Description | Molecular Engineering and Sciences Seminar Series Synthetic approaches to nanostructured metal and metal oxides materials with unique surface properties Abstract: The preparation of nanoscale materials is one of the most exciting areas of modern science and is at the forefront of the quest for a sustainable future. The field of nanotechnology has generated a great deal of interest primarily because on this size scale numerous new and potentially useful properties have been observed. These size dependent properties include melting point, specific heat, surface reactivities, catalytic, magnetic, and optical properties. In particular, the Richards’ group is working on new synthetic methods to control the size, shape and composition of nanoscale materials and applying them in systems integral to alternative energy technologies, carbon dioxide sequestration, pharmaceuticals, biomass upgrading, batteries, and environmental cleanup. Recently, the Richards’ research group has developed techniques to produce a number of new nanoscale metal and metal oxide materials that have demonstrated unique surface activities through controlled faceting as well as novel intercalation strategies that impart robustness. Here, recent highlights regarding these materials and their application in catalytic applications will be presented. This weekly seminar brings together students, faculty and invited guests from various disciplines across campus to explore current trends in molecular engineering and nanotechnology. It is a forum for active interdisciplinary discussions. These talks are open to the public and attract a diverse audience of students and faculty. |
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