oxytocin.
1. Jeong, S.; Yang, D.; Beyene, A. G.; Travis, J.; Bonis-O’donnell, D.; Gest, A. M. M.; Navarro, N.; Sun, X.; Landry, M. P. High-Throughput Evolution of near-Infrared Serotonin Nanosensors; 2019; Vol. 5, pp 3771–3789.

Figure 1
Diagnostic QR Codes
Authors: Piletsky Stanislav , Heller Daniel A. 
Published: August 2024

This work describes the development of a revolutionary new class of universal perception-based sensor capable of diagnosing a wide range of diseases, and compatible with low-cost mass production. This sensor takes the form of an array of fluorescent, environmentally sensitive single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), resembling a conventional two dimensional QR code. Each group of pixels of the QR code is formed from carbon nanotubes with different surface functionalisation and different environmental sensitivity. Addition of an analyte such as serum causes each pixel to change its fluorescence, generating a unique spectral ‘fingerprint’ characteristic for each disease. A machine-learning approach is then trained to identify the disease based on their corresponding fingerprint.
The basic principle of this technology has been previously described by the Heller Lab for the detection of ovarian cancer, but exclusively in a microplate-based format which requires extensive liquid handling. Translating this technology into a microarray format offers a number of significant advantages, including easier handling, lower production cost, less training required for operation, simpler read-out system that can be based on mobile phone devices and the ability to simultaneously screen for multiple diseases. In this way, this technology advances beyond the current state of the art of SWCNT-based sensors. In a microarray format, hundreds of nanotube assemblies can be analysed simultaneously.
By creating an array of sufficient complexity, we hope to remove the need to tailor an array for a specific disease that act as a universal platform for diagnosis of a range of different diseases. This format also significantly lowers the number of necessary sample handling steps, reducing the potential for user error and the amount of training necessary to employ the sensor.

Figure 1
(Invited) The “Duckweed Dip”: DNA-Wrapped Carbon Nanotubes for Transient Gene Expression
Authors: Ignatova Tetyana , Josephs Eric 
Published: August 2024

This study reports on usage of functionalized carbon nanotubes as a transgene delivery cargo into higher plants. We show that aquatic Spirodela polyrhiza (Duckweed) plant, when incubated in a solution containing carbon nanotubes wrapped with a plasmid containing the gene for reporter protein β-glucuronidase (GUS), can directly uptake the DNA-CNTs with high efficiency. The mechanism of the DNA-CNT delivery, directly from growth media, and plasmid release is discussed. We show that transgenes encoded within the plasmids are expressed by the plants. This method allows to avoid using large doses of nanomaterials or direct infiltration of agrobacterium into plant tissue. We expect this new approach for transgene delivery will allow for more efficient plant engineering and can serve as a useful tool in synthetic biology.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences [1R35GM133483] and Department of Defense [Contract #W911QY2220006]. This work was performed in part at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, a member of the Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) and National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), which is supported by the National Science Foundation [ECCS-1542174].
Development of Biocompatible and Water-Soluble Reduced Graphene Oxide Using Non-Toxic Reducing Agents for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sundeep Dola , K Varadharaj Eswaramoorthy 
Published: August 2024

Graphene's appeal in various applications stems from its unique properties like remarkable electrical conductivity, impressive mechanical strength, expansive surface area, minimal thermal expansion, and a high aspect ratio. However, its insolubility in water poses challenges for its use in the biomedical sector. This research focuses on developing a method to produce water-soluble and biocompatible graphene suitable for biomedical uses. The study successfully created a stable solution of graphene oxide (GO) in water using a non-ionic Pluronic copolymer. This GO-tripolymer solution maintained its solubility in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and displayed similar UV absorption characteristics to standard GO. Given the toxicity concerns with traditional reducing agents like hydrazine, this study opted for safer alternatives. Non-toxic substances such as ascorbic acid, galactose, and bovine serum albumin were employed to reduce GO, resulting in a reduced GO (RGO) -tripolymer solution that also showed excellent solubility in PBS. The final phase of the study involved assessing the cytotoxicity of these RGO-tripolymers. The results indicated that these novel RGO-tripolymers exhibit low levels of cytotoxicity, making them potentially suitable for biomedical applications.
Keywords: Graphene Oxide (GO), Biocompatibility, Non-Toxic Reducing Agents, Water Solubility and Biomedical Applications
Enhanced PMMA Denture Bases Using Functionalized MWCNT Fused g-C3N4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Jhansi Ragala , Sajjan MC Suresh , Raju Venkata Rama 
Published: August 2024

