The Nanotechnology Research Facility is equipped with the basic equipment for the fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles and their surface modification for a variety of applications. It provides staff and students with the opportunity to be directly involved in the emerging field of nanotechnology, ie, the research and development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometer range. It involves creating and using structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions due to their small sizes.
The research work in the Nanotechnology Research Facility falls into two major categories:
- Development of nanomagnetics synthesis technology; and
- Development of metallic and bimetallic nanocatalysts synthesis technology
The Temasek School of Applied Science (ASc) nanotechnology research group is currently investigating the synthesis of nanomagnetics via various routes such as microemulsion, precipitation, sonolysis and alcohol reduction. The nanomagnetics can then undergo surface modification for potential bioapplications such as magnetic fluid hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery or bioseparations.
Transition metal and bimetallic nanoparticles, such as Co, Pt, Fe, CoPt and CoFe have been identified as being able to catalyse various useful reactions. Co and CoFe are now widely investigated for CO hydrogenation reaction. CoFe also has the ability to catalyse methanol oxidation, ethylene polymerization (Ziegler-type reaction) and even partial oxidation of methane. Working together with the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES), the research group is looking into establishing protocols for the synthesis, size and dispersion control of the metallic and bimetallic nanocatalysts.
