Characterization oxide nanomaterials

In this chapter, we review the recent progress in the development of different metal oxide nanoparticles with various shapes and size for fabrication of biosensors. The development of metal oxide nanomaterials surface film for direct electron exchange between electrodes and redox enzymes and proteins will be summarizing. The electrochemical properties, stability and biocatalytic activity of the proposed biosensors will be discussed. The biocompatibility of the metal oxide nanomaterials for enzymes and biomolecules will be evaluated. We will briefly describe some techniques for the investigation of proteins and enzymes when adsorbed to the electrode surfaces. Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy and surface imaging techniques were used for surface characterization and bioactivity measuring. 

However, the exceptional size-specific behavior of nanomaterials in combination with their relatively large surface-to-volume ratio might result in potential risk for human health and the environment [26-28]. For example, fullerene (C60) particles suspended in water are characterized by antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis [29] and by cytotoxicity to human cell lines [30]. Single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CWCNTs and MWCNTs) are toxic to human cells as well [31, 32]. Nano-sized silicon oxide (Si02), anatase (Ti02), and zinc oxide (ZnO) can induce pulmonary inflammation in rodents and humans [33-35],... 

Rare-earth nanomaterials find numerous applications as phosphors, catalysts, permanent magnets, fuel cell electrodes and electrolytes, hard alloys, and superconductors. Yan and coauthors focus on inorganic non-metallic rare-earth nanomaterials prepared using chemical synthesis routes, more specifically, prepared via various solution-based routes. Recent discoveries in s)mthesis and characterization of properties of rare-earth nanomaterials are systematically reviewed. The authors begin with ceria and other rare-earth oxides, and then move to oxysalts, halides, sulfides, and oxysulfides. In addition to comprehensive description of s)mthesis routes that lead to a variety of nanoforms of these interesting materials, the authors pay special attention to summarizing most important properties and their relationships to peculiar structural features of nanomaterials s)mthesized over the last 10-15 years. 

This experimental investigation focuses on the preparation of polycrystalline magnesium oxide nanorods via capillary-driven infiltration of a precursor solution into the cylindrical pores of a track-etched polycarbonate membrane followed by thennal decomposition procedure. The nanomaterial was fully characterized by SEM, EDX,... 

The toxic effects of nanoparticles have not been clearly characterized. Based on analogy to fibers and particles and what we know about their toxicity and mechanisms, it seems possible that some nanomaterials may act similarly as those carcinogenic fibers and particles. It has been suggested that carbon nanotubes could have features of both nanoparticles and fibers and may exhibit some of their effects through oxidative stress and infianunation (Donaldson et al. 2006). Nanoparticles of... 

This article reviews the synthesis, characterization, and applications of rare earth oxide and snlphide nanomaterials. Special focus is placed on nanoparticulate materials and the description on nanoscale films and bulk nanoporous materials are intentionally excluded. In the first section, the synthesis methods of nanoparticles in general are reviewed, and examples of the production of rare earth oxides and sulphides are presented. The second section deals with the applications of rare earth oxides and sulphides, and they are discussed in relation to the unique properties of nanoscale particles. 

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