Dispersion and Assembly of Nanoparticles for Functional and Structural Applications

Dazhi Sun, Minhao Wong, Kevin L. White, Haiqing Yao, Xi Zhang, and H.-J. Sue

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University

College Station, TX 77843-3123 USA

The main challenges to commercial implementation of many nanotechnology-inspired products are the  lack of robust approaches  todisperse, assemble, and decorate nanoparticles for specific targeted  applications.  To achieve  desirable  multi-functional  properties,  it  is necessary  that we successfully manipulate  nanoparticles  dispersion,  assembly,  and  surface  functionalization.  In this  talk, several  examples  of  novel  approaches  to achieve  the  above  objectives  with desired properties, functionalities,  and  structural  characteristics  are  presented.  These  examples  include dispersion and assembly of zinc oxide quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and synthetic clay  for improved  strength,  toughness,  barrier  and  optoelectronic  properties.  Fundamental  principles responsible for manipulation of nanoparticle dispersion and assembly are described. Usefulness of  the  above  research  for  functional  and  structural  applications  is also discussed.

Alpha-Zirconium Phosphate Dispersion with Controlled d-Spacing in Acetone

Short Biography:

Dr. H.-J.  Sue  is  a  Full  Professor  and  teaches  at  the  Department  of  Materials  Science  and Engineering, Texas A&M University (TAMU) since 1995. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1981 from the Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taiwan. He then obtained his Masters’ and Ph.D. degrees  from  the  University  of  Michigan  in  1985,  1987,  and  1988,  respectively.  Before  joining TAMU, Dr. Sue was employed by Dow Chemical at Freeport, TX, for about seven years. He has focused most of his research work on fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship of polymeric materials. His recent research interests include micro- and nano-scratch behavior of polymers and preparation of nanomaterials for nanotechnology applications. Dr. Sue is currently the Director of the Polymer Technology Center at TAMU.