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Vol 11, No 7-8 (2016)

Article

Natural and synthetic diamond crystals of fibrous and rough-lamellar structure and structural mechanism of their normal growth

Bulienkov N.A., Zheligovskaya E.A., Blaut-Blachev A.N.

Abstract

Various forms of normal growth of natural and synthetic diamond crystals with fibrous and roughlamellar structure obtained under nonequilibrium conditions are considered. The structural mechanisms of the experimentally observed fibrous (in 〈111〉 and 〈100〉 directions) and rough-laminar (by {110} and {100} layers (or lamellae)) normal growth of diamond crystals are proposed on the basis of nonequilibrium noncrystalline structures consisting of tetrahedrally coordinated atoms.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):377-386
pages 377-386 views

Prospects of creating efficient thermoelectric materials based on the achievements of nanotechnology

Sherchenkov A.A., Shtern Y.I., Shtern M.Y., Rogachev M.S.

Abstract

The elaboration of low-dimensional thermoelectric structures has been shown to allow an increase in the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by the end of the 20th century. The achievements in nanotechnology open up new opportunities in searching for prospective thermoelectric materials and structures. The physical aspects in the creation of low-dimensional thermoelectric structures have been reviewed. The capabilities of developing technologies for the synthesis of thermoelectric structures on the basis of superlattices, quantum wires, and quantum dots have been analyzed. The methods of fabrication and advances in the elaboration of nanocomposite thermoelectric materials have been discussed. The problems in the production of second-generation nanocomposites and their possible solutions have been considered. The methods for diagnosing low-dimensional thermoelectric structures are presented, as well.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):387-400
pages 387-400 views

Structure formation in aqueous dispersions of detonation nanodiamonds

Chiganova G.A., Gosudareva E.Y.

Abstract

The kinetics of coagulation and sedimentation of aqueous dispersions of detonation nanodiamonds as a function of the indifferent electrolyte concentration and the volume fraction of the solid phase has been studied. It is shown that, in a certain range of volume concentrations of nanodiamond particles, a partial degradation of hydration layers on the particle surface leads to the rapid formation of coagulation structures. The difference in the coagulation rates of the dispersions in the presence of electrolytes is consistent with the different effects of potassium and sodium cations on the structure of water and, accordingly, the hydration layers on the nanodiamond particle surface.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):401-406
pages 401-406 views

Luminescence detection of vapors of primary aliphatic amines at low concentrations using pyrylocyanine chromophores

Chubakov V.P., Chubakov P.A., Plekhanov A.I., Orlova N.A., Kargapolova I.Y., Shelkovnikov V.V.

Abstract

The method for the gas-phase detection of primary aliphatic amines using silica nanoparticles modified with pyrylocyanine chromophores is proposed. The luminescence quantum yields of three new pyrylocyanine dyes are measured. Selective detection of amine vapors in by using pyrylocyanine dyes covered on different substrates is studied. It is shown that n-butylamine vapors can be detected at concentrations ten times smaller than the maximum permissible concentration for a human.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):407-413
pages 407-413 views

Formation of core-shell structures upon methane decomposition on metal-carbon composites with cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated into a porous carbon matrix

Kryazhev Y.G., Zapevalova E.S., Semenova O.N., Maslakov K.I., Solodovnichenko V.S., Trenikhin M.V., Drozdov V.A., Likholobov V.A.

Abstract

A method for the synthesis of core-shell structures during methane decomposition in a cobalt-carbon composite with metal particles uniformly dispersed in its bulk is proposed. These composites are obtained by the low-temperature formation of carbon structures based on reactive conjugated polymers obtained by the dehydrochlorination of chlorine-containing carbon-chain polymers. Eelectron microscopy studies show the formation of structures containing 10–50 graphene layers closely packed around a metal core with an interlayer distance of 0.34–0.35 nm.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):414-420
pages 414-420 views

Mechanochemical synthesis of graphene nanoplatelets from expanded graphite compound

Melezhik A.V., Pershin V.F., Memetov N.R., Tkachev A.G.

