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At least 19 records

Colloidal Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks and Their Application as Porous Liquids

Developing solid porous materials into free-flowing liquids with permanent porosity is a promising strategy for overcoming certain limitations of conventional sorbent materials employed in gas storage and separation applications. The ability to control the pore size and chemical functionalities of organic frameworks gives these particular nanoporous materials distinct advantages over other small cage-like molecules or hollow particles that have been developed into porous liquids. Here, we describe the synthesis of a 3D imine-linked colloidal covalent organic framework (COF)-based porous liquid, designed for efficient size-exclusion of solvent, as well as for long-term stability. By tethering ionic liquids to the colloid surface, the colloids can be dried, purified, and resuspended in a variety of solvents without irreversible aggregation typically observed of COF colloids. Colloid size could be controlled between 50 and 400 nm, with surface areas as high as 800 m2/g. The 3D intertwining morphology of the colloids had pore sizes ranging from 5 to 14 Å, allowing them to efficiently sizeexclude bulky ionic liquids. The COF colloids were stable towards flocculation in an ionic liquid for > 1 year. Permanent porosity was confirmed with a combination of 19F NMR measurements and gas sorption techniques. CO2 and CH4 uptake in these porous liquids increased more than 10 and 20-fold, respectively, over non-porous, neat ionic liquid control samples. The work not only advances the state of COF-based colloid science but also represents a practical advance towards developing more robust, tunable framework-based porous liquid materials for a host of gas storage and separation applications.

Mow, Rachel E.↗

Polymer-Induced Depletion Interaction and Its Effect on Colloidal Sedimentation in Colloid-Polymer Mixtures

In this paper we focus on the polymer-induced depletion attraction and its effect on colloidal sedimentation in colloid-polymer mixtures. We first report a small angle neutron scattering (SANS) study of the depletion effect in a mixture of hard-sphere-like colloid and non-adsorbing polymer. Then we present results of our recent sedimentation measurements in the same colloid-polymer mixture. A key parameter in controlling the sedimentation of heavy colloidal particles is the interparticle potential U(tau), which is the work required to bring two colloidal particles from infinity to a distance tau under a give solvent condition. This potential is known to affect the average settling velocity of the particles and experimentally one needs to have a way to continuously vary U(tau) in order to test the theory. The interaction potential U(tau) can be altered by adding polymer molecules into the colloidal suspension. In a mixture of colloid and non-adsorbing polymer, the potential U(tau) can develop an attractive well because of the depletion effect, in that the polymer chains are expelled from the region between two colloidal particles when their surface separation becomes smaller than the size of the polymer chains. The exclusion of polymer molecules from the space between the colloidal particles leads to an unbalanced osmotic pressure difference pushing the colloidal particles together, which results in an effective attraction between the two colloidal particles. The polymer-induced depletion attraction controls the phase stability of many colloid-polymer mixtures, which are directly of interest to industry.

Tong, Penger↗

Dispersible Colloid Facilitated Release of Organic Carbon From Two Contrasting Riparian Sediments

In aqueous systems, including groundwater, nano-colloids (1–100 nm diameter) and small colloids (<450 nm diameter) provide a vast store of surfaces to which organic carbon (OC) can sorb, precluding its normal bioavailability. Because nanomaterials are ubiquitous and abundant throughout Earth systems, it is reasonable that they would play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles. As such, mineral nano-colloids (MNC) and small colloids, formed through mineral weathering and precipitation processes, are both an unaccounted-for reservoir and unquantified vector for transport of OC and nutrients and contaminants within watersheds. Water extractions and leaching experiments were conducted under (1) aerobic (ambient) and (2) anaerobic (environmental chamber) conditions for each of two contrasting riparian sediments from (1) Columbia River, Washington and (2) Tims Branch, South Carolina. Water dispersible colloid-adsorbed OC was as high as 48% of OC for Tims Branch anaerobic batch water extraction and as low as 0% for Columbia River aerobic batch water extractions. Anaerobic leaching from column experiments yielded higher colloid and OC release rates. Transmission electron microscopy with electron dispersive spectroscopy mapping revealed organic carbon associated with aggregations of nano-particulate silicate minerals and Mossbauer identified nano-particulate goethite. This exploratory study demonstrates that mineral facilitated release of OC in riparian sediments is both significant and variable between locations.

