Event

Title: Inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles from 2D compounds at the crossroad between materials science and nanotechnology and their applications

This presentation is aimed at demonstrating the progress with the high-temperature synthesis and characterization of new inorganic nanotubes (INT) and fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles (NP) from 2-D layered compounds. Two important categories of new IF/INT nanostructures will be discussed in particular: 1. Synthesis of doped IF/INT of WS2 (MoS2) by rhenium and niobium; 2. Synthesis of IF and in particular INT from the ternary misfit compounds, like LnS-TaS2 (Ln= La, Ce, Gd, Ho, Er), CaCoO-CoO2 and various other similar nanostructures. [1] The synthesis of 1-D nanostructures (nanotubes) from this vast group of ternary and quaternary layered materials is particularly promising. Major progress has been achieved in elucidating the structure of INT and IF using advanced microscopy techniques, like aberration corrected TEM and electron tomography. Recent optical, electrical (e.g. superconductivity [2]) and mechanical measurements of WS2 nanotubes will be discussed. Strong capillary forces were observed upon withdrawal of individual nanotubes from water surface. [3] Applications of the IF/INT as superior solid lubricants and for reinforcement of variety of polymers and light metal alloys was demonstrated. Few recent studies indicate that this brand of nanoparticles is non-toxic and biocompatible. With expanding product lines, manufacturing and sales, this generation of superior lubricants is becoming gradually an industrial commodity.

inquires contact Rosa M. Vargas rvargas@sas.upenn.edu