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[Display omitted] The dispersion of apolar-ligand-protected nanoparticles (NPs) in alkanes is a complex process diverging from the "like dissolves like" principle, making its prediction beyond the capability of the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) sphere method. This necessitates experimental investigation at the molecular level to understand dispersion behavior, particularly the role of solvent–ligand interactions. Solvent relaxation NMR was applied for the first time to investigate solvent–ligand interactions in the dispersion/agglomeration of hexadecylamine-protected silver nanoparticles (C16-Ag NPs) in alkanes. The dispersibilities in different alkanes were determined from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and compared with those predicted from the HSPs. The colloidal behavior of C16-Ag NPs in alkanes was notably affected by the length of the solvent chain. LSPR analysis demonstrated that while C16-Ag NPs remained dispersed in pentane, hexane, and octane, they exhibited agglomeration in decane, dodecane, and tetradecane, contradicting the HSP theory predictions. Solvent relaxation NMR revealed that this unexpected agglomeration stems from the strong bonding of longer-chain solvents to surface C16 ligands, leading to significant interaction. In contrast, shorter-chain solvents exhibited weaker bonding, promoting better dispersion. These findings emphasize the importance of solvent choice in NP applications and offer valuable insights into ligand-shell dynamics, furthering the development of NP technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites based on metal nanoparticles (MNP) prepared with mangosteen (mgt) peel extract-mediated biosynthesis of Agmgt/Znmgt have attracted considerable interest due to their potential for various practical applications. In this study, their role in developing antibacterial protection for rubber cotton gloves is investigated. The process of mangosteen-peel-extract-mediated biosynthesis produced Agmgt/Znmgt nanocomposites with respective diameters of 23.84 ± 4.08 nm and 30.99 ± 5.73 nm, which were assessed in the context of antimicrobial rubber-coated gloves. The rubber glover surface exhibited a very dense deposition of the Ag+Znmgt nanocomposite, which subsequently demonstrated level 4 resistance to punctures under the ANSI-ISEA 105-2016 standard. This could be attributed to the Zn-cellulose double formation on the rubber surface. Notably, on testing the inhibition of bacterial growth, the extract with the Agmgt nanoparticles presented the least concentration capable of growth inhibition in comparison to the extracts with Znmgt and Ag+Znmgt nanoparticles. Each of the mangosteen extracts was shown to inhibit bacterial growth when tested against both Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli, with MIC in the range 40–320 µg/mL. The growth of drug-resistant bacteria (MRSA) could also be inhibited with an MIC value of 160 µg/mL, and with 30 min of contact, gloves with respective coatings of Znmgt and Ag+Znmgt extract nanocomposites were shown to inhibit K. pneumoniae and MRSA. However, while effective bacterial inhibition occurred with the suspensions, the coatings on glove surfaces required a lengthy incubation period (contact time) of at least 30 min for efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For ensuring the economic feasibility of the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), which can be used to reduce the catalyst load and increase the catalytic activity of CO2RR by using carrier materials. Here, we report the systematic alteration of metal chloride on bipyridine groups in MOF‐253(Al) using modified metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors and the introduction of Ag nanoparticles to prepare catalysts Ag@M‐N/Al‐O (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cu). EDS spectra showed the uniform dispersion of Ag nanoparticles. In addition, the chemical structure of the catalyst was analyzed by XPS and PXRD, which proved the existence of M‐N and Al‐O bonds. The interaction with Ag nanoparticles leads to electron density reconstruction, and the stable *COOH intermediates with electron delocalization enhanced by polymetallic electron configuration modulation are conducive to CO production. The results show that Ag@Co‐N/Al‐O can achieve 85.6% FE for CO and has good stability within 12 h. This work provides a new idea for CO2RR material design using MOFs as a precursor catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is highly dependent on the adsorption of target molecules onto metallic surfaces, such as colloidal metallic nanoparticles. The selection of suitable substrates is crucial for optimizing SERS performance. Herein, we investigated the dependence of two pesticide SERS signals, thiabendazole (TBZ) and carbendazim (MBC), on both Ag nanoparticles (reduced by hydroxylamine—AgH or citrate—AgCT) and the aggregation conditions induced by adding different salts (NaCl, KCl or KNO3). In addition to SERS experiments, in order to assess the induced aggregation of the Ag nanoparticles, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential were employed. For AgH, the use of salts did not yield the greatest effect in the presence of TBZ, as only with the pesticide was it possible to achieve the highest aggregation and greater intensity of the SERS signal. In contrast, with the MBC pesticide, the KNO3 salt promoted the greatest aggregation state and was crucial for obtaining the most amplified SERS signal. The thicker coating layer of AgCT prevented the adsorption of both pesticides on the surface of the nanoparticles, which was achievable using salts containing Cl− ions. Additionally, to obtain the SERS signal of MBC with AgCT, besides the presence of chlorinated salts, other adjustments were necessary, such as changing both the pH of the medium (from pH 5.8 to pH 8, for which MBC is in its neutral form) and the laser lines (from 785 to 514.5 nm). These findings demonstrated that although the pesticide molecules belong to the same chemical functional group, their detection was strongly influenced by the surface of the silver nanoparticles and the salts added. This highlights the specific nuances in detection depending on the method of Ag synthesis and the nature of the aggregating agents used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in nanotechnology allow for the development of in situ or ex situ prepared nanocoatings and nanoparticles which are valuable in the electronics industry due to their intrinsic physical and chemical properties. Printed electronics, intended for applications such as flexible displays and smart labels, offer a distinct advantage over conventional products. The primary components used in printed electronics are the nano‐ink containing polymer matrix and the substrate for printing. Gold, silver, and copper are commonly chosen for these processes because of their excellent electrical conductivity. In the electronics industry, it is well‐known that producing conductive ink typically requires high temperatures and extended processing times, as is the case with conventional methods. In this study, in situ prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a crosslinked polymeric matrix are achieved simultaneously using environmentally friendly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylamide via photopolymerization. The generated radicals facilitated the formation of silver nano particles while simultaneously forming a cross‐linked network that underwent further processing to transform into ink. The obtained polymer ink formulation is suitable for use with a refillable pen, and it is determined that it dries shortly after writing on surfaces such as paper and glass and exhibits high durability under room conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]