Rod, Kenton A.↗

Effect of chemical and physical heterogeneities on colloid-facilitated cesium transport

A set of column experiments was conducted to investigate the chemical and physical heterogeneity effect on colloid facilitated transport under slow pore velocity conditions. Pore velocities were kept below 100 cm d-1 for all experiments. Glass beads were packed into columns establishing four different conditions: 1) homogeneous, 2) mixed physical heterogeneity, 3) sequentially layered physical heterogeneity, and 4) chemical heterogeneity. The homogeneous column was packed with glass beads (diameter 500-600 µm), and physical heterogeneities were created by sequential layering or mixing two sizes of glass bead (500-600 µm and 300-400 µm). A chemical heterogeneity was created using 25% of the glass beads coated with hydrophobic molecules (1H-1H-2H-2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane) mixed with 75% pristine glass beads (all 500-600 µm). Input solution with 0.5 mM CsI and 50 mg L-1 colloids (1-µm diameter SiO2) was pulsed into columns under saturated conditions. The physical heterogeneity in the packed glass beads retarded the transport of colloids compared to homogeneous (R = 25.0), but showed only slight differences between sequentially layered (R = 60.7) and mixed heterogeneity(R = 62.4). The column with the chemical, hydrophobic/hydrophilic, heterogeneity removed most of the colloids from the input solution. All column conditions stripped Cs from colloids onto the column matrix of packed glass beads.

Colloid-facilitated transport, cesium, physical he↗

Design and Preparation of Nematic Colloidal Particles

Colloidal systems are abundant in technology, in biomedical settings, and in our daily life. The so-called “colloidal atoms” paradigm exploits interparticle interactions to self-assemble colloidal analogs of atomic and molecular crystals, liquid crystal glasses, and other types of condensed matter from nanometer- or micrometer-sized colloidal building blocks. Nematic colloids, which comprise colloidal particles dispersed within an anisotropic nematic fluid host medium, provide a particularly rich variety of physical behaviors at the mesoscale, not only matching but even exceeding the diversity of structural and phase behavior in conventional atomic and molecular systems. This feature article, using primarily examples of works from our own group, highlights recent developments in the design, fabrication, and self-assembly of nematic colloidal particles, including the capabilities of preprogramming their behavior by controlling the particle’s surface boundary conditions for liquid crystal molecules at the colloidal surfaces as well as by defining the shape and topology of the colloidal particles. Here recent progress in defining particle-induced defects, elastic multipoles, self-assembly, and dynamics is discussed along with open issues and challenges within this research field.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A proximity‐based image‐processing algorithm for colloid assignment in segmented multiphase flow datasets

Summary Colloidal transport and deposition are of both environmental and engineering importance. Easier access to x‐ray microtomography (XMT) coupled with improved imaging resolution has made XMT a unique and viable tool for visualizing and quantifying these processes. Currently, there is scant information in the literature addressing colloid segmentation and analysis in saturated and unsaturated porous media, in particular related to spatial partitioning of colloids. To support this need, an approach to assign segmented colloidal particles and aggregates to different partitioning classes based on their proximity to different phases is presented here. The method uses different markers for each attachment site (e.g. wetting‐nonwetting phase interfaces). An example XMT dataset from a drainage experiment is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the image processing algorithms. Flow conditions, and fluid and colloid properties, can thus be compared to the behaviour of colloids within the porous medium. This algorithm can help elucidate colloidal deposition mechanisms and the importance of different attachment sites, explore the importance of fluid properties, as well as the arrangement and shape of the colloids.

BRUECK, C. L.↗

Colloidal Gelation-2 and Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition-2 Investigations Conducted on STS-95

The Colloidal Gelation-2 (CGEL 2) and Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition-2 (CDOT 2) investigations flew on Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95 (also known as the John Glenn Mission). These investigations were part of a series of colloid experiments designed to help scientists answer fundamental science questions and reduce the trial and error involved in developing new and better materials. Industries dealing with semiconductors, electro-optics, ceramics, and composites are just a few that may benefit from this knowledge. The goal of the CGEL 2 investigation was to study the fundamental properties of colloids to help scientists better understand their nature and make them more useful for technology. Colloids consist of very small (submicron) particles suspended in a fluid. They play a critical role in the technology of this country, finding uses in materials ranging from paints and coatings to drugs, cosmetics, food, and drink. Although these products are routinely produced and used, there are still many aspects of their behavior about which scientists know little. Understanding their structures may allow scientists to manipulate the physical properties of colloids (a process called "colloidal engineering") to produce new materials and products. Colloid research may even improve the processing of known products to enhance their desirable properties.

