Development of Clay ‐Based Films
Abstract Phyllosilicate (clay) is used as a filler to improve the thermal stability and gas barrier properties of plastic films. However, few film preparation trials used clays as the main component. Many researchers have studied clay‐based films (CBFs) that are heat‐resistant and have high gas barrier properties against various gases (such as oxygen, water vapor, and hydrogen) over a wide range of temperatures. An organic binder improves the film toughness, but increases gas permeation. CBFs are obtained by solution casting and show excellent incombustibility and electrical insulation. Moreover, transparent films, e....
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - February 6, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Takeo Ebina Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Driving the Crystallization of Zeolites
Abstract The synthesis of zeolites with new structures and/or improved properties heavily relies on trial and error efforts that are not entirely blind, as the large empirical background accumulated for the last 7 decades can be, to some extent, rationalized and purposefully used to make new materials. The so‐called structure‐directing factors may be combined to promote (or frustrate) the crystallization of a particular structure. This personal account opens with the concept of geoinspiration, as suggested by Prof. Ruiz‐Hitzky, and its application to zeolite synthesis. We then provide a concise overview of structure...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - February 1, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Peng Lu, L. A. Villaescusa, M. A. Camblor Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Recent Advances in Ring ‐Opening Functionalization of Cycloalkanols by C–C σ‐Bond Cleavage
Abstract Cycloalkanols prove to be privileged precursors for the synthesis of distally substituted alkyl ketones and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by virtue of cleavage of their cyclic C−C bonds. Direct functionalization of cyclobutanols to build up other chemical bonds (e. g., C−F, C−Cl, C−Br, C−N, C−S, C−Se, C−C, etc.) has been achieved by using the ring‐opening strategy. Mechanistically, the C−C cleavage of cyclobutanols can be involved in two pathways: (a) transition‐metal catalyzed β‐carbon elimination; (b) radical‐mediated ‘radical clock’‐type ring opening. The recent adva...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - February 1, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Xinxin Wu, Chen Zhu Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Hybrid Interfaces in Molecular Spintronics
Abstract Molecular/inorganic multilayer heterostructures are gaining attention in molecular electronics and more recently in new generation spintronic devices. The intrinsic properties of molecular materials as low cost, tuneability, or long spin lifetimes were the original reasons behind their implementation. However, the non‐innocent role played by these hybrid interfaces is a determinant factor in the device performance. In this account we will give an overview about different types of hybrid molecular system/ferromagnet interfaces, which can be of direct application in molecular spintronics. This includes the inserti...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - February 1, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Alicia Forment ‐Aliaga, Eugenio Coronado Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Electromagnetic Shielding Materials in GHz Range
Abstract The state‐of‐the art in the design and the manufacture methods of the different electromagnetic shielding materials has been reviewed. This topic has become a mainstream field of research because of the electromagnetic pollution generated by telecommunication technology development. The review is centred in absorbent materials and shows a general overview of how the absorption properties of such composites can be tailored through changes in geometry, composition, morphology, and the filler particles content. Although different types of materials are explained, the text is mainly focused on carbon materials suc...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 30, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Marta Gonz ález, Javier Pozuelo, Juan Baselga Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Halloysite Nanotubes: Green Nanomaterial for Functional Organic ‐Inorganic Nanohybrids
Abstract The unique one‐dimensional nanoporous structure and the reactive external and internal surfaces make halloysite nanotube (HNT) an interesting nanomaterial for various applications. HNT is a green nanomaterial because it is easily available from abundant deposits in nature and is biocompatible with low cytotoxicity. After a brief introduction on the structure of HNT, recent advances in surface modification of HNT and its functional organic‐inorganic nanohybrids including hybrid nanocontainers, flame retardant nanocomposites, dye removal adsorbents, liquid marbles, and superamphiphobic coatings are introduced. (...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 17, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Wei Ma, Hui Wu, Yuji Higaki, Atsushi Takahara Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Nano Silver Vanadate AgVO3:Synthesis, New Functionalities and Applications
Abstract Silver vanadates have been widely investigated because of their many interesting properties and their potential use in several applications. In addition to this, a large number of groups have investigated silver vanadates in the form of nanostructures. Here, we address first the synthesis and properties of nanosilver vanadate. Different techniques, such as precipitation, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal treatment, and sol‐gel, are among the methods that have been employed for the controlled synthesis of silver vanadate. The use of nanosilver vanadate for the development of novel electronic devices, catalysts,...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 11, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Ana Paula de  Melo Monteiro, Raphael Dias Holtz, Leandro Carneiro Fonseca, Carlos Henrique Zanini Martins, Marcelo de Sousa, Luis Augusto Visani de Luna, Djalma Lucas de Sousa Maia, Oswaldo Luiz Alves Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Epoxy Nanocomposites filled with Carbon Nanoparticles
Abstract Over the past decades, the development of high performance lightweight polymer nanocomposites and, in particular, of epoxy nanocomposites has become one the greatest challenges in material science. The ultimate goal of epoxy nanocomposites is to extrapolate the exceptional intrinsic properties of the nanoparticles to the bulk matrix. However, in spite of the efforts, this objective is still to be attained at commercially attractive scales. Key aspects to achieve this are ultimately the full understanding of network structure, the dispersion degree of the nanoparticles, the interfacial adhesion at the phase boundar...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 10, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: M. Martin ‐Gallego, V. Yuste‐Sanchez, R. Sanchez‐Hidalgo, R. Verdejo, M.A. Lopez‐Manchado Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Halloysite Nanotubes for Cleaning, Consolidation and Protection
