NIRT: Controlling Interfacial Activity of Nanoparticles: Robust Routes to Nanoparticle-based Capsules, Membranes, and Electronic Materials

提案编号：0609107标题：NIRT：控制纳米颗粒的界面活性：健壮的Rouesto基于纳米颗粒的胶囊PI：Todd Emrick研究所：马萨诸塞大学阿姆赫斯特分校智力优点：本提案是响应纳米科学与工程倡议，NSF 05-610，NIRT类别而收到的。这项研究的目标是从纳米级颗粒中制备出坚固的材料，称为纳米颗粒。了解纳米粒子的结构和物理行为对于全面了解它们的性质至关重要，但考虑到粒子的尺寸非常小，这是一个巨大的挑战。方法是以独特的方式制备纳米颗粒，并具有独特的表面性质，使它们能够在没有外力的情况下自组织。这种自组织产生了组装的纳米级材料，如超薄薄片和胶囊，其中薄片或胶囊壁的厚度为5纳米或更小。对这些组件进行化学反应，将它们从没有机械完整性的纳米组件转化为纳米材料，因为它们的尺寸非常小，令人惊讶地坚固。广泛的影响：这项研究具有与技术进步和教育活动相关的至关重要的特征。纳米设备，如治疗药物治疗中使用的包封剂和释放系统，可以通过使用纳米颗粒作为治疗的组成部分来改进和改进。此外，当纳米颗粒与传统的净水膜结合使用时，可以帮助去除水中的污染物，使过滤后的饮用水保持清洁。最后，纳米颗粒在溶液中的自组织提供了令人惊叹的美丽显微图像。这些图像向更广泛的公众传达了实验室中所做科学的物理重要性和视觉吸引力，提供了与艺术吸引力相一致的科学教育来源。

ABSTRACTProposal No.: 0609107Title: NIRT: Controlling Interfacial Activity of Nanoparticles: Robust Routesto Nanoparticle-based CapsulesPI: Todd EmrickInstitution: University of Massachusetts AmherstIntellectual Merit:This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 05-610, category NIRT. The objective of this research is to prepare robust materials from nanometer-scale particles, termed nanoparticles. Gaining an understanding of the structure and physical behavior of nanoparticles is crucial for fully understanding their properties, but a significant challenge given the very small size of the particles. The approach is to prepare nanoparticles in unique ways, and with unique surface properties, that allow them to self-organize in the absence of external forces. This self-organization gives assembled nanoscale materials, such as ultra-thin sheets and capsules, where the thickness of the sheet or capsule wall is five nanometers or less. Performing chemical reactions on these assemblies converts them from nano-assemblies, with no mechanical integrity, into nano-materials that are surprisingly robust given their very small dimensions.Broader Impact:The research carries critically important features that pertain both to technological advances and educational activities. Nanoscale devices, such as encapsulant and release systems used in therapeutic drug treatments, can be improved and refined through the use of nanoparticles as components of the therapy. In addition, nanoparticles, when used in conjunction with conventional membranes for water purification, can help remove water-borne contaminants, leaving clean drinking water following filtration. Finally, the self-organization of nanoparticles in solution provides stunningly beautiful microscopic images. These images convey the physical importance and visual appeal of the science done in the laboratories to the broader public, providing a source of science education in concert with artistic appeal.