Zhang Li-Juan

Long lifetime of nanobubbles due to high inner density

As predicted by classical macroscopic theory, the lifetime for nanoscale gas bubbles is extremely short. However, stable gas nanobubbles have been experimentally observed in recent years. In this report, we theoretically show that, if the inner density of gas bubbles is sufficiently high, the lifetime of nanobubbles can increase by at least 4 orders of magnitude, and even approaches the timescale for experimental observations.

Theoretical Study on the Capillary Force between an Atomic Force Microscope Tip and a Nanoparticle

Considering that capillary force is one of the most important forces between nanoparticles and atomic force microscope (AFM) tips in ambient atmosphere, we develop analytic approach on the capillary force between an AFM tip and a nanoparticle. The results show that the capillary forces are considerably affected by the geometry of the AFM tip, the humidity of the environment, the vertical distance between the AFM tip and the nanoparticle, as well as the contact angles of the meniscus with an AFM tip and a nanoparticle. It is found that the sharper the AFM tip, the smaller the capillary force. The analyses and results are expected to be helpful for the quantitative imaging of nanoparticles by AFMs.

Controllable Nucleation of Nanobubbles at a Modified Graphene Surface

The properties of nanoscale gas bubbles at the solid/water interface have been investigated for more than 20 years. However, the stability of nanobubbles remains far from being understood. How to control the formation of nanobubbles is the key issue for understanding their long lifetime. In this work, using molecular dynamics simulations we modify the substrate (graphene) with charge dipoles in which the local properties of the surface could be changed. Nanobubbles could be stabilized on the local hydrophobic area and modified area with the hydrophilic boundary where gas nuclei are deposited beforehand. Those results provide two methods to control the nucleation of gas nanobubbles and fix them on a target area.

Investigation of the Elasticity of Polymer Nanoparticle by Vibrating Scanning Polarization Force Microscopy

The elasticity of an individual polymer nanoparticle may be greatly different from that of the bulk one. Understanding the properties of individual particles such as elasticity and deformation under external forces is of great importance in controlling the final structures and functions of bulk materials. We study the compression properties of single polyethylenimine (PEI) particles using vibrating scanning polarization force microscopy. By controllably imaging PEI particles at different vibration amplitude set-point values, it is demonstrated that we can compress the single PEI nanoparticle with an atomic force microscopy tip in different loads. Based on the force–height and force-strain curves obtained, Youngs moduli of PEI (5–160 MPa) in three force regions are estimated according to the Hertz model. The results indicate that PEI has excellent elasticity, which may contribute to its high efficiency as vectors in gene transfection.

Surface States in Ternary CdSSe Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Ternary CdSSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) have demonstrated advantages such as wide absorption ranges and tunable band structures. However, the oxygen additives absorbed on such multicomponent quantum dot (QD) surfaces induce band bending at the TiO₂/CdSSe interface and prevent charge transport in QDSCs, as determined via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and synchrotron-based X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) analysis. Annealing of TiO₂/CdSSe QDs photoanodes was conducted at different temperatures under Ar atmospheres to eliminate oxygen additives and interfacial band bending. The short-circuit current (J(sc))of the annealed ternary CdSSe QDSCs is obviously improved, whereas the TiCl4 treatment and MgO coating of the TiO₂ nanocrystals are assisted by the annealing to compensate for the loss of opencircuit voltage (V(oc)) and fill factor (FF). Ternary CdSSe QDSCs with efficiencies of 4.72% have been achieved using the optimized annealing conditions.

Structural and magnetic properties of ultrathin Fe films on Pt(001) surface

Magnetic anisotropy evolution of ultrathin Fe films grown on Pt(001) single-crystal surface is investigated by UHV in situ surface magneto-optical Kerr effect (SMOKE) measurement. After annealing at similar to600K. the magnetic anisotropy of Fe Elm switches from in-plane to perpendicular at, low coverage, leading to a spin reorientation transition (SRT). Meanwhile, in the range of 3-4 monolayer (ML) thickness. the coercivity or the Fe polar hysteresis loop decreases dramatically. Further scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) investigation correlates the magnetic properties with the film structures. We attribute this SRT to the formation of Fe-Pt ordered alloy.