Bringing characterization to the next level using a complementary analytical toolkit @UGent and VITO

(FWO 12ZD120N)

Although an increasing number of analytical techniques and methods are becoming available for the detection, characterization, and quantification of NPs, their application is still a major challenge due to the complex composition of nanomaterials. The goal of this research project is to develop novel methods using a carefully selected set of analytical tools for characterisation and fundamental understanding of the structure, further alteration, and chemical functionalization of NPs during the nanomaterial development process for specific study cases:

(1) bimetallic nanoparticles designed for (commercial) purposes in the field of sustainable chemistry and the most attractive nanomaterials for a wide variety of medical applications being (2) super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and (3) gold nanorods because of the special physical and chemical properties they exhibit.

This endeavor requires a multidisciplinary approach and will lead to a set of sufficiently precise, accurate and robust techniques for comprehensive characterization of the functionalized NPs by (i) optimisation of existing analytical techniques/instrumentation, and more importantly, (ii) development of new analytical tools and methods, (iii) implementation of new coupling techniques for improved hyphenation, and (iv) novel sample introduction systems.