Abstract

Mechanochemical exfoliation of graphite materials is one method for obtaining graphene nanoplatelets. The mechanochemical synthesis of graphene nanoplatelets, which includes the synthesis of an expanded graphite compound and mechanochemical treatment, is studied experimentally. The expanded graphite compound is obtained by the cold expansion of graphite intercalated with a solution of ammonium persulfate in sulfuric acid. The resulting expanded graphite compound is treated with a base (urea) to reduce acidity and the redox potential of the system before adding organic components. Glycerol is used as a medium for mechanochemical exfoliation.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):421-429
pages 421-429 views

Morphology and symmetry of giant fullerenes

Stepenshchikov D.G.

Abstract

Giant fullerenes are a kind of fullerene with a large (102–105) number of atoms. They are characterized by a flattening of the hexagonal segments of a carbon mesh to the graphene-like state followed by the formation of polyhedra having 2–12 vertices. In this work, the dependence of the shape and symmetry of the giant fullerenes on the arrangement of pentagonal carbon rings on their surface is considered.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):430-434
pages 430-434 views

Regularities of ion-beam-induced crystallization and properties of InAs-QD/GaAs(001) semiconductor nanoheterostructures

Chebotarev S.N., Pashchenko A.S., Lunin L.S., Irkha V.A.

Abstract

A novel method of the ion-beam-induced crystallization of quantum-size semiconductor eterostructures has been proposed. Using atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the capacitance–voltage (CV) method, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements, we have studied the main regularities of ion-beam-induced crystallization and the properties of InAs quantum dots (QDs) on GaAs single crystal substrates with (001) crystallographic orientation as functions of temperature, ion current, and ion energies. It is shown that, in order to grow InAs hut structures, the optimal temperature range is from 500 to 550°C. An intense development of dome clusters is observed at higher temperatures. It is found that an increase in the ion current in an interval from 60 to 120 μA at a temperature of 500°C and an ion energy of 150 eV inconsiderably affects the average sizes of nanoislands. It is shown that, in an ion energy range from 150 to 200 eV and at a constant temperature of the process of 500°C and bam current of 120 μA, bands of stability of medium sizes (∼15 nm) and surface density (∼1011 cm–2) are observed.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):435-443
pages 435-443 views

Preparation of chemosensor materials based on silica nanoparticles with covalently anchored fluorophores by inkjet printing

Alfimov M.V., Ionov D.S., Yurasik G.A., Molchanov S.P., Sazhnikov V.A., Aristarkhov V.M., Kononevich Y.N., Meshkov I.B., Voronina N.V., Muzafarov A.M.

Abstract

Samples of sensor layers containing a mixture of spherical silica gel microparticles and spherical macromolecular silica sol nanoparticles have been prepared by inkjet printing. The average diameter of microparticles is 5 μm; nanoparticles about 100 nm in diameter contain covalently anchored fluorophore, dibenzoylmethane boron difluoride (DBMBF2), on the surface. The microstructure of the layers is shown to considerably affect the availability of the fluorophore indicator for gas-phase analyte molecules of the methylbenzene group. The sensitivity of the sensor layers is shown to reach 0.5 ppm with a response time of about 100 s.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):444-453
pages 444-453 views

Estimation of the thickness of graphite nanofilm on a silicon substrate by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis data

Timofeeva T.E., Timofeev V.B., Popov V.I., Smagulova S.A.