This study presents the development and analysis of a new metal-free nanocomposite that incorporates functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for reinforcing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture bases. The f-MWCNTs were integrated with g-C3N4 nanoparticles, and their structural and morphological features were examined using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. A mechanical blending process was employed to synthesize the nanocomposite by mixing 2 wt% of the f-MWCNT/g-C3N4 with PMMA polymer powder, followed by heat curing to form the composite material. Specimens for mechanical testing were crafted to measure flexural strength, impact resistance, compressive performance, and hardness. The findings revealed that the f-MWCNT/g-C3N4-reinforced PMMA composites outperformed standard PMMA in mechanical robustness. Surface examination of the tested samples through SEM showed distinctive dimpling and roughness, indicating a toughened fracture surface in comparison to pure PMMA and g-C3N4 samples. The study concludes that this innovative f-MWCNT/g-C3N4 composite is a promising reinforcement for PMMA denture bases, enhancing both their mechanical and physical attributes.
Keywords: PMMA, functionalization, MWCNTs, Graphitic Carbide Nitride, Mechanical Properties and Denture Base
MoS2 Modified Aluminum Electrode for Detection of Calcium Oxalate through Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Sundeep Dola , K Varadharaj Eswaramoorthy 
Published: August 2024

The disposal of electronic waste (E-waste), encompassing discarded items such as computers, televisions, fridges, cellphones, and associated cabling, presents a significant challenge to both societal welfare and environmental health. Addressing e-waste management is critical to achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study introduces a novel approach to repurposing aluminum from discarded electrical cables for the creation of high-efficiency electrodes that can detect oxalic acid in human urine samples. The process involves stripping 2mm thick cables to yield 7cm long aluminum rods. These rods are then coated with MoS2 nanoparticles via a hydrothermal synthesis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the presence of MoS2 in the 1T phase, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy provide insights into the vibrational modes and chemical composition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging depicts the MoS2 as having a flower-like nanostructure composed of interwoven nanosheets. The resulting nanocomposite sensor demonstrates an enhanced electrical current response, along with notable selectivity and stability, likely due to the combined effects of the MoS2 materials. The sensor’s amperometric signal is directly correlated with the oxalate ion concentration within a range of 10 to 300 μM and exhibits a detection threshold as low as 2 μM. This sensor technique was evaluated alongside a standard colorimetric assay for measuring oxalic acid levels in urine specimens. Findings indicated a strong correlation (R=0.954) between oxalic acid concentrations assessed using the biosensor and those obtained through the colorimetric approach.
Keywords: E-waste, Aluminum Electrodes, MoS2 Nanoparticles, Oxalic Acid Detection, and Electrochemical Sensing,

Figure 1
(Invited) Advance in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Filling
Authors: Forel Salome , Midiladji Bakary Yamaldi , Marichy Catherine , Li Han , Wenseleers Wim , Flavel Benjamin S , Cambre Sofie , Desroches Cerdric 
Published: August 2024

