Function-driven synthesis of low-dimensional nanoparticles
This project aims to develop novel strategies to control synthesis of metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd) with well-defined morphology, size, orientation, crystallisation and surface termination for multi-functional properties (optical, electronic, magnetic, and chemical properties), which will find a wide range of applications in catalysts, optoelectronics, chemical sensors, biomedical fields (biosensors, drug delivery, disease diagnosis, cancer cure), and environmental redemption. Various theoretical methods will be employed/developed to understand fundamentals of particle growth and functionality, including discrete dipolar approximation (DDA), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Density Function Theory (DFT). Such scientific understanding is of paramount importance in the design, optimisation and property controlling of metal/oxide nanocomposites. In particular, the functionality of such nanocomposites in environmental redemption (e.g., water resource) will be fully investigated for future commercialisation.
Major achievements
Developed a self-seeding co-reduction method to prepare silver nanoplates at ambient conditions. By this method, monodispersed and uniform-sized silver nanoplates (triangular and circle geometry) have been generated with scale-up potential and high yield. The applicability of this proposed approach will be extended into other metals such as gold, copper, iron, cobalt and nickels in the next two years.
Applied/developed theoretical methods to understand the fundamentals in governing particle growth and shape at a molecular level, for example the Molecular Dynamics (MD) method was used to understand the shape control and evolution of silver nanoplates by calculation of interaction energy, and Density Function Theory (DFT) method was employed to understand the growth of surfactant-controlled gold nanorods. Such theoretical simulations will be extended into more systems to validate the applicability in fundamental understanding, and a general guidance in shaped-controlled synthesis may be established through this project.
Future plans and directions
To extend the self-seeding co-reduction method to prepare other precious metal nanoparticles with shape and size control at ambient conditions.
To assemble monodispersed nanoparticles into ordered structures for understanding the coupled effects and exploiting diversified functional properties.
To develop/employ molecular modeling techniques (MD, DFT) for understanding fundamentals governing particle growth and shape control.
To examine and explore novel/new properties of the designed nanostructures for advanced applications in catalysts, sensing detection and lithium ion battery.
Collaborations
Development of strong international collaborations with Prof. Y. Xia (the University of Washington, USA), Prof. A. Brioude at the University of Lyon (France), Prof. Y. Ding (Shandong University, China), and Prof. X. Sun (Northeastern University, China).
Development of strong domestic collaborations with Dr. W. Yang (Australian Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (AKCMM)), Dr. S. Lam (Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation, CSIRO), and Dr. C. Yang through the Faculty Research Development Scheme at UNSW.
