Post-functionalization strategy on gold Nanoparticles (Au NPs) surface provides access to novel nanocomposite materials with specific physico-chemical properties for a variety of interdisciplinary applications. In this work, functionalized gold Nanocomposites (Au NCs) with unique morphological features were achieved by utilizing Ruthenium(II)-polypyridyl complexes with various functional groups. They were synthesized by using ethanol/water medium at room temperature by place-exchange methodology. As the progress of binding Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex molecules, changed from ionic to covalent fashion, then Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex molecules-induced self-assembly was observed. This was evident in UV-Vis spectroscopic and TEM studies. Additionally, Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes binding showed altered Au NPs surface with SERS enhancement at micromolar concentration level and Raman scattering signals of Au surface-bound Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes were studied through a hot spot mechanism.

Post-functionalization strategy on gold Nanoparticles (Au NPs) surface provides access to novel nanocomposite materials with specific physico-chemical properties for a variety of interdisciplinary applications. In this work, functionalized gold Nanocomposites (Au NCs) with unique morphological features were achieved by utilizing Ruthenium(II)-polypyridyl complexes with various functional groups. They were synthesized by using ethanol/water medium at room temperature by place-exchange methodology. As the progress of binding Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex molecules, changed from ionic to covalent fashion, then Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex molecules-induced self-assembly was observed. This was evident in UV-Vis spectroscopic and TEM studies. Additionally, Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes binding showed altered Au NPs surface with SERS enhancement at micromolar concentration level and Raman scattering signals of Au surface-bound Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes were studied through a hot spot mechanism.

This review focuses on the synthesis, protection, functionalization, characterization and with some applications of magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs). The review begins with an overview on magnetic property and single domain particles. The synthetic strategies developed for the generation of MNPs, with a focus on particle formation mechanism and recent modifications made on the synthesis of monodisperse samples of relatively large quantities are also discussed. Then, different methodologies for the protection and functionalization of the synthesized MNPs, together with the characterization techniques are explained. Finally, some of the recent industrial, biological, environmental and analyticals application of MNPs are briefly reviewed, and some future trends and perspectives in these research areas will be outlined.

N ano-attapulgite (nano-AT) particles organically-modified with the silanecontaining epoxide groups were incorporated into a mixture of trimethylol-1, 1, 1- propane trimethacrylate, a tri-functional acrylate (TMPTMA) and methyl-hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MeHHPA) -cured CER was prepared for Nanocomposites. The surface modification with silane of nano-AT was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the results showed that the characteristic peaks of silane, such as 2966, 2886, 1010, 804 and 750 cm-1 were observed in the FTIR spectra of nano-AT modified by silane, which indicated that silane coupling agent had already been grafted successfully on the surface of AT Nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the microscopic structures of Nanocomposites. The microscopy results displayed that a uniform dispersion of organically-modified nano-AT by silane in the polymeric matrix was obtained, which led to the improvement of the macroscopic properties of Nanocomposites. The macroscopic properties of Nanocomposites, such as impact strength, storage modulus, tan d, thermal stability and the dielectric properties were measured. It is found that within the range of 10 to 20 pbw the higher the nano-AT modified by silane concentrations the greater is impact strength of Nanocomposites where at 30 pbw it reaches 11.2 kJ/m2 in contrast with 5.9 kJ/m2 of the CER/TMPTMA system. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showd that a glass transition temperature (Tg) found in Nanocomposites was assigned to the epoxy phase modified by TMPTMA. With increase in nano-AT modified by silane concentration there were gradual higher values in both Tg and the storage modulus of Nanocomposites.Additionally, the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that thermal stability of Nanocomposites was apparently improved in comparison with the CER/TMPTMA system. Dielectric measurements showed that the resulting Nanocomposites also displayed quite different dielectric behaviours compared with the CER/TMPTMA system.

The demands for materials that integrate more than one functional imaging or therapeutic unit are of increasing interest for biomedical applications. Here, we present the step-by-step preparation of asymmetric and optically active particles, namely, Gd2O3@ Ag, Gd2O3@ Au, SiO2–N3@Au, and SiO2–SH@Au. Successful attachment of plasmonic Nanoparticles to the surface of metal-oxide spheres without necessity of a potentially toxic inter-adhesive layer was proven by optical methods as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combination of optical and magnetic properties as present in Gd2O3@ Ag and Gd2O3@ Au Janus-type particles leads to dual-imaging probes for optical and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, functional groups, such as azide groups, were linked to the surface of silica particles previous to Au nanoparticle attachment. Subsequent site-selective click reactions with 5-FAM were successfully performed as demonstrated by UV-Vis measurements. All described systems exhibited excellent long-term stability and can, therefore, be considered as promising candidates for theranostic applications.