Abstract Herein, we report our recent research concerning the development of halloysite based protocols for cleaning, consolidation and protection purposes. Surface modification of halloysite cavity by anionic surfactants was explored to fabricate inorganic micelles able to solubilize hydrophobic contaminants. Hybrid dispersions based on halloysite and ecocompatible polymers were tested as consolidants for paper and waterlogged archaeological woods. Encapsulation of deacidifying and flame retardant agents within the halloysite lumen was conducted with aim to obtain nanofiller with a long‐term protection ability. The resu...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 10, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto, Filippo Parisi Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Precise Synthesis of Well ‐defined Inorganic‐organic Hybrid Particles
Abstract Synthesis of hybrid particles toward precisely designed hierarchical nanoarchitectures is summarized. In order to satisfy the demands for a variety of materials’ performances, the selection of materials, composition and synthesis is carefully done. Flow reactors are one of the useful synthetic means to prepare hybrid materials, especially those with hierarchically and precisely designed multi‐components hybrid particles, owing to the efficient mixing and heat exchange in the reactor as well as its connectable (both parallel and sequential) feature. In this review article, after the summary of the preparation o...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 10, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Kota Shiba, Makoto Ogawa Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Splitting Water by Electrochemistry and Artificial Photosynthesis: Excellent Science but a Nightmare of Translation?
Abstract Water splitting to its elements, either by electrochemistry or by solar light, is among the most covered areas in nanostructured functional materials. This personal account article analyzes potential downstream translation problems and reviews alternative chemistries with a potential higher return. Liberation of oxygen for accepting the holes is a kinetically demanding half reaction afflicted with kinetic hindrances and high overpotentials, while at the same time no marketable value is created (atmospheric oxygen is free to use). In spite of exciting science created, application in real industrial set‐ups is cur...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 10, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Markus Antonietti, Alexandr Savateev Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Hydrogen Storage in Porous Materials: Status, Milestones, and Challenges
Abstract In this account the most relevant advancements in hydrogen storage in porous materials are presented. These include the current state‐of‐the‐art, the challenges which have been overcome, and the hurdles which still remain. The most important milestones which will be discussed in this work will be the development of new apparatuses capable of delivering reliable results under a broad range of operational conditions, in which analysis temperature and pressure are critical parameters. Other aspects such as the materials storage capacity in gravimetric and volumetric terms will be critically discussed to identif...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 9, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Ángel Berenguer‐Murcia, Juan Pablo Marco‐Lozar, Diego Cazorla‐Amorós Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Layered Double Hydroxide ‐Based Functional Nanohybrids as Controlled Release Carriers of Pharmaceutically Active Ingredients
Abstract The chemical stability, degradation and penetration ability of pharmaceutically active ingredients in topical formulations are the greatest challenges because of problems with the protection of actives for long times and with delivery. Therefore, the development of unique and efficient substrate material is vital for their protection and controlled drug release. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) known as hydrotalcite like compounds possess positive charges due to isomorphic substitutions, which are counterbalanced by hydrated exchangeable anions located in the interlayer region. Some of the active ingredient molecu...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 9, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Suprakas Sinha Ray, Damodar Mosangi, Sreejarani Pillai Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Advanced Inorganic Nanosystems for Skin Drug Delivery
Abstract On/into/through the skin drug delivery represents an attractive alternative for the oral route, providing local and/or systemic drug delivery. Due to its complex and well‐organised structure, most of the drugs show difficulties to penetrate the human skin. Therefore, enormous efforts have been invested to develop intelligent drug delivery systems overcoming the skin barrier with particular emphasis on increasing therapeutic activity and minimizing undesirable side‐effects. Most of these strategies require the use of singular materials with new properties. In particular, and on the basis of their inherent prope...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 5, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: E. Carazo, A. Borrego ‐Sánchez, F. García‐Villén, R. Sánchez‐Espejo, P. Cerezo, C. Aguzzi, C. Viseras Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Nanoparticles Formed Onto/Into Halloysite Clay Tubules: Architectural Synthesis and Applications
Abstract Nanoparticles, being objects with high surface area are prone to agglomeration. Immobilization onto solid supports is a promising method to increase their stability and it allows for scalable industrial applications, such as metal nanoparticles adsorbed to mesoporous ceramic carriers. Tubular nanoclay – halloysite – can be an efficient solid support, enabling the fast and practical architectural (inside / outside) synthesis of stable metal nanoparticles. The obtained halloysite‐nanoparticle composites can be employed as advanced catalysts, ion‐conducting membrane modifiers, inorganic pigments, and optical ...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 4, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Vladimir A. Vinokurov, Anna V. Stavitskaya, Aleksandr P. Glotov, Andrei A. Novikov, Anna V. Zolotukhina, Mikhail S. Kotelev, Pawel A. Gushchin, Evgenii V. Ivanov, Yusuf Darrat, Yuri M. Lvov Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research