Dr. Michael Wong
Nanoparticles As A Solution To Our Energy and Environmental Problems
The problems of high fuel prices and environmental pollution could
be addressed through nanotechnology by using nanoparticles. Nanoparticles
are small bits of matter (with sizes on the 1-100 nm length scale, which
is much smaller than red blood cells) that have very strange but useful
properties that are different from the large chunks of the same matter
- these properties only show up when the particles are nano-sized! We
may be able to take advantage of these properties by chemically making
the right type of nanomaterial. Century Scholars can help design and
synthesize new types of nanoparticle materials for cleaning up water,
making chemical processes more energy efficient, or developing nano-components
for solar cells. Experience in a chemistry lab is recommended but not required.
Required are the enthusiasm to "do" chemistry, the interest to solve problems,
and the fearlessness to learn and do new things. The student will learn by reading
journal articles and books, by working closely with graduate students, and
by doing hands-on experiments. For the enthusiastic and adventurous researcher,
there will be opportunities for being a co-author of scientific papers,
to give presentations, to go to national scientific meetings, and to work
on your own long-term research project.
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