Surface NMR using quantum sensors in diamond.

NMR is a noninvasive, molecular-level spectroscopic technique widely used for chemical characterization. However, it lacks the sensitivity to probe the small number of spins at surfaces and interfaces. Here, we use nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum sensors to optically detect NMR signals from chemically modified thin films.

Modular Assembly of Vibrationally and Electronically Coupled Rhenium Bipyridine Carbonyl Complexes on Silicon.

Hybrid inorganic/organic heterointerfaces are promising systems for next-generation photocatalytic, photovoltaic, and chemical-sensing applications. Their performance relies strongly on the development of robust and reliable surface passivation and functionalization protocols with (sub)molecular control. The structure, stability, and chemistry of the semiconductor surface determine the functionality of the hybrid assembly.

Role of Different Receptor-Surface Binding Modes in the Morphological and Electrochemical Properties of Peptide-Nucleic-Acid-Based Sensing Platforms.

Label-free detection of charged biomolecules, such as DNA, has experienced an increase in research activity in recent years, mainly to obviate the need for elaborate and expensive pretreatments for labeling target biomolecules. A promising label-free approach is based on the detection of changes in the electrical surface potential on biofunctionalized silicon field-effect devices. These devices require a reliable and selective immobilization of charged biomolecules on the device surface.

Functionalization of small platinum nanoparticles with amines and phosphines: Ligand binding modes and particle stability.

We report the binding mode of amines and phosphines on platinum nanoparticles. Protective ligands comprising different functional groups are systematically studied for the elucidation of ligand binding at different functionalization conditions. From the functionalization conditions it is concluded that the binding of amines to the nanoparticles occurs via the formation of a PtHN moiety or electrostatic interaction, which is supported by spectroscopic evidences.