Nanoparticles Assemble To Encase Oil Drops
26 June 2008, 10:29
Categories: nanoparticles nanotubes-wires-fullerenes
In a development that could lead to new technologies for cleaning up oil spills and polluted groundwater, scientists at Rice University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have shown how tiny, stick-shaped particles of metal and carbon can trap oil droplets in water by spontaneously assembling into bag-like sacs.
The tiny particles were found to assemble spontaneously by the tens of millions into spherical sacs as large as BB pellets around droplets of oil in water. In addition, the scientists found that ultraviolet light and magnetic fields could be used to flip the nanoparticles, causing the bags to instantly turn inside out and release their cargo—a feature that could ultimately be handy for delivering drugs.
“The core of the nanotechnology revolution lies in designing inorganic nanoparticles that can self-assemble into larger structures like a ‘smart dust’ that performs different functions in the world – for example, cleaning up pollution,” said lead researcher Pulickel Ajayan. “Our approach brings the concept of self-assembling, functional nanomaterials one step closer to reality.”
Posted by: The Editors
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