Probing nanoscale functionalities of metal–organic framework nanocrystals

Nanoscale thermal probing

Nanoscale novel devices have raised the demand for nanoscale thermal characterization that is critical for evaluating the device performance and durability. Achieving nanoscale spatial resolution and high accuracy in temperature measurement is very challenging due to the limitation of measurement pathways. In this review, we discuss four methodologies currently developed in nanoscale surface im...

Synthetic and bio-hybrid nanoscale layers with tailored surface functionalities

We examine the prospective routes for the design of synthetic/biomacromolecular/inorganic film assemblies for photothermal cell based on biomimetic approach. We demonstrate examples of channel proteins immobilized onto surfaces of silicon single crystals modified with Langmuir–Blodgett and self-assembled monolayers. These proteins can be immobilized in intact, closed-pore conformation. Their st...

Probing nanoscale deformations of a fluctuating interface

We consider the contribution of thermal capillary waves to the interaction between a fluid-fluid interface and a nearby nanoparticle. Fluctuations are described thanks to an effective interaction potential which is derived using the renormalization group. The general theory is then applied to a spherical particle interacting with the interface through van der Waals forces. Surprisingly enough, ...

Probing nanoscale ferroelectricity by ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy.

We demonstrated that ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy is an effective technique to measure the transition temperature (Tc) in ferroelectric ultrathin films and superlattices. We showed that one-unit-cell-thick BaTiO3 layers in BaTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices are not only ferroelectric (with Tc as high as 250 kelvin) but also polarize the quantum paraelectric SrTiO3 layers adjacent to them. Tc was tun...

Probing Nanoscale Structures – the sans Toolbox