Abstract

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is applied to analyze composition and thickness of graphite nanofilm on a substrate. We estimate the thickness of graphite nanofilm on a silicon substrate using a simple equation proposed in this work. The equation is based on data of the energy-dispersive microanalysis and not contains fitting parameters. The condition of applicability of the formula is a low value of the electron acceleration voltage at which the depth of electron beam penetration not exceeds a silicon oxide layer thickness. The number of graphite nanofilm layers estimated from the calculated thickness is reasonably confirmed by Raman spectroscopy data. It is shown, that the number of graphite nanofilm layers can be determined by carbon atomic content in at %.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):454-460
pages 454-460 views

Scanning probe microscopy of laser-graphitized diamond-like carbon films

Frolov V.D., Zavedeev E.V., Komlenok M.S., Arutyunyan N.R., Shupegin M.L., Pimenov S.M.

Abstract

A complex technique of scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy (SPM/SPS) based on the microscopy of lateral forces and registration of a local electrical conductivity in combination with measurements of the microrelief has been developed for studies of laser-graphitized carbon microstructures. The method includes multiple direct and reverse probe scanning with the subsequent correction of the map position, their pixel-by-pixel subtraction and averaging, and a statistical processing of resulting data arrays concerning the distribution of lateral forces (friction forces). In addition, based on the measurements of currentvoltage (IV) characteristics, a distribution of the electrical conductivity is built in the probe-sample circuit. Carbon structures based on hydrogenated diamond-like films of a-C:H type, which were deposited onto Si substrates, are used as the objects for studies. A local graphitization of the surface has been carried out by the irradiation of the films with an excimer KrF laser according to a preset microscopic pattern. Based on the resulting data, it is found that the reaction of the lateral forces (friction forces) in the laser-graphitized region is reversed to the temperature variations: when the temperature increases (from room to ∼120°C), the distribution of the friction forces shifts towards higher values and returns practically to the initial values when the temperature decreases to the initial level, which proves the influence of a water adsorbate on the friction properties of laser-graphitized regions on the film surface. It is also found that the laser-graphitized region is structurally inhomogeneous, which is proven by a decrease in the electrical conductivity from the center to the periphery.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):461-467
pages 461-467 views

Computer simulation of spin states of electrons in nanoscale cavities in the Feynman path integrals representation

Shevkunov S.V.

Abstract

A method is developed for the ab initio calculation of the distance between the energy levels of different spin states of electrons, as well as the spin of mixed quantum states subjected to thermal fluctuations. It is shown that theoretical investigations in the path integral representation can be carried out not only for mixed states, but also for pure quantum states. The approach proposed by us is free of the one-electron approximation and takes into account all spatial correlations between electrons. Demonstration computer calculations using the Monte Carlo method are carried out for the spin states of electrons in model ellipsoidal quantum dots. The inversion of levels corresponding to high and low spin states is detected in a system of three electrons. The calculations show that it is possible in principle to obtain spin states with arbitrarily close energies by varying the shape of a quantum dot. This fact is of fundamental importance for the prospects of constructing a new generation of storage and computing devices based on the spin qubits.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):468-479
pages 468-479 views

Heatsink diamond nanostructures for microwave semiconductor electronics

Maltsev P.P., Redkin S.V., Glinskiy I.A., Poboikina N.V., Duknovskiy M.P., Fedorov Y.Y., Smirnova A.K., Kulikov E.N., Shcherbakov S.V., Leontiev I.A., Kudryashov O.Y., Skripnichenko A.S.

Abstract

A basic technique for manufacturing and processing polycrystalline diamond as a promising material for heatsinks of high-power microwave semiconductor devices is proposed. The fabrication of polycrystalline diamond wafers by chemical vapor deposition is investigated. The choice of a method for fragmenting polycrystalline diamond wafers is considered and a new technique for low-pressure laser/plasma chemical cutting of wafers in a gaseous medium is proposed which consists of growing polycrystalline diamond on preshaped silicon substrates and subsequent silicon etching.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):480-490
pages 480-490 views

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Propagation of electromagnetic waves in the Pendry lens

Selina N.V., Tumayev E.N.

