Bioelectrochemistry at nanocomposite-modified interfaces and surfaces

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The research program aims to provide a detailed understanding of various interacting molecules in a nanomaterial-modified composite structure immobilized on surfaces and interfaces. Electrochemistry has played a significant role in the preparation and characterization of the conducting electro-active polymers (CEPs). Electrochemical techniques are especially well suited to the controlled synthesis of these compounds and for the tuning of a well-defined oxidation state. First objective is to investigate the hypothesis that electro-activity of conjugated polymers is significantly influenced by the surface plasmons of metal nanoparticles in the nanocomposite. As a long-term objective, the research program will provide a systematic approach and recipes to develop novel nanocomposite-modified surfaces and interfaces. In this research program, the focus lies on the development of novel electrochemical and plasmonic sensors and nanomachines fabricated on various surfaces (carbon, indium tin oxide (ITO), gold, silver, boron-doped diamond, etc.) that will be modified using CEPs with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal nanoparticles. For the development of electrochemical sensors and nanomachines, nanocomposites will be used as active, sensing, or catalytic layers; also as matrices entrapping biomolecules and nanomaterials. Certain metal nanoparticles exhibit excellent synergistic properties with conjugated polymers. Despite intense studies, some fundamental properties of the potential synergistic effects between the conducting polymers and the sequestered nanomaterials are not well understood. These include enhanced conductivity of the polymer after association with the metal nanoparticles, and the driven collective electron oscillation characteristics (localized surface plasmon resonance, LSPR) of the metal nanoparticles during electrochemical measurements. One of the goals of this research program is to utilize the developed nanomachines for fast and efficient removal of toxic metals and organic pollutants from water. The proposed project hypothesizes that nanomachine technology can be utilized to develop a novel tool that will address the challenges and limitations of conventional water purification methods by designing tools, which can be used by water treatment plants as well as households, which do not have access to the clean water. Substantial progress in improving efficiency, power, and functionality of hybrid nanomachines promises an exciting future for designing the next generation of nanoscale devices with the capability to perform complex tasks and reactions in microenvironments. The research program, with its blend of electrochemistry, sensors, nanotechnology, and device fabrication provides students with opportunities to learn about the connection between science and nanotechnology in today's world; therefore contributing actively to economic wealth and the quality of life in Canada and also globally.