El CRAI romandrà tancat del 24 de desembre de 2025 al 6 de gener de 2026. La validació de documents es reprendrà a partir del 7 de gener de 2026.
El CRAI permanecerá cerrado del 24 de diciembre de 2025 al 6 de enero de 2026. La validación de documentos se reanudará a partir del 7 de enero de 2026.
From 2025-12-24 to 2026-01-06, the CRAI remain closed and the documents will be validated from 2026-01-07.
 

Articles publicats en revistes (Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB))

URI permanent per a aquesta col·leccióhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/59249

Estadístiques

Examinar

Enviaments recents

Mostrant 1 - 20 de 350
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Reading QR Codes on challenging surfaces using thin-plate splines
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024-06-07) Benito Altamirano, Ismael; Martínez Carpena, David; Lizarzaburu-Aguilar, Hanna; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian; Prades García, Juan Daniel
    In real world uses, QR Codes are printed or overlaid on top of complex surfaces, like cylindrical bottles or other daily objects with random topographies that pose big challenges to their readout with the conventional planar algorithms proposed in the standard ISO and implemented in most of the available codes. We propose here a general-purpose method to improve the readability of QR Codes placed on these challenging surfaces, by fitting the topography of the underlying arbitrary surface with thin-plate splines. Then, we compare this new method with other alternatives proposed in the literature, like affine, projective and cylindrical transformations. Results demonstrate that our new approach works well under a variety of arbitrary surface topographies including those assumed in former proposals, and improve their readability by a factor of 4, clearly outperforming state-of-the-art decoders.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Method for reducing specular reflections in Mueller matrix imaging
    (Optical Society of America, 2025-05-12) Pardo, Iago; Bian, Subiao; Pascual Miralles, Esther; Arteaga Barriel, Oriol
    Mueller matrix polarimetry has emerged as a powerful tool for non-destructiveoptical analysis of biological tissues and bioorganic materials, offering detailed insights intopolarization-specific properties such as diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization. However,the accurate application of Mueller matrix polarimetry in biological media is often hindered byspecular reflections, which obscure signals from deeper tissue layers and degrade the samplevisualization and the polarimetric data quality. Existing methods to minimize specular reflectionhave limitations, especially in clinical or in vivo settings where sample positioning is constrained.Here, we introduce a new approach for avoiding or reducing specular highlights without havingto reduce light intensity. By using near-cross-polarization states between the polarization stategenerator and analyzer, we demonstrate that one can obtain an enhanced visualization of tissuestructures, reduce the appearance of specular reflections, and maintain a good polarimetriccontrast.
  • Article
    Time-resolved solvation of alkali ions in superfluid helium nanodroplets: Theoretical simulationof a pump–probe study
    (American Institute of Physics (AIP), 2025-10-11) García-Alfonso, Ernesto; Barranco Gómez, Manuel; Pi Pericay, Martí; Halberstadt, Nadine
    The solvation process of an alkali ion (Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) inside a superfluid 4He2000 nanodroplet is investigated theoretically using liquid 4He time-dependent density functional theory at zero temperature. We simulate both steps of the pump–probe experiment conducted on Na+ [Albrechtsen et al., Nature 623, 319 (2023)], where the alkali atom residing at the droplet surface is ionized by the pump pulse and its solvation is probed by ionizing a central xenon atom and detecting the expulsed Na+Heions. Our results confirm the Poissonian model for the binding of the first five He atoms for the lighter Na+ and K+ alkalis, with a rate in good agreement with the more recent experimental results on Na+ [Albrechtsen et al., J. Chem. Phys. 162, 174309 (2025)]. For the probe step, we show that the ion takes several picoseconds to get out of the droplet. During this rather long time, the solvation structure around it is very hot and far from equilibrium, and it can gain or lose more He atoms. Surprisingly, analyzing the Na+ solvation structure energy reveals that it is not stable by itself during the first few picoseconds of the solvation process. After that, energy relaxation follows a Newton behavior, as found experimentally, but with a longer time delay, 5.0 ≤ t0 ≤ 6.5 ps vs 0.23 ± 0.06 ps, and characteristic time, 7.3 ≤ τ ≤ 16.5 ps vs 2.6 ± 0.4 ps. We conclude that the first instants of the solvation process are highly turbulent and that the solvation structure is stabilized only by the surrounding helium “solvent.”
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Valorisation of Mixtures of Linear Alkenes using Cobalt-Mediated Isomerisation and Hydroformylation Chemistries
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022-03-23) Martínez-Carrión, Alicia; Romero-Navarro, Andrés; Núñez Rico, José Luis; Gutiérrez, Albert; Grabulosa, Arnald; Vidal Ferran, Anton

