Project 7 - Synthesis and In-Flight Characterization of Passivating Coatings on Reactive Nano Particles
PI: M. R. Zachariah
This project is aimed at developing methods to create in the aerosol phase, surface functionalized reactive nanoparticles (e.g. NanoAluminum) and to develop characterization methods aimed at studying the creation and stability of these coatings in an on-the-fly method. The work is in collaboration with Dr. Jason Jouet, who is an expert on liquid phase synthesis of nanoparticles. One of our goals is to adapt his chemistry into an aerosol process for easier manufacturability. In addition, we are developing methods for on-the-fly characterization of the composition of these particles. Most recently we have applied our Quantitative Single Particle Mass Spectrometer (QSPMS) to monitor the formation and stability of fluorocarbon monolayers on nanoaluminum. Most recently, Kyle Sullivan, a PhD student, is trying to develop a method based on Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to study surface coatings in NanoParticles.
R. Jason Jouet*, Andrea D. Warren, David M. Rosenberg, Victor J. Bellitto, Kihong Park, and Michael Zachariah, “Surface Passivation of Bare Aluminum Nanoparticles Using Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylic Acids”, Submitted for Publication.
Figure 1: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Experiment
Figure 2: Mass spectrum taken with the University of Maryland’s Quantitative Single Particle Mass Spectrometer (QSPMS) of a single nanoparticle of Aluminum coated with a passivating layer of perfluoroalkane. The material was synthesized by Dr. Jason Jouet of NSWC-IH. The research is used to study the quality and stability of the coating.
Contact:
Dr. Michael Zachariah
Phone: 301.405.4311
Email: mrz@umd.edu
Website: Dr. Michael Zachariah
UMCP/NIST Co-Laboratory for Nanoparticle Based Manufacturing and Metrology
Center for Nanoenergetics Research
