Modular and Integrated Systems for Nanoparticle and Microparticle Synthesis—A Review

Nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) have been widely used in different areas of research such as materials science, energy, and biotechnology. On-demand synthesis of NPs and MPs with desired chemical and physical properties is essential for different applications. However, most of the conventional methods for producing NPs/MPs require bulky and expensive equipment, which occupies large space and generally need complex operation with dedicated expertise and labour. These limitations hinder inexperienced researchers to harness the advantages of NPs and MPs in their fields of research. When problems individual researchers accumulate, the overall interdisciplinary innovations for unleashing a wider range of directions are undermined. In recent years, modular and integrated systems are developed for resolving the ongoing dilemma. In this review, we focus on the development of modular and integrated systems that assist the production of NPs and MPs. We categorise these systems into two major groups: systems for the synthesis of (1) NPs and (2) MPs; systems for producing NPs are further divided into two sections based on top-down and bottom-up approaches. The mechanisms of each synthesis method are explained, and the properties of produced NPs/MPs are compared. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and outline the potentials for the development of modular and integrated systems.

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Speculative Emergence: A Form Finding Technique

10.32920/ryerson.14665464.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emily Mutch

Keyword(s):

Integrated Systems ◽

Design Practice ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Top Down ◽

Form Finding ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Central Tenet ◽

Interacting Systems ◽

A Site ◽

Building Practice

Emergence is a result of a complex assembly of interacting systems, which can potentially result in novel patterns and formations. As a result, emergence may be linked to the natural generation of diverse properties. Currently, there exists a distinct knowledge gap between the complex and adaptable systems as seen in nature, and the deterministic, pre-planned approach of current architectural building practice. In order to approach emergence and its inherently novel form for development as a new central tenet to architectural ‘evolution’, we would need to be less reliant on following deterministic, heavy handed, top-down design practice. By embracing systems thinking, we can work to relinquish old identities and permit emergence into new forms and structures. This requires questioning and speculating how integrated systems within a site can be understood, and as a result an emergent architecture developed through a bottom-up approach may be achieved. This thesis will examine speculative emergence to improve our understanding of bottom up design strategies. The exploration of emergent potentials may lead to an architecture of positive change, away from the deterministic design practice which maintains a stronghold within the architectural world.

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Speculative Emergence: A Form Finding Technique

10.32920/ryerson.14665464 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emily Mutch

Keyword(s):

Integrated Systems ◽

Design Practice ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Top Down ◽

Form Finding ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Central Tenet ◽

Interacting Systems ◽

A Site ◽

Building Practice

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Synthesis of graphene: Potential carbon precursors and approaches

Nanotechnology Reviews ◽

10.1515/ntrev-2020-0100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 1284-1314

Author(s):

Yuxin Yan ◽

Fathima Zahra Nashath ◽

Sharon Chen ◽

Sivakumar Manickam ◽

Siew Shee Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Synthesis Method ◽

Chemical Vapour ◽

Synthesis Methods ◽

Top Down ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Graphene Synthesis ◽

Common Precursor ◽

Wide Range ◽

Fit For Purpose

Abstract Graphene is an advanced carbon functional material with inherent unique properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can be synthesized through either the top–down approach involving delamination of graphitic materials or the bottom–up approach involving graphene assembly from smaller building units. Common top–down approaches are exfoliation and reduction while bottom–up approaches include chemical vapour deposition, epitaxial growth, and pyrolysis. A range of materials have been successfully used as precursors in various synthesis methods to derive graphene. This review analyses and discusses the suitability of conventional, plant- and animal-derived, chemical, and fossil precursors for graphene synthesis. Together with its associated technical feasibility and economic and environmental impacts, the quality of resultant graphene is critically assessed and discussed. After evaluating the parameters mentioned above, the most appropriate synthesis method for each precursor is identified. While graphite is currently the most common precursor for graphene synthesis, several other precursors have the potential to synthesize graphene of comparable, if not better, quality and yield. Thus, this review provides an overview and insights into identifying the potential of various carbon precursors for large-scale and commercial production of fit-for-purpose graphene for specific applications.

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(Metallo)porphyrins for potential materials science applications

Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology ◽

10.3762/bjnano.8.180 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 1786-1800 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Lars Smykalla ◽

Carola Mende ◽

Michael Fronk ◽

Pablo F Siles ◽

Michael Hietschold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thin Films ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Application Potential

The bottom-up approach to replace existing devices by molecular-based systems is a subject that attracts permanently increasing interest. Molecular-based devices offer not only to miniaturize the device further, but also to benefit from advanced functionalities of deposited molecules. Furthermore, the molecules itself can be tailored to allow via their self-assembly the potential fabrication of devices with an application potential, which is still unforeseeable at this time. Herein, we review efforts to use discrete (metallo)porphyrins for the formation of (sub)monolayers by surface-confined polymerization, of monolayers formed by supramolecular recognition and of thin films formed by sublimation techniques. Selected physical properties of these systems are reported as well. The application potential of those ensembles of (metallo)porphyrins in materials science is discussed.

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The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach: A synthesis method for enhancing theory development in ecology and evolution

10.32942/osf.io/6a85f ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Tina Heger ◽

Carlos Aguilar ◽

Isabelle Bartram ◽

Raul Rennó Braga ◽

Gregory P. Dietl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Big Data ◽

Structure Data ◽

Evolutionary Biology ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Synthesis Method ◽

Theory Development ◽

Top Down ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Empirical Results ◽

Develop Theory

In the current era of Big Data, existing synthesis tools (e.g. formal meta-analysis) are useful for handling the deluge of data and information. However, there is a need for complementary tools that help to (i) structure data and information, (ii) closely connect evidence to theory and (iii) further develop theory. We present the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) approach to address these issues. In an HoH, hypotheses are conceptually and visually structured in a hierarchically nested way, where the lower branches can be directly connected to empirical results. Used as an evidence-driven, bottom-up approach, it can (i) show connections between empirical results, even when derived through diverse approaches; and (ii) indicate under which circumstances hypotheses are applicable. Used as a theory-driven, top-down method, it helps uncover mechanistic components of hypotheses. We offer guidance on how to build an HoH, provide examples from population and evolutionary biology and propose terminological clarifications.

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