Nanomaterials Synthesis

Carbon nanotubes are interesting materials with promise for a wide range of applications. Our group has been focused on syhtesizing nanotubes with unique functionality along the length. This opens up useful applications as catalyst supports, emulsion stabilizers, and as anchors for immiscible polymers (in collaboration with Brian Grady's group). We have focused on both manipulating forests to introduce functionality at different ends of the nanotubes, as well as tuning growth conditions to introduce blocks of functionality in well defined regions. In addition to anisotropically functionalized nanotubes, we also grow nanotubes on waste refinery catalysts to make unique hydrophobic materials.