Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

Interfacial Thermomechanical Behavior Of Hybrid Carbon Fibers, Sriraj Srihari

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The carbon fiber/epoxy interface is of great importance in composite design due to its load transfer mechanisms from the weak epoxy to the stronger fiber. Improving the strength of the interface reduces the risk of failure at the interface and improves the load transfer to the fiber. In this study, two types of nano-species ZnO nanowires and nickel-based metal organic frameworks were grown on carbon fibers to improve the interfaces. The interfacial mechanics of the enhanced fibers are evaluated using nanoindentation studies. Composite samples with Aeropoxy matrix and vertically aligned fibers are fabricated for this purpose. A Bruker TI-980 TriboIndenter …

Synthesis And Advanced Characterization Of Energy Materials, Erik Sarnello

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Catalysts are used in an extremely broad range of systems including everything from biological systems to industrial processes. An ideal catalyst offers robust stability and high activity. This work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of materials that show promise in the field of catalysis. Advanced synchrotron characterization techniques and unique experimental design are highlighted to provide foundation work that will provide the necessary information to aid in designing and fabricating catalytic materials. Supported metal nanoparticle (SMN) catalysts are enormously crucial for many catalytic applications. However, catalyst deactivation, caused by sintering and coke formation, is a ubiquitous problem that significantly …

Corrosion Protection Mechanisms Of Trivalent Chromium Based Passivations On Γ-Znni Coated Al6061-T6 Alloy, Kevin Foster

Doctoral Dissertations

“The role of cobalt in trivalent chromium passivations (TCPs) to improve corrosion resistance of γ-ZnNi coated steel and aluminum is based on its effect on hexavalent chromium content in the passive layer. Investigations of both a cobalt-containing and cobalt-free TCP on SAE 1008 steel indicated that both passivations protect well for up to 1000 hours in neutral salt spray exposure (SSE). A repetition on Al 6061-T6 alloy indicated that TCP performed much better than cobalt-free TCP implicating the underlying substrate. Optical and electron micrographs indicated physical changes such as crack thickness, crack density, passivation porosity, and passivation thickness existed between …

Characterization Of Nanoparticles Using Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Jabez D. Campbell

MSU Graduate Theses

Nanomaterials are a relatively new class of materials that have many applications which span a wide host of fields from medical products to consumer products. The possible compositions and forms of nanomaterials are just as varied as the applications. Therefore, a versatile characterization method is needed for researchers and regulators alike to ensure nanomaterials are properly used. Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a functional method that could fill the characterization need in the nanomaterial research field. Using data from both SP-ICP-MS tests and data from literature established characterization methods, the viability of making SP-ICP-MS the standard …

Investigation Of Iron-Nickel Based Nanoparticles As Catalysts For Oxygen Evolution Reaction (Oer), Prashant Acharya

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen fuel is increasingly seen as an appealing alternative by both the scientific and the industrial communities in the drive towards a clean energy future. Hydrogen, unlike fossil-based fuels, does not release carbon dioxide, a chief component of greenhouse gases, upon combustion. However, more than 95% of the hydrogen in the world is still produced by burning fossil fuels as this method is currently the only economically feasible option at a large industrial scale.

Water electrolysis shows a lot of potential in both hydrogen generation and in the storage of energy from renewable sources such as wind and sunlight. Likewise, …

Characterization Of Nanoparticles Using Solid State Nanopores, Santoshi Nandivada

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Solid state nanopores are widely used in detection of highly charged biomolecules like DNA and proteins. In this study, we use a solid state nanopore based device to characterize spherical nanoparticles to estimate their size and electrical charge using the principle of resistive pulse technique. The principle of resistive pulse technique is the method of counting and sizing particles suspended in a fluid medium, which are electrophoretically driven through a channel and produce current blockage signals due to giving rise to a change in its initial current. This change in current is denoted as a current blockage or as a …

Characterization In 2d Sulfides And Graphene Composites For Sensing Applications, Alberto Delgado

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In this work, we have evaluated 2D layered material composites for opto-electro-mechanical sensing applications. In particular, we have focused on TMDCs and graphite and studied the effects of chemical liquid exfoliation on the structural characteristics of the 2D layered materials, through particle size, x-ray diffraction, Raman and surface area analysis. An approach was developed to combine the solution-processed dispersion with organic and inorganic matrix materials for forming the composites. From Raman Spectroscopy of the ultra-sonicated samples, the I2D/IG>2 for graphite, and for MoS2 the difference between the A1g and E2g peak was 22.85cm-1, consistent with few layer 2D MoS2. …

Nanoprobe I-V Characterization Of Cdte/Cds Micro And Nano-Patterned Solar Cells, Heber Prieto

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel way to characterize micro and nano patterned cadmium telluride thin film solar cells via a nano-probe system. A historical review of CdTe-based solar cells is presented first followed by review of the technology developed to produce the patterned CdTe cells. A detailed presentation is then provided on the use of a Zyvex nanoprobing system to characterize the patterned solar cells. The I-V response of micro- and nano-patterned solar cells stimulated under different e-beam conditions is presented and analyzed. Suggestions of how to improve the technique are provided. This work documents, for the first time, the …