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

ABSTRACTProposal没有。标题：NIRT：控制纳米颗粒的界面活性：稳健的路径到基于纳米颗粒的胶囊espi: Todd EmrickInstitution: the University of Massachusetts amherst智力优势：该提案已收到响应纳米尺度科学与工程计划，NSF 05-610，类别NIRT。本研究的目的是从纳米尺度的粒子（称为纳米颗粒）制备坚固的材料。了解纳米颗粒的结构和物理行为对于充分了解其性质至关重要，但考虑到颗粒的尺寸非常小，这是一个重大挑战。该方法是用独特的方法制备纳米粒子，并具有独特的表面特性，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。在这些组件上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，考虑到它们非常小的尺寸，这些纳米材料非常坚固。更广泛的影响：该研究具有与技术进步和教育活动相关的至关重要的特征。纳米级设备，如用于治疗药物治疗的封装和释放系统，可以通过使用纳米粒子作为治疗的组成部分来改进和完善。此外，当纳米颗粒与传统的水净化膜结合使用时，可以帮助去除水中的污染物，过滤后留下干净的饮用水。最后，纳米粒子在溶液中的自组织提供了令人惊叹的美丽显微图像。这些图像向广大公众传达了在实验室中进行的科学研究的物理重要性和视觉吸引力，为科学教育提供了艺术吸引力的来源。

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.