Generation and Detection of Chemically Active Species with Nanometer Precision around Nanostructures in Aqueous Solution

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) program of the NSF Division of Chemistry will support the research project of Prof. Ting Guo of the University of California at Davis. Prof. Guo and his students will investigate the effect of X-ray radiation on the surface chemistry of nanoparticles. The hypothesis to be tested is that irradiation of nanoparticles with X-rays release chemically reactive species like electrons and free radicals from the surface and these chemically reactive species could induce localized chemistry at the nanometer scale. If confirmed, this unique phenomenon will open up new research avenues in multiple traditional disciplines associated with nanochemistry. The project will have a significant impact on the fields of radiation physics and chemistry, radical chemistry, macromolecular chemistry and materials chemistry. The results of this study will also provide guidance to general studies aiming to develop X-ray contrast agents, radiation therapy, advanced 3D nanomaterial networks and architectures, and theories regarding the interactions of ionizing radiation with nanomaterials. The study will provide excellent training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students who will acquire important skills in chemical synthesis and characterization, and biochemistry and a more holistic understanding of the emerging interdisciplinary field of nanochemistry.