Controlled Evaluation of Nanoparticle Dissolution Using Atomic Force Microscopy

在这个由NSF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教授正在研究颗粒特性对金属纳米颗粒溶解动力学的作用。金属纳米颗粒正在被开发用于各种消费品和工业产品中，但关于它们在不同环境中的寿命仍然存在许多问题。 这一综合研究和教育工作的成果将在科学出版物中传播，并通过在有关会议上的发言加以传播。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）计划和NSF-EPA纳米技术环境影响中心（CEINT）组织的外联活动提供信息。 教授Vikesland，VTSuN，和CEINT将从事K-12和其他成员的一般人群使用动手活动，并告知这些观众对纳米技术的社会影响（积极和消极）。 Vikesland教授将利用高灵敏度的原子力显微镜来研究表面涂层、纳米颗粒尺寸和金属特性如何影响金属纳米颗粒的溶解速率。 将通过纳米球光刻法产生可变稠度的表面粘附纳米颗粒阵列，并随时间探测其溶解。这种方法使得能够使用实际的纳米颗粒浓度在不存在聚集的情况下研究溶解动力学-许多替代方法的严重限制。这项研究的结果将有助于设计环境友好的纳米材料并预测其环境影响。

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.