Controlled Evaluation of Nanoparticle Dissolution Using Atomic Force Microscopy

在这个由美国国家科学基金会化学部环境化学科学项目资助的项目中，弗吉尼亚理工大学的Peter Vikesland教授正在研究粒子特性在金属纳米颗粒溶解动力学中的作用。金属纳米颗粒正被开发用于各种各样的消费和工业产品，但它们在各种环境中的寿命仍然存在许多问题。这项综合研究和教育工作的成果将在科学出版物中传播，并在有关会议上发表演讲。此外，研究结果将为Vikesland教授、弗吉尼亚理工大学可持续纳米技术（VTSuN）项目和NSF-EPA纳米技术环境影响中心（CEINT）组织的推广活动提供信息。Vikesland教授、VTSuN和CEINT将通过实践活动吸引K-12和其他普通民众，并向这些听众介绍纳米技术的社会影响（积极和消极的）。Vikesland教授将利用高灵敏度的原子力显微镜来研究表面涂层、纳米颗粒大小和金属特性如何影响金属纳米颗粒的溶解速率。通过纳米球光刻技术，将产生表面粘附的不同浓度的纳米颗粒阵列，并随着时间的推移对其溶解进行研究。这种方法可以使用实际的纳米颗粒浓度在没有聚集的情况下研究溶解动力学-许多替代方法的严重局限性。这项研究的发现将有助于设计对环境无害的纳米材料并预测其对环境的影响。

In this project, funded by the Environmental Chemical Sciences program of the NSF Chemistry Division, Professor Peter Vikesland of Virginia Tech is examining the role of particle properties on the dissolution kinetics of metallic nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles are being developed for incorporation in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, yet many questions remain about their longevity in diverse environments. Results from this integrated research and education effort will be disseminated in scientific publications and via presentations at relevant conferences. In addition, the results will inform outreach activities organized by Professor Vikesland, the Virginia Tech Sustainable Nanotechnology (VTSuN) Program, and the NSF-EPA Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT). Professor Vikesland, VTSuN, and CEINT will engage K-12 and other members of the general population using hands-on activities and inform these audiences about the societal implications (both positive and negative) of nanotechnology. Professor Vikesland will utilize a highly sensitive atomic force microscope to examine how surface coatings, nanoparticle size, and metal identity affect metal nanoparticle dissolution rates. Arrays of surface adhered nanoparticles of variable consistency will be produced via nanosphere lithography and their dissolution will be probed over time. This approach enables investigation of dissolution kinetics in the absence of aggregation using realistic nanoparticle concentrations - severe limitations of many alternative methodologies. Findings from this study will aid efforts to engineer environmentally benign nanomaterials and to predict their environmental impacts.