University of Notre Dame
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Chemical Engineering of Nanoshell Chemical Reactors

thesis
posted on 2004-11-17, 00:00 authored by Qiang Wang
The objective of this project is to develop a reliable synthesis and characterization procedure for the development of silicate-based nanoshell chemical reactors. These materials may be useful in a wide range of areas including drug and gene delivery, biocatalysis, sensors, and photoactive devices. To achieve this objective, synthesis methods for two types of nanoparticle encapsulating a chemically or photochemically active species in aqueous and hydrophobic cores were evaluated. Templates used to form these shells included micelles, gold nanoparticles, and liposomes. Model compounds in the form of Cascade Blue dye, pyrene, and urease enzymes were encapsulated inside the nanoshells. The interdependence of shell formation and model compound encapsulation efficiency was characterized using a variety of colloidal and microscopic methods such as dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and steady-state and time resolved fluorescence. Using these methods, nanoparticle yields and size distributions, estimates of the internal viscosity, and diffusion of molecules in and out of the nanoshell as a function of chemical and physical environment were examined. Based on these results, the effect of nanoshell encapsulation on the kinetics of chemical reactions and their potential for future applications of these materials are evaluated.

History

Date Created

2004-11-17

Date Modified

2018-10-04

Defense Date

2004-11-15

Research Director(s)

Steven T. Ruggiero

Committee Members

Andre F. Palmer Edward J. Maginn Agnes E. Ostafin Joan F. Brennecke

Degree

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Level

  • Doctoral Dissertation

Language

  • English

Alternate Identifier

etd-11172004-201112

Publisher

University of Notre Dame

Program Name

  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Usage metrics

    Dissertations

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC