[UCI-Calit2] Manipulation of Nanoparticle Dispersion & Assembly

[Anna Lynn Spitzer]

Upcoming event:      Manipulation of Nanoparticle Dispersion & Assembly

 

Speaker:                    H.-J. Sue, director, Polymer Technology Center, Texas A&M University

 

Time:                         2-3 p.m.

 

Date:                           Friday, Feb. 6, 2009

 

Location:                    Calit2 Building, Room 3008

 

Abstract:                     Nanoscale materials generally possess superior physical and mechanical properties over their bulk counterparts. For instance, when the size of semiconductor particles is reduced to a few nanometers, they exhibit enhanced quantum size-/shape-dependent optical and electronic properties, which greatly broaden their potential applications. Furthermore, when exfoliated, nanomaterials exhibit extremely high surface-to-volume ratio, resulting in greatly improved barrier properties, mechanical properties, energy conversion efficiency, etc. However, these properties will become significantly suppressed if uncontrolled nanoparticle aggregation takes place. Thus, ability to exfoliate nanoparticles in a medium of interest is a critical step for realization of nanotechnologies for large-scale commercial applications. In this presentation, successful exfoliation of three types of nanomaterials is demonstrated: two-dimensional (2-D) α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets; one-dimensional (1-D) carbon nanotubes (CNTs); and zero-dimensional (0-D) ZnO quantum dots (QDs). Colloidal dispersion of these nanomaterials and their subsequent self-assembly in solutions and in polymers are described. The significance of the present findings is also discussed.

 

Bio:                             H.-J. Sue is a professor and has taught in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (TAMU), since 1995. He received his bachelor's degree from the Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taiwan, in 1981. He then obtained his master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan in 1985, 1987 and 1988, respectively. Before joining TAMU, Sue was employed by Dow Chemical at Freeport, TX, for about seven years. He has focused most of his research work on fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship of polymeric materials. His recent research interests include micro-and nano-scratch behavior of polymers and preparation of polymer nanocomposites for nanotechnology applications. Sue is currently the director of the Polymer Technology Center at TAMU.

 

 

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