Studying dynamic self-assembling
systems in their native environment is essential for understanding
the mechanisms of self-assembly and thereby exerting full control
over these processes. Traditional ensemble-based analysis methods
often struggle to reveal critical features of the self-assembly that
occur at the single particle level. Here, we describe a label-free
single-particle assay to visualize real-time self-assembly in aqueous
solutions by interferometric scattering microscopy. We demonstrate
how the assay can be applied to biphasic reactions yielding micellar
or vesicular aggregates, detecting the onset of aggregate formation,
quantifying the kinetics at the single particle level, and distinguishing
sigmoidal and exponential growth of aggregate populations. Furthermore,
we can follow the evolution in aggregate size in real time, visualizing
the nucleation stages of the self-assembly processes and record phenomena
such as incorporation of oily components into the micelle or vesicle
lumen.
In response to the request for sustainable high performance energy storage devices, a significant interest is focused on developing environmentally friendly supercapacitors. In this context, cellulose‐based substrates for energy storage devices can be well‐engineered, lightweight, safe, thin, and flexible. Herein, a scalable, low‐cost, and easy‐to‐process approach for the preparation of supercapacitors using large area techniques like spray and blade coating is presented. Following a green strategy, all components are chosen or formulated in water‐based dispersions. Symmetric supercapacitors using common copy paper and electronic paper as the substrate, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as electrodes, are realized and investigated. The novelty of this work consists of the use of composites based on detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a solid‐state electrolyte and separator. Devices with solution electrolyte using the same HPC + DND composite but with the addition of sodium sulfate are prepared. The performance obtained using solid electrolyte (HPC + DNDs) and liquid electrolyte (HPC + DNDs + Na2SO4) on both substrates is comparable in terms of specific capacitance: ≈0.13 – 0.52 F g−1 for (HPC + DNDs) and ≈0.35 – 0.82 F g−1 for (HPC + DNDs + Na2SO4), with power density in the range of ≈19 – 24 μW cm−2.
In this work, the application of nanodiamond (ND)‐composites and dispersions as consolidating agents for parchment substrates has been studied. Different nanocomposites and ND‐based dispersions have been tested showing very promising results and making ND a potential high‐performance additive in the field of restoration. The effect of ND treatment on parchment has been evaluated by analyzing the variations in the parchment denaturation temperature, with respect to the untreated samples, by means of the Light Transmission Analysis (LTA), before and after artificial aging. The hydrolysis/gelatinization degree of the collagen molecule has also been analyzed by means of the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform IR (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy on the same samples investigated by LTA. ND composites, at certain concentrations, seem to improve the structural stability of the collagen networking, contrasting the thermo‐hygrometrically induced aging. Therefore, ND has confirmed to be a promising material to be applied for the restoration and conservation of Cultural Heritage.
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