Tubular glassy carbon microneedles with fullerene-like tips for biomedical applications

• Sharali Malik and
• George E. Kostakis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 455–461, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.38

• /bjnano.13.38 Abstract Glassy carbon, in general, is made by the pyrolysis of polymeric materials and has been the subject of research for at least fifty years. However, as understanding its microstructure is far from straightforward, it continues to be an area of active research. Glassy carbon adopts

• led to many advanced technological applications [1]. The use of glassy carbon as an electrode material in electrochemistry is probably its best-known application. However, understanding the microstructure of glassy carbon is far from straightforward, therefore, this continues to be an area of active

Effect of sample treatment on the elastic modulus of locust cuticle obtained by nanoindentation

• Chuchu Li,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Hamed Rajabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 404–410, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.33

• undergone adaptations that enable it to withstand loads and displacements that are unique to that body part. Such adaptations are achieved through changes in, inter alia, microstructure and sclerotization and have provided cuticle with one of the widest recorded ranges of the elastic modulus ever, that is

• complex relationship between multiple factors, such as microstructure, material composition, and sclerotization, has provided cuticle with properties that are unique to this biological material. Understanding the mechanisms behind the remarkable properties of cuticle can inspire the design of engineering

Interfacial nanoarchitectonics for ZIF-8 membranes with enhanced gas separation

• Season S. Chen,
• Zhen-Jie Yang,
• Chia-Hao Chang,
• Hoong-Uei Koh,
• Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi,
• Kuo-Lun Tung and
• Kevin C.-W. Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 313–324, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.26

• is 3.4 Å, which is deemed ideal for CO2 separation since the kinetic diameters of CO2, N2, and CH4 are 3.3 Å, 3.6 Å, and 3.8 Å, respectively [33][34]. The performance of MOF-based membrane separation highly depends on the microstructure and crystal structure of the selective layer, while the

Investigation of a memory effect in a Au/(Ti–Cu)Ox-gradient thin film/TiAlV structure

• Damian Wojcieszak,
• Jarosław Domaradzki,
• Michał Mazur,
• Tomasz Kotwica and
• Danuta Kaczmarek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 265–273, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.21

• testifying the predominantly amorphous nature of the deposited thin films. The microstructure of the (Ti–Cu)Ox films was further analyzed with the aid of a TECNAI G2 FEG Super-Twin (200 kV) transmission electron microscope equipped with EDS attachment. The local chemical composition of the cross section was

A comprehensive review on electrospun nanohybrid membranes for wastewater treatment

• Senuri Kumarage,
• Imalka Munaweera and
• Nilwala Kottegoda

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 137–159, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.10

Influence of magnetic domain walls on all-optical magnetic toggle switching in a ferrimagnetic GdFe film

• Rahil Hosseinifar,
• Evangelos Golias,
• Ivar Kumberg,
• Quentin Guillet,
• Karl Frischmuth,
• Sangeeta Thakur,
• Mario Fix,
• Manfred Albrecht,
• Florian Kronast and
• Wolfgang Kuch

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 74–81, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.5

• and successive thermal domain-wall motion in the locally heated region of the sample [20][21]. The places at which domain-wall motion is observed could exhibit a locally shallower domain wall pinning potential than other places along the domain wall and probably reflect the microstructure of the

Sputtering onto liquids: a critical review

• Anastasiya Sergievskaya,
• Adrien Chauvin and
• Stephanos Konstantinidis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 10–53, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.2

• surface temperature will influence the film growth mechanism and coating properties such as microstructure and phase constitution, as emphasized in [45][46]. Depending on the process conditions, energy flux values span from a few tens to thousands of milliwatts per square centimeter at the substrate

Measurement of polarization effects in dual-phase ceria-based oxygen permeation membranes using Kelvin probe force microscopy

• Kerstin Neuhaus,
• Christina Schmidt,
• Liudmila Fischer,
• Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg,
• Ke Ran,
• Joachim Mayer and
• Stefan Baumann