    Active catalysts derived from cobalt and the Xantphos ligand were synthesised, characterised and tested in the

    hydroformylation of pure linear alkenes or their mixtures. The preformed complex [Co2(CO)6(Xantphos)] showed similar

    reactivity and selectivity towards aldehydes as the active catalyst formed in situ from equimolar amounts of [Co2(CO)8] and

    Xantphos. In the case of oct-1-ene, the linear aldehyde was obtained with good chemo- and regio-selectivity (linear to

    branched ratio was up to 75:25). For all octene isomers, tandem isomerisation-hydroformylation processes took place.

    Regioselectivities for all the studied octene isomers remained practically constant, independently of the position or

    geometry of the CC double bond in the starting material. Moreover, by-products were formed in similarly small amounts

    for all the octene isomers. We also demonstrated that this chemistry is an interesting strategy for valorising mixtures of

    linear hexenes, heptenes or octenes by transforming the initial mixture into one major aldehyde (addition of a CHO group

    to the C1 carbon of the alkene skeleton, up to 73% selectivity). Moreover, these mixtures of alkenes were hydroformylated

    with low final amounts of non-hydroformylated alkenes, hydrogenated alkenes and alcohols.

  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Comprehensive analysis of MAX phase and MXene materials for advanced photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and adsorption in hydrogen evolution and storage
    (Elsevier, 2024-12-01) Serafin, Jarosław; Dziejarski, Bartosz; Achieng, George Oindo; Vendrell, Xavier; Chaitoglou, Stefanos; Amade Rovira, Roger
    Over the past twenty-five years, MAX phases and their derivatives, MXenes, have become a focal point in materials research. These compounds seamlessly blend ceramic and metallic properties, offering high thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, low density, and resistance to extreme conditions. Their versatility positions them as promising candidates for diverse applications, particularly in advanced photo-catalysis and electro-catalysis for hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, MAX phases and MXenes are potential hydrogen storage materials, with unique structures that provide ample space for efficient hydrogen gas storage and release, vital for clean energy technologies like fuel cells. This review aims to comprehensively analyze their roles in photo-catalysis, electro-catalysis, and hydrogen storage, with a focus on their layered crystal structure. MAX phases integrate superior metal and ceramic attributes, while MXenes offer tunable electronic structures that enhance catalytic performance. Continued exploration is crucial to unlock their full potential, advancing clean energy technologies and beyond.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    A low-cost colorimetric HKUST-1 sensor for ppm-level humidity detection
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025-10-15) González Gómez, María; Martínez Medina, Elizabeth; Kovač, Janez; Casals Guillén, Olga; Martínez López, Mònica; Xuriguera Martín, María Elena; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
    Accurate detection of trace moisture is critical in various industries, from microelectronics to petrochemicals. While electrical humidity sensors are prevalent, optical methods offer superior sensitivity for low relative humidity (RH) detection, particularly in demanding applications requiring ppb sensitivity in harsh environments. This work explores the potential of HKUST-1, a metal-organic framework (MOF), as a colorimetric humidity sensor for ppm level detection across a broad range (0–80 % RH). By spraying HKUST-1 onto polyester substrates and coupling it with a low-cost, commercially available LED-photodiode module, we developed a simple, portable sensing platform. The observed color transitions, from dark blue to turquoise, correlate with the MOF's moisture adsorption mechanism, achieving a detection limit of 18 ppm H2O (< 0.05 % RH). Comprehensive characterization, including interferent gas studies, revealed significant color changes upon exposure to NH3, CO, and ethanol, while CO2, CH4, and N2O showed minimal interference. One-week stability tests demonstrated consistent sensor performance and full reversibility upon exposure to dry air at room temperature. This low-cost, sensitive, and easily fabricated HKUST-1-based sensor offers a promising alternative for humidity monitoring in diverse industrial applications.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Honey geographical origin characterization and authentication based on spectrophotometric assays, physicochemical parameters and LC-MS/MS polyphenolic profiling
