2. Polymer Templated NPs for Electrocatal. & Sensing

Self-Assembled Polymer Templates for the Synthesis of NPs for Electrocatalysis

Currently, improvements in the durability, performance and manufacturing cost of nanoparticle arrangements  are central to advancing technologies like proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and sensors. Current research projects in our group involve new approaches for synthesizing PEMFC catalysts and composites for Raman-based detection. We aim to utilize copolymer films and latexes to template the synthesis of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles (NP) that are active as catalyts for fuel cells or as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) materials. The work explores the underlying principles for prescribing the size, spacing and composition of NPs isolated from self-assembled nanostructures of copolymers loaded with metallic ions or metal NPs. We often aim to understand any structure-property relationships with the polymer template. Detailed catalytic activities or SERS-activities are elucidated and considered in relation to the definition of the polymer structure and it's length scale. 

See our paper in: Chemistry of Materials.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/cm5026798

See our paper in: Journal of Materials Chemistry A.
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/TA/C7TA06458F

See our paper in: ACS Omega.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsomega.8b01561