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Plasticized chitosan films with high content (67–82 wt%) of natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) based on citric acid and choline chloride were prepared by solution casting method. The thickness of films was 19 ± 3 μm. The self-healing and water vapor bending movement of prepared films were demonstrated. Maximal mechanical characteristics of 84% elongation at break and 18 MPa strength, were achieved for a film containing 67 wt% of NADES. The formation of hydrogen bond network in the chitosan film due to replacement of citric acid with NADES (citric acid/choline chloride) was observed with FTIR. It is proposed that this network is responsible for self-healing ability of the chitosan–citric acid–choline chloride films. Structure, morphology and thermal properties of the prepared films are also discussed.

We have studied the properties of relatively thick (about 120 nm) magnetic composite films grown by pulsed laser deposition using the eutectic compound (GaSb)0.59(MnSb)0.41 as target for sputtering. For the studied films we have observed ferromagnetism and an anomalous Hall effect above room temperature, confirming the presence of spin-polarized carriers. Electron microscopy, atomic and magnetic force microscopy results suggest that the films under study have a homogenous columnar structure in the bulk while MnSb inclusions accumulate near the surface. This is in good agreement with the high mobility values of charge carriers. Based on our data we conclude that the magnetic and magnetotransport properties of the films at room temperature are defined by the MnSb inclusions.

Transport characteristics of sodium alginate (SA) membranes cross-linked with CaCl2 and modified with fullerenol and fullerene derivative with L-arginine for pervaporation dehydration were improved applying various approaches, including the selection of a porous substrate for the creation of a thin selective SA-based layer, and the deposition of nano-sized polyelectrolyte (PEL) layers through the use of a layer-by-layer (Lbl) method. The impacts of commercial porous substrates made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), regenerated cellulose, and aromatic polysulfone amide were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), standard porosimetry method, and water filtration. The effects of PEL combinations (such as poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS)/SA, PSS/chitosan, PSS/polyacrylic acid, PSS/poly(allylamine hydrochloride)) and the number of PEL bilayers deposited with the Lbl technique on the properties of the SA and SA/fullerene derivative membranes were studied by SEM, AFM, and contact angle measurements. The best characteristics were exhibited by a cross-linked PAN-supported SA/fullerenol (5%) membrane with five PSS/SA bilayers: permeation flux of 0.68–1.38 kg/(m2h), 0.18–1.55 kg/(m2h), and 0.50–1.15 kg/(m2h), and over 99.7, 99.0, and 89.0 wt.% water in the permeate for the pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol (12–70 wt.% water), ethanol (4–70 wt.% water), and tetrahydrofuran (5.7–70 wt.% water), respectively. It was demonstrated that the mutual application of bulk and surface modifications essentially improved the membrane’s characteristics in pervaporation dehydration.

Peptide dendrimers, due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity, are highly promising candidates as nanocarriers for drugs and genes. The development of this kind of delivery system requires reliable monitoring of their metabolic and biological pathways. In this respect, hydrogen isotope labeling has tremendous importance, being a safe tool for detection of the labeled nanocarriers. In this work, we have synthesized new histidine-rich lysine-based dendrimers (Lys-2His dendrimer) with two linear histidine (His) residues in every inner segment. The presence of His residues has enabled us to perform controlled deuteration of Lys-2His dendrimers. The high deuteration degree (around 70%) does not practically change after redissolving the samples in H2O and heating them at 40 °C, which indicates the isotopic label stability.

The structure and barrier properties of the oxyhydroxide layers on a carbon steel surface covered with electroactive polyaniline were investigated. Two types of polymer structure differing in degree of macromolecular order were prepared by simultaneous (fast polymerization) or dropwise (slow polymerization) mixing of reagents. A larger amount of the most stable FeOOH modification was formed on steel covered with slowly polymerized sample during treatment in the corrosion-active medium. Amorphous rust products with weak barrier properties were observed in the sample prepared by fast polymerization. Additionally, barrier activity of dedoped polyaniline was studied with SEM, WAXD, and electrochemical methods.

Hybrid ion-pair crystals involving hexadentate [Fe(III)(3-OMesal2-trien)]+ spin-crossover (SCO) cationic complexes and anionic gold complexes [Au(dmit)2]− (1) (dmit = 4,5-dithiolato-1,3-dithiole-2-thione) and [Au(dddt)2]− (2) (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) were synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, P-XRD, and SQUID magnetometry. Our study shows that both complexes have similar 1:1 stoichiometry but different symmetry and crystal packing. Complex 1 has a rigid structure in which the SCO cations are engaged in strong π-interplay with molecular surrounding and does not show SCO transition while 2 demonstrates a reversible transition at Tsco = 118 K in a much “softer”, hydrogen-bonded structure. A new structural indicator of spin state in [Fe(sal2-trien)]+ complexes based on conformational analysis has been proposed. Aging and thermocycling ruined the SCO transition increasing the residual HS fraction from 14 to 41%. Magnetic response of 1 is explained by the AFM coupled dimers S = 5/2 with J1 = −0.18 cm−1. Residual high-spin fraction of 2, apart from a contribution of the weak dimers with J12 = J34 = −0.29 cm−1, is characterized by a stronger interdimer coupling of J23 = −1.69 cm−1, which is discussed in terms of possible involvement of neutral radicals [Au(dddt)2].