    (MDPI, 2025-11) Mostoles, Danica; de Krijger, Fleur; Mara, Andrea; Sanna, Gavino; Saurina, Javier; Sentellas, Sonia; Núñez Burcio, Oscar
    Honey is a highly consumed natural sweetener produced by honeybees from the nectar of plants, secretions of living parts of plants, or insect excretions. Its high value is due to its nutritional value and multiple benefits to human health. However, due to the diversity in geographical origins, the properties of honey can vary depending on the region of production, leading to discrepancies in honey pricing. Therefore, it is essential to examine these variations by analyzing several parameters in honey from diverse regions. In this work, honeys from 8 countries were characterized by measuring several physicochemical parameters and spectrophotometric assays aiming at geographical origin authentication. In addition, the polyphenolic profile of the samples was obtained by LC-LRMS. An acceptable discrimination of the samples was obtained when considering all variables altogether, with classification errors lower than 31.9%.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Kinetico-mechanistic insights into the photodynamic process of AuI complexes with the CNC6H4NNC6H5 (iso-Ph) azobenzene ligand
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-01) Raïch Panisello, Ot; Jover Modrego, Jesús; Puigjaner, Cristina; Ferrer García, Montserrat; Martínez López, Manuel, 1957-
    A family of neutral isocyanide monoazo AuI complexes [AuCl(iso-Ph)], [Au(C6F5)(iso-Ph)] and [Au(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Cpy)(iso-Ph)] (iso-Ph being CN–C6H4–N[double bond, length as m-dash]N–Ph) and a closely related cationic bisazo symmetrical derivative, [Au(iso-Ph)2](OTf), have been prepared. All the compounds have been structurally characterized using the conventional techniques HRMS, NMR, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy. Moreover, the structure of the [AuCl(iso-Ph)] compound has been determined by XRD. These compounds undergo more efficient trans-to-cis photoisomerisation upon irradiation at 365 nm than that of the free iso-Ph ligand. The reverse cis-to-trans thermal process has been investigated using different solvents, temperatures and pressures to determine the values of the activation parameters and thus, the corresponding isomerisation mechanism. A change in the operating mechanism (from charge-separated rotational to inversional) has been observed upon going from the monoazo to the bisazo compounds. This effect has been attributed to the difference in the electronic density at the AuI centre in the transition state between the unsymmetrical and the symmetrical species.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Confronting positions: para- vs. meta-functionalization in triindole for p-type air-stable OTFTs
    (Elsevier, 2024-05-01) Cuadrado Santolaria, Alba; Bujaldón Carbó, Roger; Fabregat, Clara; Puigdollers i González, Joaquim; Velasco Castrillo, Dolores
    The 5,10,15-trihexyl-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindolo[3,2-a:3′,2′-c]carbazole core, namely triindole, is well-known for its prominent hole-transporting properties and air stability. The functionalization of this core is also rather versatile, which allows the modulation of its properties by anchoring targeted scaffolds to different positions, e.g. 3,8,13 (para with respect to the nitrogens), 2,7,12 (analogously meta) or the nitrogen heteroatoms. Therefore, triindole excels as a pivotal semiconductor to be exploited in long-lasting organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). This report aims to shed light on the effect of functionalizing whether para or meta positions with sulfurated moieties, in the pursuit of an enhanced performance in OTFTs. Remarkably, meta-substituted derivatives outshone their para- counterparts in terms of thermal, optical, intermolecular arrangement and semiconductor properties, claiming mobility values up to 2 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a shelf lifetime beyond the analyzed period of 5 months. Analysis of the thin films by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIRXD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the meta-substitution also induces a higher degree of order and better morphology, further corroborating the potential of this structural approach.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    C60 fullerene as an on-demand single photon source at room temperature
