Photoluminescent Silica Nanostructures and Nanohybrids.

The complicated photophysics of wide variety of defects existing in silica (SiO ) layer of nanometer thickness determines widespread photoluminescence bands of Si/SiO based system as well as SiO nanoparticles (NPs) for their applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. This review attempts to summarize different photophysical processes in pure SiO NPs. Moreover, these NPs also act as scaffolds for various guest molecules to perform their specific functions.

Photophysical Pathways in Highly Sensitive Cs AgBiBr Double-Perovskite Single-Crystal X-Ray Detectors.

The sensitive detection of X-rays embodies an important research area, being motivated by a common desire to minimize the radiation doses required for detection. Among metal halide perovskites, the double-perovskite Cs AgBiBr system has emerged as a promising candidate for the detection of X-rays, capable of high X-ray stability and sensitivity (105 μC Gy cm ). Herein, the important photophysical pathways in single-crystal Cs AgBiBr are detailed at both room (RT) and liquid-nitrogen (LN T) temperatures, with emphasis made toward understanding the carrier dynamics that influence X-ray sensitivity.

Giant Electron-Phonon Coupling and Deep Conduction Band Resonance in Metal Halide Double Perovskite.

The room-temperature charge carrier mobility and excitation-emission properties of metal halide perovskites are governed by their electronic band structures and intrinsic lattice phonon scattering mechanisms. Establishing how charge carriers interact within this scenario will have far-reaching consequences for developing high-efficiency materials for optoelectronic applications. Herein we evaluate the charge carrier scattering properties and conduction band environment of the double perovskite CsAgBiBr via a combinatorial approach; single crystal X-ray diffraction, optical excitation and temperature-dependent emission spectroscopy, resonant and nonresonant Raman scattering, further supported by first-principles calculations.

The Extracellular Zn Concentration Surrounding Excited Neurons Is High Enough to Bind Amyloid-β Revealed by a Nanowire Transistor.

The Zn stored in the secretory vesicles of glutamatergic neurons is coreleased with glutamate upon stimulation, resulting in the elevation of extracellular Zn concentration (CZn2+ex). This elevation of CZn2+ex regulates the neurotransmission and facilitates the fibrilization of amyloid-β (Aβ). However, the exact CZn2+ex surrounding neurons under (patho)physiological conditions is not clear and the connection between CZn2+ex and the Aβ fibrilization remains obscure.

Differential Releases of Dopamine and Neuropeptide Y from Histamine-Stimulated PC12 Cells Detected by an Aptamer-Modified Nanowire Transistor.

Silicon nanowire field-effect transistors modified with specific aptamers can directly detect the minute dopamine and neuropeptide Y released from cells. The binding of these molecules to the aptamers results in a conductance change of the transistor biosensor and illustrates the differential releasing mechanisms of these molecules stored in various vesicle pools.

A novel di-triazole based peptide as a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ ions.

A di-triazole based peptide has been synthesised by copper catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition. Fluorescence intensity is enhanced selectively in the presence of Zn(2+), which is ascribed to reversal of photoelectron transfer. Compound 7 was found to self-assemble in the presence of Zn(ClO(4))(2) in an exclusive 2:1 ratio, which is supported by (1)H NMR titration and mass spectral data.

Photoluminescent silica nanotubes and nanodisks prepared by the reverse micelle sol-gel method.

The reverse micelle sol-gel method was used earlier to prepare silica nanotubes, in aerosol OT/n-heptane/water microemulsions containing FeCl(3). The present communication reports the remarkable effect of the amount of water in the microemulsions on the shape, size, and spectral properties of the silica nanostructures formed. Nanotubes are formed, as expected, at lower water contents.

Cryptand cage: perfect skeleton for transition metal induced two-step fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Attachment of three different fluorophores to an aza-oxa cryptand (L) gives a transition-metal ion induced two-step fluorescence resonance energy transfer system.