We show that natural abundance oxygen-17 NMR of solids could be obtained in minutes at a moderate magnetic field strength by using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Electron spin polarization could be transferred either directly to (17)O spins or indirectly via (1)H spins in inorganic oxides and hydroxides using an oxygen-free solution containing a biradical polarization agent (bTbK). The results open up a powerful method for rapidly acquiring high signal-to-noise ratio solid-state NMR spectra of (17)O nuclear spins and to probe sites on or near the surface, without the need for isotope labeling.

This Communication describes the synthesis of highly monodispersed 12 nm nickel nanocubes. The cubic shape was achieved by using trioctylphosphine and hexadecylamine surfactants under a reducing hydrogen atmosphere to favor thermodynamic growth and the stabilization of {100} facets. Varying the metal precursor to trioctylphosphine ratio was found to alter the nanoparticle size and shape from 5 nm spherical nanoparticles to 12 nm nanocubes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanocubes are protected from further oxidation by a 1 nm NiO shell. Synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction techniques showed the nickel nanocubes order into [100] aligned arrays. Magnetic studies showed the nickel nanocubes have over 4 times enhancement in magnetic saturation compared to spherical superparamagnetic nickel nanoparticles.

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Branched metal nanostructures are of great technological importance because of their unique size- and shape-dependent properties. A kinetically controlled synthesis that uses polymorphism to produce branched nickel nanoparticles is presented. These nanoparticles consist of a face-centred cubic (fcc) core and extended arms of alternating fcc and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) nickel phases.

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The results of detailed structural studies of trigonal lamellar particles of both gold and silver are presented. The particles have been characterized both in sol by means of optical spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction and ex sol using high resolution electron microscopy in both plan view and profile imaging modes. The results of these studies have indicated that the particles have a trigonal outline and are shortened along a ≺111≻ direction to give a plate-like morphology. The presence of small numbers of parallel {111} twin planes has also been confirmed and used to explain the presence of the formally forbidden ⅓{422} reflections observed in plan view. The precise structural requirements for the observation of such reflections has also been confirmed using multislice calculations. Possible growth mechanisms for these particles are also discussed.

Aligned nitrogen-containing carbon nanofibers consisting of polymerized “nanobells” have been grown on a large scale using microwave plasma-assisted chemical-vapor deposition with a mixture of methane and nitrogen. A greater part of the fiber surface consists of open ends of the graphitic sheets. A side-emission mechanism is proposed. A low-threshold field of 1.0 V/μm and a high-emission current density of 200 mA/cm2 for an applied field of 5–6 V/μm were achieved, implying that the materials have a high potential for future application as electron field emitters, especially in flat-panel displays.

Hexagonal colloidal copper particles with a narrow size distribution are formed in the reduction of an acetonitrile solution of Cu(OAc)2·H2O with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of poly(vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone). The deep‐red sols, which were characterized by electron microscopy, are extremely stable in an inert gas atmosphere. They can be redispersed even after complete drying. An insoluble red film is however formed when the dried sol is heated for 30 minutes; this process probably involves polymer cross‐linking.