    (American Chemical Society, 2025-10-03) Lahoz Sanz, Raul; Lozano Martín, Lidia; Brú Cortés, Adrià; Hernández Márquez, Sergi; Duocastella, Martí; Gómez Cama, José María; Juliá-Díaz, Bruno
    Single photon sources are fundamental for applications in quantum computing, secure communication, and sensing, as they enable the generation of individual photons and ensure strict control over photon number statistics. However, current single photon sources can be limited by a lack of robustness, difficulty of integration into existing optical or electronic devices, and high cost. In this study, we present the use of off-the-shelf C60 fullerene molecules embedded in polystyrene as room-temperature reliable single-photon emitters. As our results demonstrate, these molecules exhibit on-demand single-photon emission, with short fluorescence lifetimes and, consequently, high emission rates. The wide availability and ease of preparation and manipulation of fullerenes as single photon sources can pave the way for the development of practical, economic and scalable quantum photonic technologies.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Synergistic enhancement of Raney-Ni catalyst for methane dry reforming viaelectrochemically e ngineered CoNi co-catalyst
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025-09-29) Lloreda Rodes, Judit; Serrano, Isabel; Llorca, Jordi, 1966-; Abad, Vanessa; Gómez, Elvira; Serrà i Ramos, Albert
    Dry reforming of methane (DRM) offers a promising route to convert biogas into syngas while capturing CO₂.However, the harsh reaction conditions (≥700 ◦C) lead to rapid deactivation of conventional Ni-based catalystsdue to carbon deposition and sintering. In this work, we explore the catalytic behavior of commercial Raney-Nifor DRM and introduce electrochemically synthesized CoNi microparticles as co-catalysts to enhance stabilityand performance. Catalyst screening was performed in a fixed-bed reactor using a CH₄:CO₂:N₂ = 3:2:10 feedmixture under atmospheric pressure. Raney-Ni showed high activity (CH₄ conversion >92 % at 700 ◦C), butsuffered from coke accumulation and deactivation after 5 h of continuous operation. CoNi–Raney-Ni compositeswere prepared via physical blending of CoNi and Raney-Ni powders, and tested at various compositions. Thebest-performing among the tested compositions (25 wt% CoNi) maintained high conversion (>90 %) and stablesyngas production (H₂/CO ≈ 1.0) over extended periods. Post-reaction analysis revealed extensive filamentouscarbon on pure Raney-Ni, while CoNi-containing catalysts exhibited smoother surfaces and suppressed graphiticcarbon, as confirmed by FE-SEM and Raman spectroscopy. Notably, CoNi alone showed minimal CH₄ activationbut enhanced CO₂ dissociation and limited carbon formation. These results demonstrate a synergistic effect,where CoNi promotes carbon gasification while Raney-Ni provides high CH₄ reactivity. This composite approachenables scalable, low-cost catalysts with improved coke tolerance for biogas reforming applications.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    On-the-Fly Synthesis of Freestanding Spin-Crossover Architectures With Tunable Magnetic Properties
    (Wiley-VCH, 2025-06-13) Ngo, Anh Tuan; Aguilà Avilés, David; Vale, João Pedro; Sevim, Semih; Mattera, Michele; Díaz-Marcos, Jordi; Pons, Ramon; Aromí Bedmar, Guillem; Jang, Bumjin; Pané, Salvador; Mayor, Tiago Sotto; Palacios-Corella, Mario; Puigmartí-Luis, Josep
    Spin-crossover (SCO) molecular-based switches have shown promise across a range of applications since their discovery, including sensing, information storage, actuators, and displays. Yet limited processability remains a barrier to their real-world implementation, as traditional methods for integrating SCO materials into polymer matrices are often complex, expensive, and prone to producing uneven material distributions. Herein, we demonstrate how 3D flow-focusing chemistry enables unprecedented control for the direct fabrication of SCO composite materials, addressing key challenges in processability, scalability, and cost. By using a 3D coaxial flow-focusing microfluidic device, we simultaneously synthesize [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) and achieve its homogeneous incorporation into alginate fibers in a continuous manner. The device’s versatility allows for precise manipulation of the reaction-diffusion (RD) zone, resulting in SCO composite fibers with tunable physicochemical and magnetic properties. Additionally, we demonstrate the ability to isolate these fibers as freestanding architectures and highlight the potential for printing them with defined shapes. Finally, we show that the 3D control of the RD zone granted by continuous flow microfluidic devices offers precise spatiotemporal control over the distribution of SCO complexes within the fibers, effectively encoding SCO materials into them. SCO-encoded fibers can seamlessly combine adaptability and functionality, offering innovative solutions for application-specific customization.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Multicaloric effects and magnetostructural coupling in the Cr2Ge2Te6 van der Waals crystal
    (Elsevier, 2025-04-22) Abadia-Huguet, Aleix; Mendive Tapia, Eduardo; Stern Taulats, Enric; Planes Vila, Antoni; Eggert, Benedikt; Wende, Heiko; Acet, Mehmet; Sturza, Mihai-Ionut; Kohlmann, Holger; Costache, Marius V.; Mañosa, Lluís
    Materials with significant coupling between magnetism and their crystal structure are prone to exhibit multicaloric effects, which offer a novel approach to addressing the bottlenecks of ecologic solid-state refrigeration by optimizing the interplay of multiple driving fields. Here we uncover the multicaloric properties of CrGeTe, establishing ferromagnetic van der Waals (vdW) crystals, famous for their spintronics applications, as a previously unrecognized class of multicaloric materials. By combining magnetization measurements with an ab initio disordered local moment theory, we report, for the first time, pronounced barocaloric and multicaloric effects induced by the application of magnetic fields and hydrostatic pressure around CrGeTe’s ferromagnetic phase transition. Our experimental and ab initio analysis quantifies the underlying magnetostructural coupling in this material, which accounts for approximately 25% of the total multicaloric entropy change. Significant multicaloric effects are expected to be found in other vdW ferromagnets with strong magnetostructural coupling.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    A versatile luminescent probe for sensing and monitoring amyloid proteins
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024-12-01) Vázquez Bigas, Guillem; Espargaró Colomé, Alba; Caballero Hernández, Ana Belén; Di Pede Mattatelli, Ania; Busquets i Viñas, Ma. Antonia; Nawrot, Daria; Sabaté Lagunas, Raimon; Nicolás Galindo, Ernesto; Juárez Jiménez, Jordi; Gámez Enamorado, Patrick
    A modified lysine residue containing an environment-sensitive moiety was prepared through a straightforward synthesis, and its fluorescent properties were examined. The new fluorescent sensor, DMN-BocK, can monitor amyloid aggregation processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. DMN-BocK offers advantages over classical amyloid-specific dyes like Thioflavins or Congo Red because it is (1) available to detect a broader range of amyloid structures; (2) useful both in vitro and in cellulo; (3) capable of differentiating amyloid structures, providing information on the binding site microenvironment; and (4) a synthon than can be incorporated into protein sequences to gain further structural information. Our findings suggest that DMN-based amino-acid probes have a strong potential to become a sensor of choice for in vitro and in cellulo studies of amyloid aggregation in drug discovery assays.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Atomic layer deposition of SnO2 and TiO2 on electrodeposited BiOI thin films for efficient light-driven peroxymonosulfate activationited BiOI thin films for efficient light-driven peroxymonosulfate activation
    (Elsevier, 2025-09) Huidobro, Laura; Abid, Mahmoud; Maslouh, Haitham; Demore, Arnaud; Bechelany, Mikhael; Gómez, Elvira; Serrà i Ramos, Albert
