Biotemplated Silica and Titania Nanowires: Synthesis, Characterization and Potential Applications

S. Padalkar, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
K. Schroeder, Purdue Unversity
Y. H. Won, Purdue University
H. S. Jang, Purdue University
L. Stanciu, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Abstract

A simple biotemplating method for the synthesis of silica (SiO2) and titania (TiO2) nanowires was designed on a fibrillar protein (alpha-synuclein) template. The diameter of SiO2 and TiO2 nanowires could be varied, between 20-100 nm, by varying the processing conditions. The nanowires were characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Due to their high surface area and porosity, the nanowires were tested for potential applications in enzymatic biosensor design.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology