Bioactive nanotubes and fibres ensure highly controlled and intelligent drug delivery.
Solar Energy
We receive more energy from the sun in one day than the world's population
uses in one year. Nanomaterials allow us to absorb and use this power with better efficiency than
ever before. Solar energy can be captured in chemical bonds through splitting water into hydrogen
and oxygen. Vertically alligned arrays of zinc oxide nanorods achieve this process, with a wide band
gap and high surface area. Additional dopants and fast synthetic methods increase the n-type nature
of the semiconductor, increasing conductivity. The group also works on solar cells, converting light into
electricity. [Back to Top]
Photosynthesis
Chemists have been using solar light for synthetic reactions since the beginning
of the 20th century in an attempt to mimic and surpass the power of natural photosynthesis. Recent research
has focused on the use of nanomaterials as photocatalysts for the synthesis of complex and valuable chemicals.
In our research lab we have devised a number of direct gas flow photoreaction systems for the synthesis of
chemically valuable species in molecular pipelimes. Current studies have focused on the use of photoactivated
nanomaterial morphologies in order to create enhanced synthetic photoreactors. [Back to Top]
Water Purification
An important application of solar energy is the purification of water, this can be achieved
using a variety of different methods. Organic pollutants building up in streams of waste water present a significant
threat to the World's water supplies. This has sparked academic interest in the development of eco-friendly methods
for the removal of these contaminants. Our research involves the use of heterogenous catalysts for the photo-oxidation
of methylene blue, a standard allegorical molecule used as an organic pollutant. The rate of degradation of this
molecule is a useful test for the effectiveness of the photocatalyst, which can then be removed from the water easily
due to its difference in phase. [Back to Top]
Biotech
Nanomaterials have a wide range of applications in biotechnology including diagnosis, drug
delivery and tissue engineering. Chemically modified nanotubes combine controlled drug release and direct drug
application to viruses. An intelligent drug system can minimise side effects by reducing the total dosage through
efficient use. Other nanomaterials respond to optical and electronic stimulation in order to manipulate cell growth.
We construct biocompatible nanotubes and fibres enabling smart drug delivery a long with metal oxide wires for use
as chemical and biological sensors. [Back to Top]
Surface Chemistry
Exploring the fundamental surface chemistry of the interaction of organic molecules
on metal, metal oxides and semiconductors has a wide range of technological implications. Resolving the
geometry of adsorbed organic molecules allows us to probe this chemistry. We have studied the thin-film
structures of organic semiconductors to understand their electronic and optical properties. Recognising
the chirality of organic molecules on these surfaces is vital to comprehending biological systems, the
chemistry of life. We have demonstrated the role of chirality in the interaction of nucleic acid base
molecules with amino acids. [Back to Top]
Instrumentation
Nanoscience at the University of Sussex has many advanced pieces of equipment
for analysis and characterisation of synthesised materials. This includes a Simens D500 powder X-Ray
diffractometer; A Jeol 820 scanning electron microscope; Veeco DI3100 atomic force microscope/scanning
tunneling microscope for surface analysis. The department is equipped with NMRs, Mass spectrometers,
XRD, UV-Vis, FTIR, GCMS, HPLC, AAS and Fluorescence Spectroscopy. If you are interested in characterising
samples using our equipment, please click
here
or hit 'Services'. [Back to Top]