    Light-driven peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is gaining traction as a green advanced oxidation strategy for degrading recalcitrant water pollutants; however, catalyst instability and sluggish charge separation still hinder its practical application. Here, we report for the first time the fabrication of ALD-engineered BiOI thin-film heterojunctions, coated with nanometric SnO2 or TiO2 layers (∼5 nm) and decorated with Pd nanoparticles (∼2 nm), which simultaneously enhance catalytic activity and stability. The BiOI/SnO2 and BiOI/TiO2 systems exhibit well-defined type-II band alignments, facilitating efficient interfacial charge transfer, while Pd nanoparticles form Schottky junctions that extract photogenerated electrons and mitigate BiOI photocorrosion. Using 20 ppm tetracycline (TC) at pH 7 as a model contaminant, TiO2-BiOI achieved 92.7 % TC removal and 84.8 % total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization within 90 min under UV-A light (365 nm) with 2.5 mM PMS. In contrast, SnO2-BiOI showed superior performance under simulated sunlight (λ > 400 nm), attaining 80.8 % degradation and 76.5 % mineralization. Radical scavenging assays revealed a threefold increase in sulfate and hydroxyl radical production compared to pristine BiOI. Pd modification reduced Bi and I leaching by more than 80 % after 360 min of continuous irradiation and preserved over 95 % of the photocatalytic activity across ten successive reuse cycles. This work establishes a modular ALD-based strategy to design stable semiconductor/oxide/metal nanointerfaces for wavelength-tunable PMS activation. The resulting thin-film catalysts, fabricated on FTO substrates with sub-nanometer precision, offer a scalable platform for solar-driven water purification and expand the material design space for sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    First Order Alignment Transition in an Interfaced Active Nematic
    (American Physical Society, 2024-06-15) Bantysh, Olga; Martinez-Prat, Berta; Nambisan, Jyothishraj; Fernandez de las Nieves, Alberto; Sagués i Mestre, Francesc; Ignés i Mullol, Jordi
    We investigate experimentally the dynamic phase transition of a two-dimensional active nematic layer interfaced with a passive liquid crystal. Under a temperature ramp that leads to the transition of the passive liquid into a highly anisotropic lamellar smectic-A phase, and in the presence of a magnetic field, the coupled active nematic reorganizes its flow and orientational patterns from the turbulent into a quasilaminar regime aligned perpendicularly to the field. Remarkably, while the phase transition of the passive fluid is known to be continuous, or second order, our observations reveal intermittent dynamics of the order parameter and the coexistence of aligned and turbulent regions in the active nematic, a signature of discontinuous, or first order, phase transitions, similar to what is known to occur in relation to flocking in dry active matter. Our results suggest that alignment transitions in active systems are intrinsically discontinuous, regardless of the symmetry and momentum-damping mechanisms.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Revalorització de la biomassa mitjançant fonts d’hidrogen alternatives: síntesi de la γ-valerolactona
    (Institut d'Estudis Catalans, 2024-12-18) Bujaldón Carbó, Roger; Garcia Amorós, Jaume; Gómez, Elvira; Serrà i Ramos, Albert
    La recerca de condicions més respectuoses per generar productes orgànics d’alt valor afegit, sobretot si els reactius provenen de la transformació de la biomassa, és un punt primordial cap a un desenvolupament sostenible. En aquest treball s’explora l’obtenció d’un d’aquests derivats, la γ-valerolactona, mitjançant la hidrogenació in situ de l’àcid levulínic. Per això, s’han analitzat dos agents hidrogenants alternatius a l’hidrogen molecular: l’àcid fòrmic i l’alcohol isopropílic. En un primer estadi, s’ha realitzat un cribratge sobre diferents catalitzadors heterogenis en què s’ha constatat la necessitat d’una àrea específica elevada, fet que ens ha empès a escollir el níquel Raney tant per la seva naturalesa com per la seva accessibilitat. En un segon estadi, s’ha determinat que l’isopropanol permet treballar a una temperatura menor i invertint menys temps de reacció del que ho fa l’àcid fòrmic, cosa que implica una reducció del consum energètic. Finalment, s’observa que la transició de medi aquós a alcohòlic encara afavoreix més la reacció amb transformacions properes al 100 %.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Gold(I) complexes as powerful photosensitizers – a visionary frontier perspective
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024-07-26) Pinto Martínez, Andrea; Rodríguez Raurell, Laura
    La producció d’oxigen singlet i la seva reactivitat tenen implicacions rellevants en camps que van des de la ciència dels polímers fins a la teràpia fotodinàmica. La recerca s’ha centrat principalment en el desenvolupament de materials orgànics i complexos de metalls pesants com Ru(II), Rh(III), Ir(III) i Pt(II). No obstant això, els complexos metàl·lics que contenen Au(I) han estat poc explorats i requereixen una investigació més aprofundida.

