Aleksander A. Tedstone

Nanostructured Aptamer-Functionalized Black Phosphorus Sensing Platform for Label-Free Detection of Myoglobin, a Cardiovascular Disease Biomarker

We report the electrochemical detection of the redox active cardiac biomarker myoglobin (Mb) using aptamer-functionalized black phosphorus nanostructured electrodes by measuring direct electron transfer. The as-synthesized few-layer black phosphorus nanosheets have been functionalized with poly-l-lysine (PLL) to facilitate binding with generated anti-Mb DNA aptamers on nanostructured electrodes. This aptasensor platform has a record-low detection limit (∼0.524 pg mL(-1)) and sensitivity (36 μA pg(-1) mL cm(-2)) toward Mb with a dynamic response range from 1 pg mL(-1) to 16 μg mL(-1) for Mb in serum samples. This strategy opens up avenues to bedside technologies for multiplexed diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in complex human samples.

Mechanical Properties of Molybdenum Disulfide and the Effect of Doping: An in Situ TEM Study

Direct observations on nanopillars composed of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and chromium-doped MoS2 and their response to compressive stress have been made. Time-resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM) during compression of the submicrometer diameter pillars of MoS2- and Cr-doped MoS2 (Cr: 0, 10, and 50 at %) allow the deformation process of the material to be observed and can be directly correlated with mechanical response to applied load. The addition of chromium to the MoS2 changed the failure mode from plastic deformation to catastrophic brittle fracture, an effect that was more pronounced as chromium content increased.

On the stability of surfactant-stabilised few-layer black phosphorus in aqueous media

Surfactant-assisted exfoliation routes to few-layer black phosphorus in aqueous media have recently been reported. The stability of such few-layer black phosphorus has been studied using a range of spectroscopic techniques. The material is meta-stable in aqueous media, degrading over time mainly to phosphoric acids.

Property Self-Optimization During Wear of MoS2

Knowledge of their bulk physical properties often guides selection of appropriate tribological coating materials. However, these properties as well as the microstructure evolve dramatically under the extreme conditions imposed during mechanical wear. The dynamic response ultimately governs the materials wear performance; thus, understanding the dynamic evolution of the system is critical. This work characterizes the change in mechanical properties and microstructure as a function of wear cycles in model MoS2 films using a combination of nanowear testing, transmission electron microscopy, and site-specific nanopillar compression. Notably, mechanical wear enhances the mechanical properties of the MoS2 while simultaneously evolving a microstructure that reduces the coefficient of friction and wear rate. We hypothesize that this self-optimizing behavior underpins the exceptional lubricity and antiwear performance of MoS2.

A Review of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials Beyond Graphene

The principal interest in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has been in their electronic properties, but as understanding of them has broadened, a wide range of applications have been explored. This chapter outlines recent literature concerning the synthesis, modification, and applications of two-dimensional nanomaterials beyond graphene. Recent theoretical propositions of these novel two-dimensional nanomaterials and their applications are also discussed.