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique optical properties and broad optoelectronic and photonic applications. We investigate modifications of emission in hybrid structures formed by 60 nm silver NPs and GaN planar nanowires (NWs). Bare GaN NWs exhibit photoluminescence (PL) spectra dominated by broad bands peaking at ∼3.44 eV and ∼3.33 eV, attributed to basal plane stacking faults. In hybrids, two new narrow PL lines appear at 3.36 and 3.31 eV, resulting in PL enhancement at these energies. While the 3.36 eV line in hybrid structures can be explained using the Fröhlich resonance approximation based on the electric dipole concept, the appearance of two features at 3.36 and 3.31 eV indicates the splitting of resonance lines. This phenomenon is explained in framework of theoretical model based on the interaction of the dipole with its charge image, taking into account the quadrupole moment of the silver sphere and the quadrupole field of the charge image. A good agreement is obtained between the calculated Fröhlich resonance frequencies and the experimental PL lines in hybrid structures.

The combination of plasmonic nanoparticles and semiconductor substrates changes the properties of hybrid structures that can be used for various applications in optoelectronics, photonics, and sensing. Structures formed by colloidal Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with a size of 60 nm and planar GaN nanowires (NWs) have been studied by optical spectroscopy. GaN NWs have been grown using selective-area metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. A modification of the emission spectra of hybrid structures has been observed. In the vicinity of the Ag NPs, a new emission line appears at 3.36 eV. To explain the experimental results, a model considering the Fröhlich resonance approximation is suggested. The effective medium approach is used to describe the enhancement of emission features near the GaN band gap.

Mixed-matrix membranes based on amorphous and semi-crystalline polyimides with zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanostars were synthesized. Amorphous poly(4,40-oxydiphenylenepyromellitimide) and semi-crystalline polyimide prepared from 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene and 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride were used. The effect of ZrO2 nanostars on the structure and morphology of nanocomposite membranes was studied by wide-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Thermal properties and stability were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Transport properties of hybrid membranes containing 5 wt % ZrO2 were tested for pervaporation of a mixture of butanol-water with 10 wt % H2 O content. It was found that a significant amount of the ZrO2 added to the semi-crystalline polyimide is encapsulated inside spherulites. Therefore, the beneficial influence of inorganic filler on the selectivity of mixed-matrix membrane with respect to water was hampered. Mixed-matrix membranes based on amorphous polymer demonstrated the best performance, because water molecules had higher access to inorganic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The distinctive feature of a coplanar transmission line with thin ferrite and ferroelectric films is the absence of undesirable irregularities in dispersion for relatively low frequencies when the wavelength approaches the thickness of ferroelectric layer, in contrast to the open ferrite-ferroelectric wave-guiding structure without metallization.Aim. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (i) to develop a theory of the wave spectra in the multiferroic structures based on the coplanar lines; (ii) using this theory to find ways to enhance the electric tuning range.Materials and methods. The dispersion relation for spin-electromagnetic waves was derived through analytical solution of the full set of the Maxwell's equations utilizing a method of approximate boundary conditions.Results. A theory of spin-electromagnetic wave spectrum has been developed for the thin-film ferrite-ferroelectric structure based on a coplanar transmission line. According to this theory, dispersion characteristics of the spin-electromagnetic waves were described and analyzed for different parameters of the structure. The obtained results show that the investigated structure demonstrates a dual electric and magnetic field tunability of wave spectra. Its efficiency increases with an increase in the thicknesses of the ferrite and ferroelectric films and with a decrease in the width of the central metal strip.Conclusion. The distinctive features of the proposed coplanar waveguides are the thin-film planar topology and dual tunability of the wave spectra. All these advantages make the proposed structures perspective for development of new microwave devices.

Anti-cancer treatment efficiency can be significantly enhanced by the synergistic effect of the combined phototherapy that nowadays is under intensive preclinical and clinical studies. To minimize collateral damage, the combined phototherapy should be accompanied by a real-time thermal sensing. However, it is still challenging to develop multifunctional agent which combines therapy and temperature control. In the present study, contactless fluorescent thermometry based on ratiometric and lifetime approaches was realized using water-soluble anionic meso-tetrasulfonatophenylporphyrinate (tetra sodium salt) TSPH2 and cationic meso-mono(4-pyridyl)-triphenylporphyrinato)phosphorus(V) bromide MPyPP(OH)2 porphyrins photosensitizers. Both sensing techniques provide simple linear calibration curves in the biological temperature range. Thermometric performance of the suggested porphyrins was evaluated in terms of relative sensitivity, temperature resolution and repeatability and was found to be in upper range among porphyrin-based thermometers reaching 1% K−1 and 0.1 °C. The relative sensitivity was enhanced from 2 to 7 times by using peak-to-valley ratio compared to usual peak-to-peak ratio. Porphyrins' cytotoxicity was studied in vitro both in dark and blue-light activated conditions. Exposure-dependent cell viability showed that porphyrins could be used as molecular thermometers for phototherapy to avoid heat-induced adverse effects or as promising photosensitizers depending on chosen laser power.