Hoffmann, Monica T.↗

Elastomeric nematic colloids, colloidal crystals and microstructures with complex topology

Control of physical behaviors of nematic colloids and colloidal crystals has been demonstrated by tuning particle shape, topology, chirality and surface charging. However, the capability of altering physical behaviors of such soft matter systems by changing particle shape and the ensuing responses to external stimuli has remained elusive. We fabricated genus-one nematic elastomeric colloidal ring-shaped particles and various microstructures using two-photon photopolymerization. Nematic ordering within both the nano-printed particle and the surrounding medium leads to anisotropic responses and actuation when heated. With the thermal control, elastomeric microstructures are capable of changing from genus-one to genus-zero surface topology. Using these particles as building blocks, we investigated elastomeric colloidal crystals immersed within a liquid crystal fluid, which exhibit crystallographic symmetry transformations. Furthermore, our findings may lead to colloidal crystals responsive to a large variety of external stimuli, including electric fields and light. Pre-designed response of elastomeric nematic colloids, including changes of colloidal surface topology and lattice symmetry, are of interest for both fundamental research and applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chiral liquid crystal colloids

Colloidal particles disturb the alignment of rod-like molecules of liquid crystals, giving rise to long-range interactions that minimize the free energy of distorted regions. Particle shape and topology are known to guide this self-assembly process. However, how chirality of colloidal inclusions affects these long-range interactions is unclear. Here we study the effects of distortions caused by chiral springs and helices on the colloidal self-organization in a nematic liquid crystal using laser tweezers, particle tracking and optical imaging. We show that chirality of colloidal particles interacts with the nematic elasticity to predefine chiral or racemic colloidal superstructures in nematic colloids. These findings are consistent with numerical modelling based on the minimization of Landau–de Gennes free energy. In conclusion, our study uncovers the role of chirality in defining the mesoscopic order of liquid crystal colloids, suggesting that this feature may be a potential tool to modulate the global orientated self-organization of these systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Colloidal immobilized protein based on stable colloid of TiO 2 nanoparticles at neutral pH for protein microarray

A stable colloid of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was specially prepared at neutral pH so that horse radish peroxidase as a model protein can interact and be immobilized with colloidal titanium dioxide nanoparticles, while usually titanium dioxide colloid is only stable at acidic condition. Colloidal immobilized peroxidase based on titanium dioxide nanoparticles at neutral pH were highly active and stably dispersible in aqueous solution. The resulting colloidal immobilized peroxidase can be readily printed using a standard microarray printer for facile fabrication of protein microarrays. After printing, the colloidal immobilized protein formed uniform membrane of proteinated nanoparticles with 3-dimensional nanoconfiguration. Finally, the protein microarray sensitivity based on peroxidase-titanium dioxide nanoparticles was nearly 20 times as high as that using conventional technology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Chemical colloids versus biological colloids: a comparative study for the elucidation of the mechanism of protein fiber formation

Fiber formation from murine serum amyloid A1 (SAA) was compared to the linear aggregation and fiber formation of colloidal gold particles. Here we report the similarities of these processes. Upon incubation with acetic acid, SAA misfolds and adopts a new conformation, which we termed saa. saa apparently is less soluble than SAA in aqueous solution; it aggregates and forms nucleation units and then fibers. The fibers appear as a string of the nucleation units. Additionally, an external electric field promotes saa fiber formation. These properties of saa are reminiscent of colloidal gold formation from gold ions and one-dimensional aggregation of the gold colloids. Colloidal gold particles were also found to be capable of aggregating one-dimensionally under an electric field or in the presence of polylysine. These gold fibers resembled in structure that of saa fibers. In summary, protein aggregation and formation of fibers appear to follow the generalized principles derived in colloidal science for the aggregation of atoms and molecules, including polymers such as polypeptides. The analysis of colloidal gold formation and of one-dimensional aggregation provides a simple model system for the elucidation of some aspects of protein fiber formation.

