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Micrometer Scale (micrometer + scale)
Selected AbstractsIon-Exchange Plasma Membranes for Fuel Cells on a Micrometer Scale,CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION, Issue 6-7 2007S. Roualdès Abstract Recent advances in,miniaturization technology make polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells very attractive as power sources for portable devices. Ion-exchange membranes for microscale fuel cells are synthesized by plasma polymerization (using a precursor containing ion-exchange groups) and intensively characterized. Ion-exchange plasma membranes are thin, amorphous, and dense materials with no defects. Spectroscopic analyses reveal a polymer-type matrix containing a rather high concentration of ion-exchange groups. Under the best synthesis conditions, membranes show a satisfying ionic conduction level and a high compatibility with other active layers of fuel cells, making them suitable for insertion in such power-supply devices. [source] Embryonic States of Fluorapatite,Gelatine Nanocomposites and Their Intrinsic Electric-Field-Driven Morphogenesis: The Missing Link on the Way from Atomistic Simulations to Pattern Formation on the MesoscaleADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 22 2009Paul Simon Abstract The shape development of fluorapatite (FAP),gelatine nanocomposites is revealed by means of HRTEM investigations starting from molecular dimensions up to the formation of mesoscaled (elongated) hexagonal prisms. The composite nature of the aggregates is proved by IR spectroscopy and by chemical analyses on all states of shape development. The initial states are characterized by triple-helical fiber protein bundles, which are mineralized step-by-step forming and fixing nanoplatelets of FAP in a mosaic arrangement. After being fully mineralized the bundles form elongated composite nanoboards. In the next step of the growth process the boards aggregate to bundles of boards which are in a more or less parallel alignment with respect to each other. By adding up more and more composite nanoboards a critical size is reached and an electric field is developed, which takes over control and directs the further development of the aggregates. This kind of electric-field-directed growth of the elongated polar nanoboards additionally leads to the formation and inclusion of protein nanofibrils into the growing composite aggregate. By this method, cone-like nanofibril structures develop along the long axis of the aggregates accompanied by more perfect parallel alignment of the composite boards within the aggregates. Further shape development is characterized by adding up composite nanoboards, in particular to increase the third dimension in volume. This thickening process preferably takes place in the middle part of the elongated aggregates and finally proceeds to their basal ends until a perfect hexagonal prismatic seed is formed, which then is ready for further shape development on the micrometer scale. [source] Recent advances in microdevices for electrochemical energy conversion and storageINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 6-7 2007Gerardo Jose La O' Abstract The application of silicon microfabrication technologies to electrochemical devices allows reduction of overall device package to potentially increase volumetric power densities. This review first focuses on some exciting developments in microfuel cells, in particular, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The emphasis is given to innovative 2D processing methods, novel 2D architectures of microfuel cells, and demonstrated performance in terms of area power densities. Emerging 3D fabrication techniques that are potentially promising to produce 3D electrochemical devices such as 3D cell and stack architectures on the micrometer scale will then be discussed. Lastly this paper highlights some new opportunities in electrode kinetics studies enabled by microfabricated devices,investigation of scaling relationship between microelectrodes and electrochemical responses, which has led to improved fundamental understanding of electrode reactions and rate-limiting steps. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Polymer chemistry in flow: New polymers, beads, capsules, and fibersJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 22 2006Jeremy L. Steinbacher Abstract The union between polymer science and microfluidics is reviewed. Fluids in microreactors allow the synthesis of a wide range of polymeric materials with unique properties. We begin by discussing the important fluid dynamics that dominate the behavior of fluids on the micrometer scale. We then progress through a comprehensive analysis of the polymeric materials synthesized to date. This highlight concludes with an overview of the methods used to make microreactors. We enthusiastically endorse microreactors as a powerful approach to making materials with controlled properties, although we have tried to provide a critical eye to help the nonexpert enter the field. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6505,6533, 2006 [source] Spherical ordered mesoporous silicas and silica monoliths as stationary phases for liquid chromatographyJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 6 2006Anne Galarneau Abstract Ordered mesoporous silicas such as micelle-templated silicas (MTS) feature unique textural properties in addition to their high surface area (,1000 m2/g): narrow mesopore size distributions and controlled pore connectivity. These characteristics are highly relevant to chromatographic applications for resistance to mass transfer, which has never been studied in chromatography because of the absence of model materials such as MTS. Their synthesis is based on unique self-assembly processes between surfactants and silica. In order to take advantage of the perfectly adjustable texture of MTS in chromatographic applications, their particle morphology has to be tailored at the micrometer scale. We developed a synthesis strategy to control the particle morphology of MTS using the concept of pseudomorphic transformation. Pseudomorphism was recognized in the mineral world to gain