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1380–1391, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.102

• depends on the ceria/spinel ratio, has recently been discussed [16]. Current research efforts are aiming to improve the composition and microstructure of a dual-phase membrane with similar composition for application in a membrane reactor at considerably lower temperatures (below 600 °C) to perform

Alteration of nanomechanical properties of pancreatic cancer cells through anticancer drug treatment revealed by atomic force microscopy

• Xiaoteng Liang,
• Shuai Liu,
• Xiuchao Wang,
• Dan Xia and
• Qiang Li

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1372–1379, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.101

• fibrous microstructure can be seen on the surface of BxPC-3 cells (Figure 2h) due to the smooth cell surface. However, the detailed surface structures of the remaining three types of cells is hardly seen (Figure 2e–g) because of the enormous height difference between the substrate and the cell surface

• . The sharp contrast reduced the details of the cell surface microstructure of HDPE6-C7, AsPC-1, and MIA-PaCa-2 cell lines. The corresponding analyses of cell surface roughness is listed in Supporting Information File 1, Table S1, which shows that the surface roughness of MIA-PaCa-2, HDPE6-C7, and AsPC

Plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence from TiO₂ and TeO₂ thin films doped by Eu³⁺ for optoelectronic applications

• Marcin Łapiński,
• Jakub Czubek,
• Katarzyna Drozdowska,
• Anna Synak,
• Wojciech Sadowski and
• Barbara Kościelska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1271–1278, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.94

• CrossBeam 540 scanning electron microscope (SEM) operated at 2 kV was used. For microstructure analysis of the plasmonic structures, a TALOS F200X high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) was used. The chemical composition of the luminescent layers was investigated by X-ray photoelectron

Morphology-driven gas sensing by fabricated fractals: A review

• Vishal Kamathe and
• Rupali Nagar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1187–1208, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.88

• , morphologies, and gas analytes. The focus is to investigate the morphology-driven gas response of these fab-fracs and identify key parameters of fractal geometry in influencing gas response. Fab-fracs with roughened microstructure, pore-network connectivity, and fractal dimension (D) less than 2 are projected

• -fracs synthesized under controlled conditions in a lab environment. Growth of sol–gel-grown fab-fracs. The schematic depicts the growth mechanism of fab-fracs in different geometries. SnO2 fractals for H2 sensing. SEM images of samples calcined at 550 °C displaying a microstructure of (a) SnO2 and (b) 1

An overview of microneedle applications, materials, and fabrication methods

• Zahra Faraji Rad,
• Philip D. Prewett and
• Graham J. Davies

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1034–1046, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.77

• any microstructure directly from the CAD design file. We now consider in more detail the most important microneedle materials and their fabrication and uses. Fabrication and use of silicon microneedles Silicon microneedles have, to date, been the most common type, using microfabrication methods with

• high, were formed by exposing SU-8 polymer, on a silicon wafer, to UV light through a mask consisting of hollow circular patterns or annuli [101], followed by wet development to obtain the final microstructure. In recent years, techniques such as 3D printing and TPP have received great interest due to

• biosensors, micropumps, microfluidic chips, and microelectronic devices. The choice of manufacturing techniques for microneedles is dependent on material properties, fabrication cost, and desired height and shape of the microstructure. Hollow microneedles can actively deliver drugs into the skin, but due to

Is the Ne operation of the helium ion microscope suitable for electron backscatter diffraction sample preparation?

