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Evidence for the existence of an equilibrium epitaxial complexion at the Au-MgAl2O4 interface has been observed. The growth of crystalline MgAl2O4 nanostructures, from a previously stable substrate in the presence of an Au overlayer and heat, is associated with this complexion. Prior to the nanostructures' self-assembly, Au nanoparticles crystalize, then reorient to align with the MgAl2O4 substrate. The presented results contradict earlier conclusions based solely on SEM studies of the final assembled nanostructures. Those results suggested that the MgAl2O4 grown pedestal and associated Au nanoparticle atop were both gold.

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A unique metal/oxide interfacial bilayer formed between Au nanoparticles and MgAl2O4 substrates following thermal treatment is reported. Associated with the formation of the bilayer was the onset of an abnormal epitaxial growth of the substrate under the nanoparticle. According to the redistribution of atoms and the changes of their electronic structure probed across the interface by a transmission electron microscopy, we suggest two possible atomic models of the interfacial bilayer.

We report the serendipitous discovery of a rapid and inexpensive method to attach nanoscale magnetic chaperones to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) become entangled in CNTs after both are dispersed in kerosene by sonication and form conjugates. An externally applied magnetic field manipulates the resulting CNTs-NiNP ink without NiNP separation, allowing us to print an embedded circuit in an elastomeric matrix and fabricate a strain gage and an oil sensor. The new method to print a circuit in a soft material using an NiNP-CNT ink is more rapid and inexpensive than the complex physical and chemical means typically used to magnetize CNTs.