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are renowned for their outstanding charge carrier mobility, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Combining these characteristics with their nanometer-scale diameter renders them highly promising for developing (opto)-electronic devices, where the challenge lies in achieving miniaturization without compromising performance. In addition to their intrinsic characteristics, SWCNTs feature a hollow core that can be filled with various molecules1, resulting in unique one-dimensional hybrids that integrate the properties of the nanotube with those of the encapsulated molecule. This study emphasizes recent advancements, particularly the extensive chirality-sorting2 of these hybrids and a novel methodology utilizing vapor phase infiltration and tailored synthesis strategies to create new fillers. These approaches aim to enhance control over the filling process for finer tuning of the SWCNT doping level or their photosensitization/reactivity capabilities under visible light.
References
[1] S. Cambré et al. Small, 2021 17, 2102585
[2] S. Forel et al. Nanoscale, 2022, 14, 8385
New Insights into the Guanine Functionalization of ssDNA-Coated SWCNTs
Authors: Soltani Nima , MacMurray Ryan R. , Bachilo Sergei M. , Weisman R. Bruce 
Published: August 2024

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a class of nanomaterials that due to their unique physical and chemical properties hold great promise for use in future nanoelectronics, engineered smart materials, and biomedical applications. The discovery of the guanine functionalization reaction1 that allows for tailored band gap modulation of carbon nanotubes has sparked interest in prospects for new applications and improved photophysical insights.
In this work, we build upon knowledge gained by previous studies of guanine functionalization to use this reaction as a tool to better understand the nature of these hybrids. Using sorted samples, we analyze E11 spectral shapes of band-gap modified SWCNTs to infer single-site exciton perturbations. These results are correlated with Raman spectra to estimate the fraction of guanine sites that become covalently bonded. Further information is obtained from experimental studies of ionic strength dependence and molecular dynamics simulations of ssDNA-wrapped SWCNT structures prior to guanine functionalization.
(1) Zheng, Y.; Bachilo, S. M.; Weisman, R. B. Controlled Patterning of Carbon Nanotube Energy Levels by Covalent DNA Functionalization. ACS Nano
2019. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b03488.
(Invited) Probing Charge Carrier-Induced Changes in the Complex Dielectric Function in Carbon Nanotube Dispersions
Authors: Ferguson Andrew J , Earley Justin , Hermosilla Palacios Martha Alejandra , Murrey Tucker , Martinez Marissa , Rumbles Garry , Spokoyny Alexander , Reid Obadiah , Blackburn Jeff 
Published: August 2024

The injection of charge carriers into pi-conjugated semiconductors, whether by electrochemical injection or chemical charge transfer, is a powerful approach to tune their electrical conductivity. Recently, the concept of dielectric catastrophe, where the charge carrier density is sufficiently large to significantly alter the intrinsic dielectric properties, has been demonstrated at high doping levels in organic semiconductor thin films. The observed increase in the dielectric constant leads to reduced coulombic interactions between charge carriers and the associated counterions, promoting enhanced free carrier generation and transport.
Here, we employ a combination of steady state optical spectroscopy, quantitative 19F NMR studies, and microwave dielectric loss spectroscopy to probe charge carrier density and transport in doped single-walled carbon nanotube dispersions. We demonstrate that a similar dielectric catastrophe phenomenon can be observed even in isolated single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in a low dielectric constant solvent AND, perhaps more surprisingly, at carrier densities less than one carrier per nanotube. The precise details of the observed changes in complex dielectric function are dependent on the chemical structure of the charge-transfer dopant, with a near-instantaneous increase in the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity observed for low carrier densities using bulky benzyloxy-substituted icosahedral dodecaborane cluster dopants, DDBs. We attribute the observations to weak coulombic interactions between the injected charge carrier and the dopant counterion, along with the large polarizability afforded by the unique physicochemical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. If time permits, we will show results from recent studies where we extend this approach to the doping of other nanocarbons.
(Invited) Resonant Exciton Transfer in Mixed-Dimensional Heterostructures for Overcoming Dimensional Restrictions in Optical Processes
Authors: Fang Nan , Chang Yih-Ren , Yamashita Daiki , Fujii Shun , Maruyama Mina , Gao Yanlin , Fong Chee F. , Otsuka Keigo , Nagashio Kosuke , Okada Susumu , Kato Yuichiro K. 
Published: August 2024