• Annalena Wolff

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 965–983, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.73

• study of microstructure, grain size, and orientation as well as strain of a crystallographic sample. In addition, the technique can be used for phase analysis. A mirror-flat sample surface is required for this analysis technique and different polishing approaches have been used over the years. A

• here looks at the ion-beam-induced artefacts when polishing copper for EBSD measurements for different ion species (Ga, Ne) as well as polishing protocols. EBSD is a characterization technique in scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) that allows for the study of microstructure, local texture, grain size

• displayed in red. The KAM maps (Figure 7f and Figure 7h) show a significantly higher level of misorientation in the irradiated sample (shown in green in the map). The measurements suggest changes in the microstructure and this is in good agreement with the TEM measurements which suggested a higher defect

Effects of temperature and repeat layer spacing on mechanical properties of graphene/polycrystalline copper nanolaminated composites under shear loading

• Chia-Wei Huang,
• Man-Ping Chang and
• Te-Hua Fang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 863–877, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.65

• that even random graphene fragments can improve the mechanical properties of composites. However, it is challenging to tailor the mechanical properties by controlling the proportion of graphene since the mechanical behavior of graphene composites is associated with the microstructure [20][21

• this work, we focus on temperature and microstructure effects on graphene/polycrystalline copper nanolaminated (GPCuNL) composites. As mentioned above, the microstructure plays a crucial role for the mechanical behavior of GPCuNL composites. Thus, in the present study, molecular dynamics (MD

Recent progress in actuation technologies of micro/nanorobots

• Ke Xu and
• Bing Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 756–765, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.59

• the possibility to apply accurate drug delivery in peripheral blood vessels. Valdez‐Garduño et al. [36] proposed a new method that uses an external magnetic field to fix the direction of a micromotor and converts the ultrasound-induced oscillation motion of a Janus microstructure with asymmetric

• density into a translational motion. The acoustic movement of the Janus microstructure is based on the selection of materials with different densities and shapes. Experiments show that density asymmetry causes uneven oscillations and generates a flow at the boundary. Geometric asymmetry enhances the flow

• and provides a driving force for translational motion. In addition to ultrasonic driving, the Janus microstructure in this method can also be propelled by magnetic fields or chemical driving. This research provides a new option for the design and application of ultrasonic propulsion micro/nanomotors

Recent progress in magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots

• Ke Xu,
• Shuang Xu and
• Fanan Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 744–755, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.58

• ]. Wang et al. [83] successfully fabricated a biocompatible and pH-responsive magnetic helical microstructure coated with zinc-based MOF and zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8). They also developed a helical swimmer with 2PP, also called artificial bacterial flagella, as shown in Figure 2. In order to

Physical constraints lead to parallel evolution of micro- and nanostructures of animal adhesive pads: a review

• Thies H. Büscher and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 725–743, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.57

• ], all attachment pads of Phasmatodea are smooth; however, they are covered with functional surface microstructures. Although the arolia are rather uniform in their morphology, their surface microstructure reflects the basal sister-group relationship of Timema and Euphasmatodea (all remaining Phasmatodea

• the euplantular AMS suggests a high dependence of the microstructure to the habitat of the species. Ground-dwelling stick insects reveal nubby microstructures unrelated to their phylogenetic position, as well as canopy-dwelling species, which possess smooth structures without cuticular patterns on the

A review of defect engineering, ion implantation, and nanofabrication using the helium ion microscope

• Frances I. Allen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 633–664, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.52

Rapid controlled synthesis of gold–platinum nanorods with excellent photothermal properties under 808 nm excitation

• Jialin Wang,
• Qianqian Duan,
• Min Yang,
• Boye Zhang,
• Li Guo,
• Pengcui Li,
• Wendong Zhang and
• Shengbo Sang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 462–472, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.37

• wavelength. In addition, the microstructure of metal nanomaterials, especially the aspect ratio (ratio between length and width), determines the position of the LSPR peak. Therefore, regulating the microstructure of nanomaterials is an effective means to control the LSPR wavelength. Au nanomaterials

Spontaneous shape transition of Mn_xGe_1−x islands to long nanowires

• S. Javad Rezvani,
• Luc Favre,
• Gabriele Giuli,
• Yiming Wubulikasimu,
• Isabelle Berbezier,
• Augusto Marcelli,
• Luca Boarino and
• Nicola Pinto

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 366–374, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.30

