Characterization of Novel Biocompatible Carbon Nanomaterials
EMSL Project ID
51028
Abstract
Carbon nanohoops ([n]cycloparaphenylenes or CPPs) are tunable building blocks with applications in fluorescence microscopy, nanotechnology, and electronics. The nanohoop units are biocompatible fluorophore scaffolds that could be used in the development of novel bioimaging techniques. These tunable hoops can also self-assemble into cylindrical channels resembling carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Distinctive tubular structures could be used as highly conducting carbon nanowires, self-assembling carbon channels, and transporting channels through membranes (synthetic nanopores). Their comparable counterparts, CNTs, have been well-characterized using Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM). However, these novel nanohoop structures have yet to be analyzed in a similar fashion. We propose to analyze and characterize the structure of two macrostructures built from the nanohoop building blocks and a novel tube-ring interaction involving CNTs and carbon nanorings (cycloparaphenyleneacetylenes or CPPAs). First, we will image two nanohoop structures: graphitic cylinders and coalesced fullerenes in carbon nanohoop tubes (peapods). Through imaging the graphitic cylinders, we will better understand the cylinder-substrate packing interaction and how these nanohoops self-assemble into hexagonal arrays of nanohoop tubes. By imaging the coalesced fullerenes, we will gain insight into the electronic properties of the peapods and confirm that these nanohoop tubes can hold fullerenes similarly to CNTs. Then, we will do HRTEM to characterize CNT@CPPA interactions (tube-in-ring and ring-on-tube). We will be able to statistically analyze the interactions of tubes and rings of different sizes. All of the proposed experiments require direct electron detectors and cryo-capabilities, both of which are currently absent at the University of Oregon. Overall, these experiments will solidify current theory surrounding biocompatible carbon nanomaterials.
Project Details
Start Date
2019-10-15
End Date
2020-07-15
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members