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CuBi2O4 has recently emerged as a promising photocathode for photo‐electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, its fast degradation under operation currently poses a limit to its application. Here, we report a novel method to study operando the semiconductor‐electrolyte interface during PEC operation by surface‐sensitive high‐energy X‐ray scattering. We find that a fast decrease in the generated photocurrents correlates directly with the formation of a metallic Bi phase. We further show that the slower formation of metallic Cu, as well as the dissolution of the electrode in contact with the electrolyte, further affect the CuBi2O4 activity and morphology. Our study provides a comprehensive picture of the degradation mechanisms affecting CuBi2O4 electrodes under operation and poses the methodological basis to investigate the photocorrosion processes affecting a wide range of PEC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a large number of two‐dimensional static in vitro studies about the uptake of colloidal nano‐ and microparticles, which has been published in the last decade. In this Minireview, different methods used for such studies are summarized and critically discussed. Supplementary experimental data allow for a direct comparison of the different techniques. Emphasis is given on how quantitative parameters can be extracted from studies in which different experimental techniques have been used, with the goal of allowing better comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physico-chemical properties of colloidal particles determine their uptake into cells. For a series of microparticles only one parameter, the mechanical stiffness, was varied, whereas other parameters such as size, shape, and charge were kept constant. The uptake was monitored in situ by analyzing individual particle trajectories including the progress of endocytosis, derived from local pH measurements around each particle. Evidence is presented that soft particles with low stiffness are transported faster to lysosomes than stiffer ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical sensor was developed for the quantitative determination of intracellular nitric oxide. The sensor consists of plasmonic nanoprobes (see picture, left) that have a coating of mesoporous silica and an inner gold island film functionalized with a chemoreceptor for NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Release me: Polyelectrolyte capsules with different cargo in their cavities and plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles in their walls were synthesized. Enzymatic reactions were triggered inside cells by light‐mediated opening of two individual capsules containing either an enzyme or its substrate, by using photothermal heating. Furthermore, this technique allows controlled release of mRNA from capsules, thereby resulting in synthesis of green fluorescent protein (GFP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]