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Tailoring Nanoparticles and Quantum Dots for Practical Application
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- Author / Creator
- Milburn, Leanne A
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Throughout this thesis, methods for tailoring nanoparticles are broadly discussed and demonstrated experimentally. The main objective of this work was to help bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and global concerns by contributing to the development of functional nanomaterial systems. First, water-soluble silicon quantum dots were prepared and tested for their ability to detect nitroaromatic compounds in combination with a complementary fluorescent protein to improve the sensitivity of detection. A method for differentiating various nitroaromatic compounds was then targeted because nitro-based explosives and nerve agents both quench silicon quantum dot photoluminescence. This was achieved by introducing a second sensor consisting of a colourimetric enzymatic assay. In combination, the silicon quantum dot and enzymatic sensors yielded the intended outcome of detecting nitroaromatic compounds and providing a diagnosis of their inherent hazard class. Another study described within this thesis involved the preparation of water-soluble carbon nanodots surface-functionalized with redox-active molecules to yield a material that may find application in redox flow batteries. In addition to showing a robust electrochemical response, these amorphous carbon nanodots also display photoluminescence that could prove useful in tracking their movement within the battery.
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2022
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.