Colloids↗

Coherent single-photon emission from colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots

Chemically made colloidal semiconductor quantum dots have long been proposed as scalable and color-tunable single emitters in quantum optics, but they have typically suffered from prohibitively incoherent emission. We now demonstrate that individual colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) display highly efficient single-photon emission with optical coherence times as long as 80 picoseconds, an appreciable fraction of their 210-picosecond radiative lifetimes. These measurements suggest that PQDs should be explored as building blocks in sources of indistinguishable single photons and entangled photon pairs. Our results present a starting point for the rational design of lead halide perovskite–based quantum emitters that have fast emission, wide spectral tunability, and scalable production and that benefit from the hybrid integration with nanophotonic components that has been demonstrated for colloidal materials.

solar (photovoltaic), solid state lighting, photos↗

Geometry-guided colloidal interactions and self-tiling of elastic dipoles formed by truncated pyramid particles in liquid crystals

The progress of realizing colloidal structures mimicking natural forms of organization in condensed matter is inherently limited by the availability of suitable colloidal building blocks. To enable new forms of crystalline and quasicrystalline self-organization of colloids, we develop truncated pyramidal particles that form nematic elastic dipoles with long-range electrostaticlike and geometry-guided low-symmetry short-range interactions. Using a combination of nonlinear optical imaging, laser tweezers, and video microscopy, we characterize colloidal pair interactions and demonstrate unusual forms of self-tiling of these particles into crystalline, quasicrystalline, and other arrays. Here, our findings are explained using an electrostatics analogy along with liquid crystal elasticity and symmetry breaking considerations, potentially expanding photonic and electro-optic applications of colloids.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dynamic localization and shear-induced hopping of particles: A way to understand the rheology of dense colloidal dispersions

For decades, attempts have been made to understand the formation of colloidal glasses and gels by linking suspension mechanics to particle properties where details of size, shape, and spatial dependencies of pair potentials present a bewildering array of variables that can be manipulated to achieve observed properties. Despite the range of variables that control suspension properties, one consistent observation is the remarkably similarity of flow properties observed as particle properties are varied. Understanding the underlying origins of the commonality in those behaviors (e.g., shear-thinning with increasing stress, diverging zero shear rate viscosity with increasing volume fraction, development of a dynamic yield stress plateau with increases in volume faction or strength of attraction, development of two characteristic relaxation times probed in linear viscoelasticity, the creation of a rubbery plateau modulus at high strain frequencies, and shear-thickening) remains a challenge. Recently, naïve mode coupling and dynamic localization theories have been developed to capture collective behavior giving rise to formation of colloidal glasses and gels. This approach characterizes suspension mechanics of strongly interacting particles in terms of sluggish long-range particle diffusion modulated by varying particle interactions and volume fraction. These theories capture the scaling of the modulus with the volume fraction and strength of interparticle attraction, the frequency dependence of the moduli at the onset of the gel/glass transition, together with the divergence of the zero shear rate viscosity and cessation of diffusivity for hard sphere systems as close packing is approached. In this study, we explore the generality of the predictions of dynamic localization theory for systems of particles composed of bimodal particle size distributions experiencing weak interactions. We find that the mechanical properties of these suspensions are well captured within the framework of dynamic localization theory and that suspension mechanics can be understood in terms of a dynamical potential barrier, the magnitude of which governs the zero shear rate viscosity, and onset of a dynamic yield stress plateau as volume fraction or strength of interaction is raised.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Two‐Dimensional (2D) or Quasi‐2D Superstructures from DNA‐Coated Colloidal Particles

Abstract This contribution describes the synthesis of colloidal di‐patch particles functionalized with DNA on the patches and their assembly into colloidal superstructures via cooperative depletion and DNA‐mediated interactions. The assembly into flower‐like Kagome, brick‐wall like monolayer, orthogonal packed single or double layers, wrinkled monolayer, and colloidal honeycomb superstructures can be controlled by tuning the particles’ patch sizes and assembly conditions. Based on these experimental results, we generate an empirical phase diagram. The principles revealed by the phase diagram provide guidance in the design of two‐dimensional (2D) materials with desired superstructures. Our strategy might be translatable to the assembly of three‐dimensional (3D) colloidal structures.

Liu, Mingzhu↗