Organization Members
  • Roanoke College

    Steven Hughes

    Expertise
    Chemistry, Semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis, CuInS2, AgGaS2
    Instrumentation
    TEM, XRD, SEM (EDS), fluorescence (with integrating sphere), ICP
    Background & Research Interests

    The focus of my continuing research is the synthesis and characterization of I-III-VI semiconductor nanocrystals. I am currently working with CuInS2 and AgGaS¬2 materials including various alloys and shelled compositions. My lab studies these materials to best understand their potential as LED phosphors and photocatalysts. Additionally, I’ve been working in collaboration with a developmental biologist to study the toxicity of these materials in zebrafish embryos. Collaboration Interests: 1.Better understanding the photophysics of our nanomaterials. Like CIS, AGS can have extremely intense trap state emission. Unlike CIS, this emission can be suppressed in order to observe the band gap emission. It’s neat, and I’d love to work with someone to understand this better. 2.Silver gallium sulfide has demonstrated the potential to be an effective photocatalyst for the reduction of hydrogen gas. I’m interested in working with someone who knows how to characterize materials for this application better than me.

  • Whitman College

    Mark Hendricks

    Expertise
    Nanocrystal Synthesis & Surface Chemistry, NMR, XRD
    Instrumentation
    400 MHz NMR, single-crystal XRD, various UV-Vis/fluorescence spectrometers, 785 nm Raman, N2 glovebox, various mass spectrometers
    Background & Research Interests

    Semiconductor and metallic nanocrystal synthesis, particularly focused on precursors and reaction pathways.

  • Mercer University

    Joe Keene

    Expertise
    Semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, isothermal titration calorimetry, surface chemistry, ultrafast spectroscopy
    Instrumentation
    300 MHz NMR, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence, FT-IR, Raman, X-ray fluorescence, AAS, ICP-OES, isothermal titration calorimetry, GC-MS, UHPLC-MS, glove box
    Background & Research Interests

    My current research projects focus on the thermodynamics of surface modifications on semiconductor nanocrystals. In particular, I am using calorimetry to investigate ligand exchange reactions on colloidal quantum dots to gain fundamental understanding of these reactions. I’m also working to adapt existing, alternative techniques to determine chemical composition of nanomaterials. I also work with the Mercer Engineering Research Center (MREC) on several projects addressing chemical- and surface-related challenges for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force. These projects include: corrosion prevention and control; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear warfare agents; and composite repairs and bonding on multiple aircraft and service equipment and vehicles.

  • Lewis & Clark College

    Anne Bentley

    Expertise
    inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials chemistry, electrodeposition, surface chemistry of nanoparticles
    Instrumentation
    DLS / zeta, single crystal XRD, powder XRD, benchtop SEM, 600 MHz NMR
    Background & Research Interests

    I have experience in nanomaterials synthesis via templated electrodeposition and thin film electrodeposition. I am also interested in studying nanoparticle surface chemistry and environmental fate.

  • Pacific Lutheran University

    Andrea Munro

    Expertise
    Physical Chemistry, Semiconductor Nanocrystal Synthesis, Nanocrystal Surface Chemistry
    Instrumentation
    500 MHz FT-NMR, AFM, GC/MS, HPLC, FTIR, ICP-MS,microwave digestion, inert atmosphere glovebox
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group investigates the synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. We are interested in understanding the chemistry that determines nanocrystal shape and stability. We also examine nanocrystal surface chemistry and ligand exchange processes. We are interested in understanding how the surface of a nanocrystal alters its properties and stability.

  • University of Puget Sound

    Emily Tollefson

    Expertise
    Metallic nanoparticle synthesis, protein-nanoparticle interactions, nanoparticle toxicity
    Instrumentation
    Malvern Nano ZS, SEM, Confocal microscopy, QToF Tandem MS/MS
    Background & Research Interests

    My research group will be examining the biomolecular interactions of bismuth nanoparticles and their potential non-acute toxicity in the model organism C. elegans

  • Amherst College

    Jacob Olshansky

    Expertise
    QD synthesis, photophysical characterization, charge transfer
    Instrumentation
    Fluorimeter with integrating sphere, TCSPC lifetime spectrometer, 400 MHz NMR, inert atmosphere glovebox
    Background & Research Interests

    We are interested in understanding and harnessing photo-initiated charge and energy transfer in nanoscale systems, with a focus on nanoscale assemblies such as nanocrystal – organic molecule conjugates. Current work aims to use these systems for photocatalysis schemes and as spin qubits.