We propose a mechanism for defect-assisted covalent binding of graphene to the surface of amorphous silica (a-SiO(2)) based on first-principles density functional calculations. Our calculations show that a dioxasilirane group (DOSG) on a-SiO(2) may react with graphene to form two Si-O-C linkages with a moderate activation barrier (≈0.3 eV) and considerable exothermicity (≈1.0 eV). We also exami...

Maser emission from the SiO molecule has been widely observed in the nearcircumstellar envelopes of late-type, evolved stars. VLBI images can resolve individual SiO maser spots, providing information about the kinematics and magnetic field in the extended atmospheres of these stars. This poster presents full polarization images of several SiO maser lines towards the supergiant star VY CMa. VY C...

An electron microprobe (EMP) analysis of silica (SiO,) deposition in the epidermis of developing internodes of the perennial scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale var. affine) indicates that SiO, is first detected in the stomata1 apparatus beginning with internode 3, then the epidermal papillae (internode 8), and finally in radial cell walls of the long epidermal cells (internode 10). This process i...

The impact of nano-SiO₂ on the early hydration properties of alite-sulphoaluminate (AC$A) cement was investigated with a fixed water to solid ratio (w/s) of one. Nano-SiO₂ was used in partial substitution of AC$A cement at zero, one and three wt %. Calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning elec...

Orthopedic applications commonly require the administration of systemic antibiotics. Gentamicin is one of the most commonly used aminoglycosides in the treatment and prophylaxis of infections associated with orthopedic applications, but gentamicin has a short half-life. However, silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) can be used as elegant carriers for antibiotics to prolong their release. Our goal is...

Silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) usage includes, but is not limited to, industrial and biomedical applications. Toxic effects of SiO₂ NPs have been explored either in vitro or in vivo, assessing different surface modifications to reduce their harmful effects. Here, murine bone marrow-derived dendritic (BMDC) and a mouse model of mild allergic inflammation were used to study inflammasome activa...

Bioactive PLLA/surface-grafted silica (g-SiO₂) nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated by solid-liquid phase separation method. And solid PLLA/g-SiO₂ nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. A series of parallel tube-like morphology and internal ladder-like structure of PLLA/g-SiO₂ nanocomposite scaffolds were observed by SEM. The formation of bone-like apatite in the simul...

The resistive switching characteristics of the Cu/SiO x /Pt structure (control sample) exhibited a direct correlation to humidity. The H2O vapor formed the Cu oxide at the Cu/SiO x interface, and Cu ions were injected from the Cu oxide into the SiO x layer, thus improving the resistive switching. However, the control sample demonstrated substantial switching dispersion in a vaporless environmen...

Based on the space MSX observation in bands A(8μm), C(12μm), D(15μm) and E(21μm), and the ground SiO maser observation of evolved stars by the Nobeyama 45-m telescope in the v=1 and v=2 J=1-0 transitions, the relation between SiO maser emission and mid-IR continuum radiation is analyzed. The relation between SiO maser emission and the IR radiation in the MSX bands A, C, D and E is all clearly c...

In this study, we synthesized core/shell structures comprising monodisperse 3-μm SiO(2) microspheres and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, ca. 6.7 nm) as the core and shell components, respectively. Using a layer-by-layer cross-linking process with a dithiol cross-linking agent, we prepared low-permittivity AuNP-encapsulated high-permittivity SiO(2) core/shell microspheres with variable AuNP shell thi...