Resistivity, ρ ( T ), and magnetoresistance (MR) are investigated in the Cu _2 Zn _1− _x Cd _x SnS _4 single crystals for compositions x ≡ Cd/(Zn + Cd) = 0.15–0.24, in the temperature range of T ∼ 50–300 K in pulsed magnetic fields of B up to 20 T. The Mott variable-range hopping (VRH) conductivity is established within wide temperature intervals lying inside Δ T _M ∼ 60–190 K for different x . The deviations from the VRH conduction, observable above and below Δ T _M , are connected to the nearest-neighbor hopping regime and to the activation on the mobility threshold of the acceptor band (AB) with width W ≈ 16–46 meV. The joint analysis of ρ ( T ) and positive MR permitted determination of other important electronic parameters. These include the localization radius, α ≈ 19–30 Å, the density of the localized states, g ( μ ) ≈ (1.6–21) × 10 ^17 meV ^−1 cm ^−3 at the Fermi level μ , and the acceptor concentration, N _A ∼ (6–8) × 10 ^19 cm ^−3 , for various x and in conditions of different vicinity of the investigated samples to the metal–insulator transition. In addition, details of the AB structure, including positions of μ and of the mobility threshold, E _c , are found depending on the alloy composition.

The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of the Bi-doped Heusler alloy Ni49BiMn35In15 have been investigated using room temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetization measurements in a temperature interval of 5-400 K. The alloy at room temperature was found to be in a mixture of a high temperature austenite phase (AP) and a low temperature martensite phase (MP). A drastic shift in the martensitic transition temperature at the rate of 16 K/T from 197 K to lower temperatures was observed. A kinetic arrest phenomenon of the AP was observed in the magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements during field-cooled (FC) measurements at 5T. A metamagnetic behavior characterized by a jump in magnetization in the isothermal M(H) curves near TM was observed. The maximum value of the magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity at Curie temperature were found to be 5.5 Jkg-1K-1 and 312 Jkg-1 for μoΔH = 5T, respectively. A large magnetoresistance value of -56% was found near the martensitic transition.

Three temperature-induced phase transitions at T=T1, TM/TA, and TC, related to the ferromagnetic order of the martensitic phase (FMMP), martensitic (structural) transitions (MT), and the ferromagnetic order of the austenitic phase (FMAP), respectively, have been observed in the off-stoichiometric Heusler alloys, Ni50-xCoxMn35In15 (x=1, 2.5) and Ni45Co5Mn37In13. The phase transitions temperatures are found to be depended on alloy composition. A kinetic arrest of the AP was observed for Ni47.5Co2.5Mn35In15 in the magnetization measurements during field-cooling cycle (FCC) at 50 kOe. Depending upon the cooling protocols, ZFC and FCC (at H = 50 kOe), two different ground states of the alloys can be found in Ni47.5Co2.5Mn35In15 and Ni45Co5Mn37In13 alloys. The ground states (T=4.2 K and external field H=0) of the alloys was found to be characterized by three main line: two, partially overlapping, at higher frequencies (300-450 MHz), most likely corresponding of manganese resonance lines and one at lower frequency at about 200 MHz. A significant shift in the spectrum of Ni45Co5Mn37In13 by about 100 MHz to higher frequencies was observed. The correlation of magnetizations obtained from magnetic moment and NMR studies is discussed.

Features in the transverse magnetoresistance of single-crystalline diluted magnetic semiconductors of a (Cd1−x−yZnxMny)3As2 system with x + y = 0.3 have been found and analyzed in detail. Two groups of samples have been examined. The samples of the first group were thermally annealed for a long time, whereas the samples of the second group were not thermally annealed. The Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations were observed for both groups of the samples within a 4.2 ÷ 30 K temperature range and under transverse magnetic field sweeping from 0 up to 11 T. The value of a phase shift, according to the SdH oscillations, was found to be a characteristic of the Berry phase existing in all the samples, except the unannealed sample with y = 0.08. Thickness of 2D surface topological nanolayers for all the samples was estimated. The thickness substantially depended on Mn concentration. The experimental dependence of reduced cyclotron mass on the Fermi wave vector, extracted from the SdH oscillations for the samples with different doping levels, is in satisfactory agreement with the predicted theoretical linear dependence. The existence of the Dirac fermions in all the samples studied (except the unannealed sample with y = 0.08) can be concluded from this result.