Assessment and Comparison of the Electronic Properties of Group 10 Bimetallic Nanoparticles Relative to Their Monometallic Counterparts

Date of Award

12-2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Dr. Sherine O. Obare

Second Advisor

Dr. Ekkehard Sinn

Third Advisor

Dr. Donald Schreiber

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Massood Zandi Atashbar

Keywords

Nanoparticles, electronic properties, electron storage efficiency, SERS, toxicity, bimetallic nanoparticles

Abstract

Group 10 transition metals with nanoscale dimensions offer significant advantages over their bulk counterparts. Significant work has been devoted toward studying the benefits of their catalytic efficiencies, however, less has been dedicated toward understanding their electronic properties and how such changes influence charge storage and sensor efficiency. The dissertation work focuses on designing metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles consisting of nanoscale Group 10 transition metals with welldefined structures, prepared using a facile synthetic procedure. The nanoparticles were characterized by electron microscopy, spectroscopic and x-ray techniques. The efficiency of monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles toward electron storage was investigated electrochemically and by optical spectroscopy. Novel surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors for detection of heavy metals were also fabricated. Furthermore, the toxicity of the metals was analyzed with a focus on understanding the effects of varied pH. The results show a comprehensive comparative study of the characteristics and potential applications of group 10 transition metals.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

12-15-2025

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