• report a spontaneous morphology modification, from islands to nanowires, in Mn-rich GeMn nanoparticles. The growth is initiated via reaction of a thin Mn wetting layer, evaporated by MBE, with a Ge(111) substrate. Morphology and microstructure of the NWs have been studied by scanning electron microscopy

Self-standing heterostructured NiC_x-NiFe-NC/biochar as a highly efficient cathode for lithium–oxygen batteries

• Shengyu Jing,
• Xu Gong,
• Shan Ji,
• Linhui Jia,
• Bruno G. Pollet,
• Sheng Yan and
• Huagen Liang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1809–1821, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.163

• and the NaOH solution, resulting in a Ni(OH)2/NiFe-PBA core–shell structure [44][45][46]. During the calcination process, Ni(OH)2 was converted into NiCx, and the NiFe-PBA core was converted into a NiFe alloy coated with N-doped carbon. The microstructure of NiFe-PBA/PP-T was evaluated by SEM. Figure

3D superconducting hollow nanowires with tailored diameters grown by focused He⁺ beam direct writing

• Rosa Córdoba,
• Alfonso Ibarra,
• Dominique Mailly,
• Isabel Guillamón,
• Hermann Suderow and
• José María De Teresa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1198–1206, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.104

• to 8.9 µm. Transmission electron microscopy experiments indicate that the nanowires have a microstructure of large grains with a crystalline structure compatible with the face-centered cubic WC1−x phase. In addition, 3D electron tomographic reconstructions show that the hollow center of the nanowires

• deposited W-based pillars with diameters down to approx. 40 nm and aspect ratios of approx. 50. The microstructure of the grown material consisted of fcc WC1−x and W2(C,O) grains. Moreover, when the He+ beam was well focused the authors observed columnar voids created at the center of the pillars with a

• (aspect ratio ≈ 196). These values are significantly better than those reported in previous works [17][35]. The NWs microstructure consists of large grains of fcc WC1−x, in good agreement with [17][35]. In addition, the NWs are hollow along the whole NW length, which could make them nonconventional

Wet-spinning of magneto-responsive helical chitosan microfibers

• Dorothea Brüggemann,
• Johanna Michel,
• Naiana Suter,
• Matheus Grande de Aguiar and
• Michael Maas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 991–999, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.83

• . This strategy is based on wet-spinning of magnetic fibers, which are collected on a rotating needle controlled by an external magnetic field with a predefined helical geometry. The fibers were characterized regarding their morphology, microstructure, magnetization and mechanical characteristics. These

A 3D-polyphenylalanine network inside porous alumina: Synthesis and characterization of an inorganic–organic composite membrane

• Jonathan Stott and
• Jörg J. Schneider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 938–951, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.78

• spectroscopic analysis provides qualitative information of the secondary structure of the grafted poly(amino acids). The measurement of the water contact angle allows conclusions regarding the hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of the functionalized surface as well as the microstructure of the grafted

• polymer films at the outer surface. Thermogravimetric measurements were used to determine the amount of strong and weakly bonded polymers inside the ALOX-membrane. Finally, SEM was used to investigate the microstructure and morphology of the grafted polymers at the outer surface as well the inner surface

• of the ALOX-membranes. Previous experiments showed a significant influence of the used solvent on the microstructure of the grafted polyphenylalanine (pPA) within the pore volume of the macroporous ALOX-membranes. The polymerization of 100 mM pPA-NCA monomer solutions in pure THF results in a flat

Nickel nanoparticles supported on a covalent triazine framework as electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reactions

• Secil Öztürk,
• Yu-Xuan Xiao,
• Dennis Dietrich,
• Beatriz Giesen,
• Juri Barthel,
• Jie Ying,
• Xiao-Yu Yang and
• Christoph Janiak

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 770–781, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.62

• organic frameworks (MOF) with or without a nitrogen source [13][43][44]. An important step in these syntheses is high-temperature pyrolysis under inert atmosphere for a few hours. However, these methods often cannot control the nitrogen microstructure and composition. In contrast, Ni/CTF-1 is obtained in