NIRT: Nanoparticle-Environment Interfaces: Interactions in Natural Systems

NIRT：纳米颗粒-环境界面：自然系统中的相互作用

• 批准号: 0403732
• 负责人: Udo Becker
• 金额: $ 149.97万
• 依托单位: Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-09-01 至 2010-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0403732&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: NIRT; Nanoparticle; Environment; Interfaces; Interactions

0403732BeckerRecent developments in surface analysis, computer simulations using quantum mechanical and empirical methods, and advanced techniques in electron microscopy now allow the accurate characterization and modeling of interface properties between nanoparticles and their immediate atomic-scale environment. These properties encompass the structural relationships between both phases, the stability of nanomaterials in their respective hosts, the chemistry in and near the interface, electron transfer mechanisms across the interface, and magnetic ordering in the nanoparticle, as well as in the near-interface region of the host matrix. These interface properties have a critical influence on the reactivity and the environmental behavior of nanoparticles. Therefore, their fate in the environment cannot be understood if only size and structure are considered. We propose to apply this combination of newly-developed experimental and theoretical capabilities to a variety of research topics that collectively focus on the important role of nanoparticle interfaces in natural systems, such as the formation of metal particles on sulfide and oxide surfaces and their incorporation into the bulk, transport of metal-bearing nanoparticles in atmospheric particulates and groundwater colloids, and to biomineralization processes. Broader impact: This new initiative at the University of Michigan is also supported by the development of new graduate and undergraduate courses to stimulate student interest in this field. We are in the process of developing new courses in environmental geochemistry, environmental mineralogy, mineral surface science, computational methods, nuclear materials, and radioactive waste management. A number of undergraduate and graduate students from different disciplines, such as mineralogy, geology, applied physics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering are expected to be involved in the projects proposed. In addition, we plan to develop a public exhibition on nanoparticles in the Museum of Natural History at the University of Michigan. The exhibit will emphasize the broad applicability of nanogeoscience to diverse areas of great public interest, such as medicine (bone and tooth growth), development of geomimetic materials, new methods for metal exploitation and mineral processing, and release and transport of environmentally hazardous materials. The museum is regularly visited, not only by university students, but also by students from the local middle and high schools, and by the general public.

由于表面分析的最新发展，使用量子力学和经验方法的计算机模拟，以及电子显微镜中的先进技术，现在可以对纳米粒子与其直接原子尺度环境之间的界面属性进行准确的表征和建模。这些性质包括两相之间的结构关系、纳米材料在各自主体中的稳定性、界面内和界面附近的化学、界面上的电子转移机制、纳米颗粒中的磁性有序以及主体基质的近界面区域。这些界面性质对纳米粒子的反应性和环境行为有重要影响。因此，如果只考虑大小和结构，就不能理解它们在环境中的命运。我们建议将这一新开发的实验和理论能力的组合应用于各种研究课题，这些课题共同关注纳米颗粒界面在自然系统中的重要作用，例如金属颗粒在硫化物和氧化物表面的形成及其在块体中的结合，含金属纳米颗粒在大气颗粒和地下水胶体中的传输，以及生物矿化过程。更广泛的影响：密歇根大学的这一新倡议也得到了新研究生和本科课程的发展的支持，以激发学生对这一领域的兴趣。我们正在开发环境地球化学、环境矿物学、矿物表面科学、计算方法、核材料和放射性废物管理等新课程。预计将有来自矿物学、地质学、应用物理、化学、核工程、材料科学和化学工程等不同学科的本科生和研究生参与拟议的项目。此外，我们计划在密歇根大学自然历史博物馆举办一个关于纳米粒子的公开展览。展览将强调纳米地球科学在各种公众关注的领域的广泛适用性，如医学(骨骼和牙齿生长)、仿生材料的开发、金属开采和矿物加工的新方法以及对环境有害的材料的释放和运输。博物馆经常被参观，不仅是大学生，当地初高中的学生和普通公众也是如此。