ChemPhysChem

See beneath the surface! Surface analysis of biologically relevant composites leads to an improved understanding of the chemistry of nanocomposite constituents and the interactions between them (see picture).

Die another DNA: The decompaction of the DNA/hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) complex is strongly influenced by the concentration of β-cyclodextrin (CD) and by the reaction temperature, owing to a subtle balance between the hydration of the complex and the lower compressibility of the native structures. Moreover, the formation of self-assembled layers of β-CD/CTAB complexes on glass or mica surfaces facilitates the immobilization of DNA, either in its coil or globule conformations (see picture).

A weak but productive donor: Mechanistic and kinetic insights into light-driven biphasic hydrogen evolution in the presence of the weak electron donor decamethylosmocene , which on white-light illumination produces an excited-state species that can reduce organically solubilized protons (see picture), are obtained by gas chromatographic, cyclic voltammetric, and UV/Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis.

Time-series XPS measurements in combination with conductivity analysis on the adsorption of NO₂/O₂ on compact and porous SnO₂ thin films (see picture) allow for the direct observation of the electroadsorptive effect. Diffusion of NO_x species to the surface during the experiment is clearly seen for the porous layers.

The anti-protein lift-off: An ester group containing a self-assembled monolayer is used in an electrochemical Epstein–Barr virus immunoassay with native recombinant antigens and electrochemical readout. The electrode interface is adapted to microstructuring using scanning electrochemical microscopy. A chemical lift-off process based on the hydrolysis of the ester groups is proposed to remove non-specifically adsorbed molecules.