Surface nanodroplets for reproducible extraction and nanomaterial synthesis

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

We propose to develop an innovative manufacturing technique for production of a wide range of nanomaterials that are applied for sensitive chemical analysis in water, food and environment, point-of-care diagnostics, or early detection of diseases. The technique is based on reproducible formation of surface nanodroplets by a scalable bottom-up process called solvent exchange at a rate up to ~ 1 million droplets per second. The process is green and low-cost, applicable for forming droplets of many types of liquid. Those nanodroplets exhibit long-term stability, efficient mass transfer and tunable chemical composition. In this project, highly reproducible process for nanoparticle synthesis will be achieved by controlling chemical and physical characteristics of nanodroplets and reaction kinetics with nanodroplets. The potential outcomes of the project will be (1) a flow-in system for production of functional multicomponent nanodroplets; (2) a protocol for fast and reliable nanoextraction prior to sensitive chemical analysis without using toxic solvents; (3) highly reproducible approach for nanomaterial synthesis including metal oxides (iron oxide and indium tin oxide), metal organic frameworks and carbon quantum dots; (4) a prototype chip functionalized with silver nanoparticles for supersensitive detection by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The outcome of the project will bring the technology readiness level of the proposal manufacturing technique to 4 or above, ready for mid-scale pilot test. The proposed research is in line with the underlying technology for scalability of synthesis and deposition/manufacturing processes in the theme of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies. Commercialization of the research outcome will lead to job creation and diversify local economic opportunities.