Proteins and natural biopolymers as templates for inorganic nanomaterial synthesis
Abstract
The synthesis of one dimensional (1D) structures, using the bottom up technique has gained much attention in the past few years. This is due to the unique advantages of the synthesis method. The bottom up synthesis route for the fabrication of 1D structures utilizes mild experimental conditions, short experimental time, relatively inexpensive precursors and does not require a precise control of process variables. Moreover, the biotemplate can be functionalized which helps in the proper positioning of the 1D structures in complex circuits. In the present work, alpha synuclein protein was used as a model template for the fabrication of metallic (silver, platinum) and semiconducting (cadmium sulfide, lead sulfide, zinc sulfide) nanowires. The lateral dimensions of the nanowires could be controlled by varying the process variables. Further, this work was extended on to a cellulose template. The cellulose template is an inexpensive template, compared to proteins, and is abundantly available in various forms. Later, the biotemplated Silica and Titania nanowires were utilized for a biosensing application. The synthesized 1D structures show promise in various fields ranging from electronics, catalysis to biosensing.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Stanciu, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Nanotechnology|Materials science
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