Neves, CS, Granadeiro CM, Cunha-Silva L, Ananias D, Gago S, Feio G, Carvalho PA, Eaton P, Balula SS, Pereira E.
2013.
Europium Polyoxometalates Encapsulated in Silica Nanoparticles Characterization and Photoluminescence Studies. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry. :2877-2886., Number 16
AbstractThe incorporation of europium polyoxometalates into silica nanoparticles can lead to a biocompatible nanomaterial with luminescent properties suitable for applications in biosensors, biological probes, and imaging. Keggin-type europium polyoxometalates Eu(PW11)x (x = 1 and 2) with different europium coordination environments were prepared by using simple methodologies and no expensive reactants. These luminescent compounds were then encapsulated into silica nanoparticles for the first time through the water-in-oil microemulsion methodology with a nonionic surfactant. The europium polyoxometalates and the nanoparticles were characterized by using several techniques [FTIR, FT-Raman, 31P magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, and TEM/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS), AFM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and inductively coupled plasma MS (ICP-MS) analysis]. The stability of the material and the integrity of the europium compounds incorporated were also examined. Furthermore, the photoluminescence properties of the Eu(PW11)x@SiO2 nanomaterials were evaluated and compared with those of the free europium polyoxometalates. The silica surface of the most stable nanoparticles was successfully functionalized with appropriate organosilanes to enable the covalent binding of oligonucleotides.
Corvo, M, Sardinha J, Menezes SC, Einloft S, Seferin M, Dupont J, Casimiro T, Cabrita EJ.
2013.
Solvation of carbon dioxide in [C4 mim][BF(4)] and [C(4) mim][PF(6)] ionic liquids revealed by high-pressure NMR spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 52:13024-7., Number 49
AbstractWhere is CO2 ? The intermolecular interactions of [C4 mim]BF4 and [C4 mim]PF6 ionic liquids and CO2 have been determined by high-pressure NMR spectroscopy in combination with molecular dynamic simulations. The anion and the cation are both engaged in interactions with CO2 . A detailed picture of CO2 solvation in these ILs is provided. CO2 solubility is essentially determined by the microscopic structure of the IL.