Synthesis of silver nanostructures for biological and environmental applications

Suratkar, Adwait (2014). Synthesis of silver nanostructures for biological and environmental applications. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

"Nanotechnology is probably, as a phenomenon, the single most important new emerging force in technology." - Charlie Harris, CEO, Harris & Harris Group
As the above quote suggests nanotechnology is not only a technology it is a phenomenon that has taken science to cutting edge technology. Nanotechnology has opened a new era of science where scientists can manipulate at nano meter scale. Nanoparticles are applied in almost all walks of life ranging from cosmetics to health and medical diagnostics (Gupta K.A 2005), ceramics (G. Aharon 2007).
In a project concerning nanoparticles there are three important phases, synthesis phase, characterization phase and application phase. In the synthesis phase nanoparticles are synthesised using various chemical and physical methods that usually involve a surfactant, capping agent and a reducing agent. In recent years there has been a lot of interest in synthesizing nanoparticles of various shapes ranging from cubes, rods, triangles and prisms. In this project we will be focusing on the synthesis of silver nanoprsims, which have a characteristic quadrupole surface plasmon mode and has therefore found itself applicable in Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (Sherry J.L 2006), for single molecule detection. In the project we will also look at the stability of nanoparticles in biological and ecotoxicological media. We will be using Uv-Vis spectroscopy for the analysis of the results.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):