Synchrotron X-ray Spectroscopy of Metal Nanostructures

Nanoparticles are the most widely used building blocks in current nanotechnology. Improved understanding of the structure-property relationships of nanoparticles is crucial for advancing nanotechnology. This proposed research program focuses on the use of powerful synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy techniques to uncover the structure-property relationships of some technologically important nanoparticle systems. Three classes of nano-systems will be studied, including (i) gold and silver nanoparticles with precisely controlled compositions, (ii) biologically functionalized nanoparticles and (iii) catalytically active nanoparticles. By using the synchrotron spectroscopy techniques that we recently established in conjunction with the new techniques outlined in this proposal, it is anticipated that significantly improved understanding of the structure-property relationships of the above three classes of nano-systems will be resulted, which will make important contributions to the fundamental research in physical chemistry and materials science. The proposed research will also improve the performance of nanometer-sized catalysts and biological devices, thus contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology in Canada. Finally, development of the unique synchrotron X-ray techniques proposed in this work will benefit many Canadian researchers who are using the national synchrotron facility of Canada, the Canadian Light Source.