Surface chemical and physical properties increasingly dominate nanomaterial behavior as their dimensions decrease below 100 nm. As a result, relatively small changes to the surface properties can have a dramatic impact on the form, functionality, and fate of nanomaterials used in consumer and biomedical products. This research opportunity focuses on developing measurement science, methods and protocols used to determine and quantify (1) nanomaterials surface states and speciation, (2) transformations impacting the lifecycles of nanomaterials in products, and (3) changes to surface functionality under simulated use conditions. The equipment available to perform these essential measurements is available at NIST and includes access to a state-of-the-art imaging X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). Supporting the XPS measurements are transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopies, and infrared spectroscopy. Some examples of research topics include, but are not limited to (1) detection and characterization of nanoparticles within consumer products with a focus on correlating physico-chemical characteristics to performance, (2) the impact of transformations on nanomaterial's surface coatings that develop due to environmental or biological exposures, or (3) relating surface chemistry to nanoparticle release in nanocomposites.

 

References

Gorham JM, et al: "Storage Wars: how citrate-capped silver nanoparticle suspensions are affected by not-so-trivial decisions." Journal of Nanoparticle Research 2014

Gorham JM, et al: "Photo-induced surface transformations of silica nanocomposites." Surface and Interface Analysis 2012

 

key words

Nanomaterials; Nanoparticle composites; Surface chemistry; Physico-chemical characterization; nanoEHS; Life cycle analysis; Environmental transformations; Biological transformations; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants