Barron Group Abstracts
ACS 2009 National Meeting - Salt Lake City
March 22-26, 2009
“Catalysis in SWNT growth”
Alvin Orbaek, Christopher Crouse, Andrew R Barron.
There are many variables in the growth conditions for single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). When only the metal concentrations in nanoparticle alloys are varied, one can determine the effect of the addition and concentration of various metals in bi-metallic particles on the growth of SWNTs. To do this in a controlled and measurable way it is desirable to grow vertically aligned SWNTs for all the metal concentrations. In order to achieve this such that influences like particle size and surface coverage are the same for all specimens, the synthesis of particles with narrow size distributions, and the formations of uniform monolayers must be very controlled. The degree of success can be determined by several characterization methods. Once this is achieved then direct comparisons can be made of various metals and their contribution to the catalytic growth of SWNTs.
“Silver nanoparticle synthesis in a robust one-pot room temperature reaction.”
Alvin Orbaek, Mallam Nkrumah Phillips, Carolyn Aitken Nichol, Mary E. R. McHale, Andrew R Barron.
A very simple and robust one-pot room temperature synthesis of silver nanoparticles is presented. 300 undergraduate students at Rice University have already successfully carried this out. Nanotechnology is fast becoming a part of our every day lives as more and more merchandising introduces materials that directly pertain to nanotechnology. Most notably of which are silver nanoparticles, also commonly referred to as silver colloids. These are typically utilized for their anti-microbial properties and have found their way onto the market shelves integrated into food packaging, clothing, and medical equipment. Nanotechnology is a fast growing buzz word, but, unfortunately, at present only very few fortunate people have the ability to gather hands-on experience with some “nano” material. Many new technologies and processes are becoming possible as a direct result of nanotechnology. So it is our explicit intention to help spread this understanding by direct involvement through the use of this laboratory exercise. The development of this laboratory exercise stems from the research conducted by a professional high school teacher during a summer internship in Rice University.