(250c) Nanomaterials for Biomedical and Green Chemistry Applications

Nanocrystalline materials are of interest for a variety of applications.  This talk describes the design and functionalization of nanocomposite materials for biological and chemical applications.  Specifically, we have synthesized metallic, metal oxide and semiconducting nanocrystals for bioimaging, bioseparation, biosensing, theranostic, fuel cell and catalytic applications.  These nanocrystals are ≤ 10 nm in size, and are surface modified to provide for high dispersion, biocompatibility, and water solubility.  They are used as building blocks to create multifunctional nanocomposite particles with unique properties.

Nanoporous materials have also been developed with high surface areas and high porosities.  We have synthesized nanoporous materials that are made of silica, transition metal oxides, and organic backbone.  These systems can be tailored with a high density of functional groups either on the surface or in the backbone of the materials.  They demonstrated excellent properties as heterogeneous or heterogenized catalysts, providing high activity and recyclability.  They are also useful as adsorbents for green chemistry applications.