Tori Forbes, PhD
Development of Metal Organic Nanotubes with unique water transport properties
Nanotubular materials have unique water transport and storage properties that have the potential to lead to technological advances in separations, catalysis, drug delivery, and environmental remediation. Development of novel hybrid materials, such as metal-organic nanotubes (MONs) are of particular interest as they are amenable to structural engineering strategies and may exhibit unique properties based upon the presence of inorganic components. The objective of this proposal is to determine the structural characteristics of a novel U(VI) MON that promotes the formation of structural water and enhanced exchange properties. The proposed studies are significant because they will allow us to determine the structural component that exerts the greatest control over these enhanced exchange properties and develop novel nanomolecular materials for potential application in separations and storage technologies.
Two years of chemistry coursework and basic laboratory skills.
The Undergraduate research assistant would be involved in the synthesis and characterization of novel metal organic nanotubes. As part of the chemical characterization of the material, they will be trained to use instruments such as the X-ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analyzer and liquid scintillation counter. As some of these experiments require the use of uranium, the student will also be instructed on how to safely handle radioactive materials.
