Ultrafine and monodispersable colloidal cobalt oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized quantitatively via soft chemical approach with controlled particle size and microstructural properties for their use in technological applications. The particle size, shape, and other microstructural properties are directly influenced by their reaction conditions. The FT-IR studies give information for phase purity, and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy helps to study the optical properties. Thermal analysis gives the information about thermal stability. With the help of X-ray diffraction pattern, the size of the particle was calculated. An electron microscope studies help in morphological characterization, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method gives information about surface area. Cobalt oxide nanoparticle tends to orient itself with its narrow size distribution having a crystal size around 50 nm.
Nanosized niobium oxide powders were synthesized with a yield of approximately 87% using a simple and facile soft-chemical process. Niobium pentachloride (Nb2Cl5) was used as the precursor which was first converted into niobium ethoxide and then hydrolysed with water to synthesize niobia nanopowder. The synthesized powder was calcined at 500 degrees C for phase conversion to end-centered monoclinic as confirmed by diffraction studies and elemental analysis with a chemical composition in the ratio of Nb:O as 1:2.5. The molecular framework of Nb-O-Nb stretching and asymmetric frequency was confirmed by FT-IR, UV-visible and Raman spectroscopic studies. The size, shape and surface morphology of the powders were observed by SEM and TEM which indicated particle sizes of approximately 20 nm. The surface area of 20 m2/g, pore volume of 0.0538 cm2/g and the average pore size of 6.5 nm2 for the calcined sample were obtained with the help of nitrogen adsorption/desorption method using the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method which indicates that the synthesized powder can be used for catalysis and other surface sensitive applications.
Sb 2 O 3 nanopowder with sheet structure has been synthesized in mild conditions using chimie douce. The nanopowder was characterized by using different techniques. Optical properties were studied using ultra violetvisible spectroscopy. Bond stretching and bending were scrutinized by FT-IR spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Particle size and crystallinity was deduced from the X-ray diffraction. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to probe the composition and morphology. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction were used to examine the size and shape. Brunauer Emmett Teller method was used to calculate the surface area of the nanopowder. The X-ray diffraction supports the formation of orthorhombic phase with a particle size of 40.83 nm.
Activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels alters the excitability of cardiac and brain cells. GIRK channels were first described as K channels that are activated directly by G protein Gbg subunits. GIRK channels are also modulated by small molecules but much less is known about the underlying gating mechanisms. One drawback to previous studies has been the inability to control intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here, we describe recent studies investigating the molecular interactions of alcohol, cholesterol and the membrane phospholipid PIP 2 that underlie GIRK channel activation in the absence of G proteins.
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