a mineral that presents a morphology not related to its crystallographic symmetry group. Pseudomorphic transformations have been applied to amorphous spherical silica particles usually used in chromatography as stationary phases to produce MTS with the same morphology, using alkaline solution to dissolve progressively and locally silica and reprecipitate it around surfactant micelles into ordered MTS structures. Spherical beads of MTS with hexagonal and cubic symmetries have been synthesized and successfully used in HPLC in fast separation processes. MTS with a highly connected structure (cubic symmetry), uniform pores with a diameter larger than 6 nm in the form of particles of 5 ,m could compete with monolithic silica columns. Monolithic columns are receiving strong interest and represent a milestone in the area of fast separation. Their synthesis is a sol-gel process based on phase separation between silica and water, which is assisted by the presence of polymers. The control of the synthesis of monolithic silica has been systematically explored. Because of unresolved yet cladding problems to evaluate the resulting macromonoliths in HPLC, micromonoliths were synthesized into fused-silica capillaries and evaluated by nano-LC and CEC. Only CEC allows to gain high column efficiencies in fast separation processes. Capillary silica monolithic columns represent attractive alternatives for miniaturization processes (lab-on-a chip) using CEC. [source] Combining two structural techniques on the micrometer scale: micro-XAS and micro-Raman spectroscopyJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 5 2007V. Briois X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopies are complementary in the sense that both give very precise information about the local structure of a sample, both are not restricted to crystalline materials, and in both cases the volumes of the material probed are similar. The X-ray technique has the advantage of being element- and orbital-selective, and sensitive to orientational effects owing to polarization selection rules. In many cases, however, its analysis can present some ambiguity. Combining the two techniques on a micrometer scale could therefore be a very powerful method structurally. In this paper the experimental set-up developed at the LUCIA beamline and its application to a natural mineral are described. [source] High-Temperature Hydroxylation and Surface Corrosion of 2/1-Mullite Single Crystals in Water Vapor EnvironmentsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 9 2006Nadine Eils 2/1-mullite single crystal (001) plates with thicknesses between 0.9 and 1.9 mm were exposed for 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 h at 1670°C to a slowly flowing (100 mL/min) water-rich gas mixture (O2/H2O 80/20). Under the given experimental conditions, 2/1-mullite yielded significant amounts of structurally bound OH groups across the bulk and decomposition of the crystal surface on a micrometer scale. Decomposition products are (i) sodium-containing silicon-rich alumino silicate glass formed from melt and (ii) ,-alumina, which crystallizes within melt cavities. The crystal plates that are free of any OH absorption before the corrosion experiments show a steep increase in OH absorption intensity up to 3 h of corrosion and a flattening toward longer times of exposure. The evaluation of OH intensity profiles implies an effective diffusion coefficient DH in the range between 1.5 and 2.5 × 10,7 cm2/s. [source] Synthesis of Biomorphous Nickel Oxide from a Pinewood Template and Investigation on a Hierarchical Porous StructureJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2006Zhaoting Liu The hydrothermal synthesis of biomorphous nickel oxide (NiO) with pine template and nickel nitrate precursor is reported here. The morphology, porosity and connectivity of porous products in different length scales were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption measurements. Their porous structures were found to be hierarchical from 1 up to 25 ,m (in micrometer scale) and from 2 nm to 60 nm (in nanometer scale). Furthermore, depending on the heat-treatment temperatures, the porosity of the pine-templated NiO can be designed. [source] Inversion domain boundaries in GaN studied by X-ray microprobePHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI - RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS, Issue 1-2 2010Gema Martínez-Criado Abstract In this study, we report on the application of synchrotron spectro-microscopic techniques to the examination of inversion domain boundaries formed intentionally in a GaN-based lateral polarity heterostructure. Using X-ray sub-microbeams, no evidence of field-driven electrodiffusion effects has been observed on spatially separated inversion domain boundaries. In addition, XANES data around the Ga K-edge strongly supported hexagonal Ga site configurations, suggesting high local order reconstruction. Based on inner-shell excited luminescence on the micrometer scale, the uniform spectral distribution of the radiative centers was discussed. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] FePt thin film irradiated with high energy ionsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007M. Jaafar Abstract The changes in structural and magnetic properties of FePt thin films due to the irradiation with high energy ions (Br7+ and Cl2+) were studied. From the hysteresis loops dominating in-plane anisotropy is derived, however, the samples present a minor out-of-plane component. The structure and the magnetic properties of the films can be tuned by selecting the appropriate irradiation parameters (different ions, energies and fluencies). For the irradiation parameters used in this study an in-plane anisotropy is favoured. Irradiation with Br7+ seems to induce minor changes in the structural ordering of the thin films, whereas the Cl2+ ions promote the amorphization of the surface of the films. In addition, a magnetic thin film patterned at the micrometer scale was obtained after irradiation through a micrometric mask. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Electrochemical Modulation of Remote Fluorescence Imaging at an Ordered Opto-electrochemical Nanoaperture ArrayCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 8 2004Arnaud Chovin Abstract An array of nanometer-sized apertures capable of electrochemically modulating the fluorescence of a model analyte is presented. The device, which combines near-field optical methods and ultramicroelectrode properties in an array format, is based on an etched coherent optical fiber bundle. Indeed, the fabrication steps produced an ordered array where each optical nanoaperture is surrounded by a ring-shaped gold nanoelectrode. The chronoamperometric behavior of the array shows stable diffusion-limited quasi-steady-state response. The model analyte, tris(2,2,-bipyridine) ruthenium, emits fluorescence in the Ru(II) state, but not in the oxidized Ru(III) state. Fluorescence is excited by visible light exiting from each nanoaperture since light is confined to the tip apex by the gold coating. A fraction of the isotropically emitted luminescence is collected by the same nanoaperture, transmitted by the corresponding fiber core and eventually detected by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The array format provides a fluorescence image resolved at the nanometric scale which covers a large micrometric area. Therefore the high-density array plays a bridging role between these two fundamental scales. We established that the opto-electrochemical nanoapertures are optically independent. Fluorescence of the sample collected by each nanoaperture is modulated by changing the potential of the nanoring electrodes. Reversible electrochemical switching of remote fluorescence imaging is performed through the opto-electrochemical nanoaperture array itself. Eventually this ordered structure of nanometer light sources which are electrochemically manipulated provides promising photonic or electro-optical devices for various future applications. For example, such an array has potential in the development of a combined SNOM-electrochemical nanoprobe array to image a real sample concomitantly at the nanometer and micrometer scale. [source] Highly Extensible Bio-Nanocomposite Films with Direction-Dependent PropertiesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2010Akhilesh K. Gaharwar Abstract The structure and mechanical properties of bio-nanocomposite films made from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) that is physically cross-linked with silicate nanoparticles, Laponite, are investigated. Direction-dependent mechanical properties of the films are presented, and the effect of shear orientation during sample preparation on tensile strength and elongation is assessed. Repeated mechanical deformation results in highly extensible materials with preferred orientation and structuring at the nano- and micrometer scales. Additionally, in vitro biocompatibility data are reported, and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts are observed to readily adhere and proliferate on silicate cross-linked PEO while maintaining high cell viability. [source] Multiple Functionalities of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films: New Biomedical ApplicationsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Thomas Boudou Abstract The design of advanced functional materials with nanometer- and micrometer-scale control over their properties is of considerable interest for both fundamental and applied studies because of the many potential applications for these materials in the fields of biomedical materials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. The layer-by-layer deposition technique introduced in the early 1990s by Decher, Moehwald, and Lvov is a versatile technique, which has attracted an increasing number of researchers in recent years due to its wide range of advantages for biomedical applications: ease of preparation under "mild" conditions compatible with physiological media, capability of incorporating bioactive molecules, extra-cellular matrix components and biopolymers in the films, tunable mechanical properties, and spatio-temporal control over film organization. The last few years have seen a significant increase in reports exploring the possibilities offered by diffusing molecules into films to control their internal structures or design "reservoirs," as well as control their mechanical properties. Such properties, associated with the chemical properties of films, are particularly important for designing biomedical devices that contain bioactive molecules. In this review, we highlight recent work on designing and controlling film properties at the nanometer and micrometer scales with a view to developing new biomaterial coatings, tissue engineered constructs that could mimic in vivo cellular microenvironments, and stem cell "niches." [source] Characteristics of cometary dust tracks in Stardust aerogel and laboratory calibrationsMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 1-2 2008M. J. Burchell An optical scan of the entire collector surface revealed 256 impact features in the aerogel (width >100 ,m). Twenty aerogel blocks (out of a total of 132) were removed from the collector tray for a higher resolution optical scan and 186 tracks were observed (track length >50 ,m and width >8 ,m). The impact features were classified into three types based on their morphology. Laboratory calibrations were conducted that reproduced all three types. This work suggests that the cometary dust consisted of some cohesive, relatively strong particles as well as particles with a more friable or low cohesion matrix containing smaller strong grains. The calibrations also permitted a particle size distribution to be estimated for the cometary dust. We estimate that approximately 1200 particles bigger than 1 ,m struck the aerogel. The cumulative size distribution of the captured particles was obtained and compared with observations made by active dust detectors during the encounter. At large sizes (>20 ,m) all measures of the dust are compatible, but at micrometer scales and smaller discrepancies exist between the various measurement systems that may reflect structure in the dust flux (streams, clusters etc.) along with some possible instrument effects. [source] | ||||||||||||||||