Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Chemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry,
materials science, colloid science, surface chemistry
Supervisor: Prof
Thomas Nann
Description: The synthesis of various types of monodispersed,
inorganic nanoparticles can be achieved by well-established procedures.
However the controlled assembly of different types of nanoparticles into
complex and functional nano-systems is still a major challenge. Even the
simplest type of nano-system a "hetero-dimer" consisting of two
different types of nanoparticles; e.g. a semiconductor quantum dot and a
gold nanoparticle - has not yet been realised.
The aim of this project is to find synthesis methods for the mono-functionalisation
of nanoparticles (basically any nanoparticle) and the assembly of
hetero-dimers. Our goal is to synthesise hetero-dimers of gold and
quantum dots as well as two different quantum dots (nano-solar cells).
The project also includes the spectro-electrochemical and morphological
characterisation of the products. The work will build on extensive
preliminary experience of the research group and does involve
international collaborations. The successful candidate will be required
to spend short periods of time overseas undertaking research with
collaborators.
Methods
- wet-chemical synthesis of nanoparticles
- surface functionalisation of nanoparticles and other materials
- electronic spectroscopy
- various electrochemical methods including spectro-electrochemistry
- electron microscopy (especially transmission electron microscopy)
- standard analytical methods
References
1. Liu, X. et al. Monofunctional Gold Nanoparticles Prepared via a
Noncovalent-Interaction-Based Solid-Phase Modification Approach. Small
2, 1126-1129 (2006).
2 Sung, K., Mosley, D.W., Peelle, B.R., Zhang, S. & Jacobson, J.M.
Synthesis of Monofunctionalized Gold Nanoparticles by Fmoc Solid-Phase
Reactions. Journal of the American Chemical Society 126, 5064-5065
(2004).
3 Nann, T. et al. Water Splitting by Visible Light: A Nanophotocathode
for Hydrogen Production. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 49, 1574-1577 (2010).
Funding: All students should apply for an IWRI fully-funded
scholarship.
International students should also apply for an International
Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) and a UniSA President's
Scholarship (UPS). To be eligible for UPS, applicants must have a
supervisor willing to nominate them for consideration.
Australian students should also apply for an Australian Postgraduate
Award (APA) and a UniSA Australian Postgraduate Research Award (USAAPRA).
International and national travel and collaboration will be involved in
this project and students should be prepared to travel overseas for
short periods of focused research.