    Aquesta revisió ofereix una anàlisi detallada dels compostos reportats, classificats segons els lligands coordinats al centre d’or(I). A més, es discuteixen les perspectives futures en el desenvolupament de fotosensibilitzadors i aplicacions de l’oxigen singlet.

  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Characterizing the Hard and Soft Nanoparticle-Protein Corona with Multilayer Adsorption
    (Frontiers Media, 2025-01-17) Vilanova, O.; Martinez-Serra, Alberto; Monopoli, Marco P.; Franzese, Giancarlo
    Nanoparticles (NPs) in contact with biological fluid adsorb biomolecules into a corona. This corona comprises proteins that strongly bind to the NP (hard corona) and loosely bound proteins (soft corona) that dynamically exchange with the surrounding solution. While the kinetics of hard corona formation is relatively well understood, thanks to experiments and robust simulation models, the experimental characterization and simulation of the soft corona present a more significant challenge. Here, we review the current state of the art in soft corona characterization and introduce a novel open-source computational model to simulate its dynamic behavior, for which we provide the documentation. We focus on the case of transferrin (Tf) interacting with polystyrene NPs as an illustrative example, demonstrating how this model captures the complexities of the soft corona and offers deeper insights into its structure and behavior. We show that the soft corona is dominated by a glassy evolution that we relate to crowding effects. This work advances our understanding of the soft corona, bridging experimental limitations with improved simulation techniques.
  • logoOpenAccessArticle
    Probing active nematics with in situ microfabricated elastic inclusions
    (National Academy of Sciences, 2024-03-07) Vélez Cerón, Ignasi; Guillamat Bassedas, Pau; Sagués i Mestre, Francesc; Ignés i Mullol, Jordi
    In this work, we report a direct measurement of the forces exerted by a tubulin/kinesin active nematic gel as well as its complete rheological characterization, including the quantification of its shear viscosity, η, and its activity parameter, α. For this, we develop a method that allows us to rapidly photo-polymerize compliant elastic inclusions in the continuously remodeling active system. Moreover, we quantitatively settle long-standing theoretical predictions, such as a postulated relationship encoding the intrinsic time scale of the active nematic in terms of η and α. In parallel, we infer a value for the nematic elasticity constant, K, by combining our measurements with the theorized scaling of the active length scale. On top of the microrheology capabilities, we demonstrate strategies for defect encapsulation, quantification of defect mechanics, and defect interactions, enabled by the versatility of the microfabrication strategy that allows to combine elastic motifs of different shapes and stiffnesses that are fabricated in situ.