Nanomaterials exhibit unique optical phenomena, in particular excitonic quantum processes occurring at room temperature. The low dimensionality, however, imposes strict requirements for conventional optical excitation, and an approach for bypassing such restrictions is desirable. Here we report on exciton transfer in carbon-nanotube/tungsten-diselenide heterostructures, where band alignment can be systematically varied. The mixed-dimensional heterostructures display a pronounced exciton reservoir effect where the longer-lifetime excitons within the two-dimensional semiconductor are funneled into carbon nanotubes through diffusion. This new excitation pathway presents several advantages, including larger absorption areas, broadband spectral response, and polarization-independent efficiency. When band alignment is resonant, we observe substantially more efficient excitation via tungsten diselenide compared to direct excitation of the nanotube. We further demonstrate simultaneous bright emission from an array of carbon nanotubes with varied chiralities and orientations. Our findings show the potential of mixed-dimensional heterostructures and band alignment engineering for energy harvesting and quantum applications through exciton manipulation.
Parts of this study are supported by JSPS (KAKENHI JP22K14624, JP22K14625, JP21K14484, JP22F22350, JP22K14623, JP21H05233, JP23H00262, JP20H02558) and MEXT (ARIM JPMXP1222UT1135). Y.R.C. is supported by JSPS (International Research Fellow). N.F. and C.F.F. are supported by RIKEN Special Postdoctoral Researcher Program. We thank the Advanced Manufacturing Support Team at RIKEN for technical assistance.
[1] N. Fang, D. Yamashita, S. Fujii, M. Maruyama, Y. Gao, Y. R. Chang, C. F. Fong, K. Otsuka, K. Nagashio, S. Okada, Y. K. Kato, "Resonant exciton transfer in mixed-dimensional heterostructures for overcoming dimensional restrictions in optical processes," Nature Commun., accepted (2023). Preprint at arXiv:2307.07124.
(Invited) Collective Radial Breathing Modes in Homogeneous Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Berrezueta Palacios Charlotte , Nakar Dekel , Wroblewska Anna , Garrity Oisín , Li Han , Shadmi Nitzan , Flavel Benjamin S , Joselevich Ernesto , Reich Stephanie , Gordeev Georgy 
Published: August 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exist in many atomic structures typically grow as mixtures of of many chiralities with a vast variety of properties. Identical CNTs that are arranged into two-dimensional hexagonal lattices, their vibrational properties have been predicted to change with additional low-frequency modes appearing in the Raman spectrum. [1] Up to now, the experimental study of collective vibrations has been limited by a lack of pure homogeneous chirality bundles. We overcome this challenge by employing a self-coil mechanism of a very long CNT that loop into itself during the growth process resulting in a tightly packed hexagonal stack [2]. This lattice is perfectly homogeneous in terms of diameter, chiral twist, and even handedness of the tube. By characterizing and comparing the physical properties of the coil with respect to its tails, the bundling effects are clearly visible. We report on two breathing-like modes for quasi-infinite bundles, compared to the single radial breathing mode characteristic for isolated tubes. The exciton-phonon coupling in these modes is probed with resonant Raman spectroscopy, revealing the same resonance energy for both breathing-like peaks. Additionally, we study the dependence of vibrational coupling on the tube diameter by analysing different tube’s diameter coils and other bundling geometries. Our experimental findings align well with previously reported theoretical studies, demonstrating a 1/d scaling for all modes, as well as confirming the relative shift of the modes dependent on intertube interaction. These vibrations provide insight into the role of intertube lattice dynamics in two-dimensional THz-range phononic crystals.
[1] Popov, V. N.; Henrard, L. Evidence for the existence of two breathinglike phonon modes in infinite bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Phys. Rev. B 2001, 63, 233407
[2] Nakar, D.; Gordeev, G.; Machado, L. D.; Popovitz-Biro, R.; Rechav, K.; Oliveira, E. F.; Kusch, P.; Jorio, A.; Galvao, D. S.; Reich, S.; others Few-wall Carbon Nanotube Coils. Nano Letters 2019, 20, 953–962.