BRIGE: Sustainable Methods for the Production of Anisotropic Metallic Nanoparticles Using Tunable Fluids

Clemson University, Clemson SC

Investigators

Abstract

This BRIGE award supports the study of gas expanded liquids (GXLs) as a novel processing media for the production of anisotropic, metallic nanoparticles; which display unique morphology-dependent properties. The research objectives are to 1) synthesize anisotropic nanoparticles using colloidal directed assembly within GXLs, 2) demonstrate effective methods for the rapid size-fractionation of anisotropic nanoparticles and deposition into uniform, ordered arrays using GXLs, and 3) gain a fundamental understanding of the interparticle interactions and surface forces that govern the synthesis and processing of anisotropic nanoparticles in GXLs. Previous work has investigated the use of GXLs (low-pressure mixtures of CO2 and organic solvents) and other tunable fluids for the synthesis and processing of ligand-stabilized, spherical metallic nanoparticles. Here tunable fluids, specifically GXLs, will provide sustainable means for the production of unique nanomaterials for diverse applications. Gold and silver nanorods in GXLs will be produced by developing a seed-mediated growth processes; coupled with GXL mediated processing to yield uniform nanorod populations and long-range, ordered nanorod arrays. Advanced characterization techniques and thermodynamic modeling will be employed to gain a fundamental understanding of the anisotropic nanoparticle synthesis and directed assembly to further enhance production and processing capabilities. If successful, this work will advance knowledge in the field of nanomaterial synthesis and manufacture by campaigning two specific philosophies: 1) Sustainable methods of nanoparticle synthesis and processing are achievable and have significant advantages over conventional methodologies for large-scale, economic, and green nanomaterial production. 2) The fundamental driving force for the synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles is kinetically controlled processes that result from directed assembly rather than conventional colloidal template mechanisms.