Abstract

The propagation of a monochromatic electromagnetic wave in a periodic stratified medium, the refractive index of which has a stepped profile, is investigated. A method for solving Maxwell equations for a piecewise-homogeneous medium is proposed, via which an analytical solution of the wave equation in a closed form has been obtained. Using the obtained solution, the propagation of an electromagnetic wave in a superlens (Pendry superlens) implemented employing a metal plate of nanosized thickness has been studied. It is proved via calculations that, using a superlens, one can achieve an angular resolution exceeding the diffraction limit. A phenomenon of negative refraction is also shown to take place in such a lens.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):491-496
pages 491-496 views

Study of the action of nanostructured sapropel at different doses on the morphological and functional condition of the gastrointestinal tract in albino mice

Ezhkov V.O., Yapparov A.K., Ezhkova A.M., Yapparov I.A., Ezhkova G.O., Faizrakhmanov R.N., Motina T.Y.

Abstract

A nanostructured sapropel with a particle size of 45.0–180.0 nm has been manufactured by ultrasonic impact on sapropel. While studying its acute oral toxicity in albino mice, a safe dose of 0.3 g/kg of body weight is determined. A single intragastric administration at doses of 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 g/kg of body weight reveals a dose-dependent character of intoxication symptoms. A dose of 3.0 g/kg of body weight is sublethal. During a diagnostic autopsy of mice treated with nanostructured sapropel at a dose of 0.3 g/kg, we observed the enhancement of physiological processes of the secretory activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Histological examination shows a moderate secretion of mucus and the integrity of the surface epithelial cells of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Acute catarrhal inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is observed in mice that receive the preparation at a dose of 1.8 g/kg. A focal deformation of the surface epithelial cells with the preservation of their cytology and adhesion of the sapropel conglomerates by mucus are revealed by microscopic examination. Catarrhal-hemorrhagic esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis are observed in mice treated with the nanostructured sapropel at a dose of 3.0 g/kg. During a histological examination of the gastrointestinal tract in the areas of contact with nanostructured sapropel, thinning and disruption of mucosal integrity, desquamation, and lysis of epithelial cells are found.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):497-505
pages 497-505 views

Acid-base and adsorption properties of the AlOOH 2D nanostructures as factors for regulating parameters of model biological solutions

Lozhkomoev A.S., Kazantsev S.O., Lerner M.I., Psakhie S.G.

Abstract

We have studied the acid-base, adsorption, and electrokinetic properties of 2D nanostructures—agglomerates of pseudoboehmite (AlOOH) nanosheets 2–5 nm in thickness—that were synthesized from electro-explosive Al/AlN nanopowder. By the example of adsorption of anionic dye eosin and cationic dye methylene blue, it is found that the synthesized nanostructures have pronounced anion-exchange properties. It is shown that agglomerates of AlOOH nanosheets exhibit properties of a weak base when they are added to the biological model solutions (cell-culture medium and sodium phosphate buffer) and deionized water; in this case, an increase in pH in the media takes place both due to the release of the OH groups and the ionexchange adsorption. The possible impact of the synthesized AlOOH 2D nanostructures on the suppression of tumor-cell proliferation is considered via changes in the parameters (acidity and ionic composition) of their microenvironment.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):506-511
pages 506-511 views

Calculation of intracellular pressure of erythrocyte according to atomic force microscopy data

Nagornov Y.S., Pahomova R.A., Zhilyaev I.V.

Abstract

Using numerical simulation, we have obtained the dependence of the morphology and volume of red blood cells on the intracellular pressure. The simulation results have been applied to the experimental data from the atomic force microscopy of red blood cells of experimental animals with different degrees of obstructive jaundice. It has been found in a sample of more than 200 erythrocytes that, with an increase in the concentration of bilirubin and disruption of an erythrocyte membrane, the intracellular pressure increases from 0 to 2.2 kPa. The proposed method of measuring intracellular pressure could be used to diagnose the state of red blood cell membranes.

Nanobiotechnology Reports. 2016;11(7-8):512-522
pages 512-522 views