Plasma-Driven Photocatalysis Based on Gold Nanoporous Arrays

Various effects caused by surface plasmons including enhanced electromagnetic field, local heating, and excited electrons/holes can not only redistribute the electromagnetic field in the time domain and space but also redistribute the excited carriers and drive chemical reactions. In this study, firstly, an Au nanoporous array photocatalyst with the arrayed gauge was prepared by means of the anodic alumina template. Then, the formation of 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) by the surface plasmon-driven photocatalysis under 633 nm laser irradiation was investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy using aminothiophenol (PATP) as a probe molecule on gold nananoporous arrays. In addition, sodium borohydride was introduced in situ to realize the reverse photocatalytic reaction driven by the surface plasma. With the help of FDTD software, the plasma distribution characteristics on the surface of Au nanoporous arrays were simulated and analyzed. Through this practical method, it is expected to draw specific graphics, letters, and Chinese characters on the micro/nano scale, and realize the functions of graphics drawing, information encryption, reading, and erasing on the micro/nano scale.

Preparation of Ni micropillar arrays with high aspect ratios using anodic porous alumina template and their application to molds for imprinting

Ni micropillar array with high aspect ratio prepared using anodic porous alumina.

Fabrication of CoFe2O4 Nanowire Using a Double-Pass Porous Alumina Template with a Large Range of Pore Diameters

In this work, CoFe2O4 nanowire was fabricated by using a self-designed double-pass porous alumina template. The double-pass porous alumina template was prepared by a two-step oxidation method using a mixed acid (phosphoric acid and oxalic acid) electrolyte and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) filler. The combustion of aluminum foil at a high voltage has been effectively resolved by using this mixed acid electrolyte. Additionally, the range of pore diameters has been obviously increased to 230–400 nm by using PMMA as the filler, which can prevent contact between the pore and solution when removing the barrier layer. Subsequently, CoFe2O4 ferrite nanowire arrays were successfully fabricated into the double-pass porous alumina template by an electrochemical deposition method, and show an anisotropic feature of magnetic properties.

Electrochemical Behaviour of Ti/Al2O3/Ni Nanocomposite Material in Artificial Physiological Solution: Prospects for Biomedical Application

Inorganic-based nanoelements such as nanoparticles (nanodots), nanopillars and nanowires, which have at least one dimension of 100 nm or less, have been extensively developed for biomedical applications. Furthermore, their properties can be varied by controlling such parameters as element shape, size, surface functionalization, and mutual interactions. In this study, Ni-alumina nanocomposite material was synthesized by the dc-Ni electrodeposition into a porous anodic alumina template (PAAT). The structural, morphological, and corrosion properties were studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemical techniques (linear sweep voltammetry). Template technology was used to obtain Ni nanopillars (NiNPs) in the PAAT nanocomposite. Low corrosion current densities (order of 0.5 µA/cm2) were indicators of this nanocomposite adequate corrosion resistance in artificial physiological solution (0.9% NaCl). A porous anodic alumina template is barely exposed to corrosion and performs protective functions in the composite. The results may be useful for the development of new nanocomposite materials technologies for a variety of biomedical applications including catalysis and nanoelectrodes for sensing and fuel cells. They are also applicable for various therapeutic purposes including targeting, diagnosis, magnetic hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Therefore, it is an ambitious task to research the corrosion resistance of these magnetic nanostructures in simulated body fluid.