| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S57327/01 |
| Title: |
Sol-gel pore nanomorphology using fluorescence resonance energy transfer |
| Principal Investigator: |
Birch, Professor DJS |
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| Department: |
Physics |
| Organisation: |
University of Strathclyde |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 April 2004 |
Ends: |
30 September 2007 |
Value (£): |
308,898
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
Healthcare |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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We propose measuring for the first time the actual morphology of nanoporous structures in the natural wet state during all stages in the formation of solgel ceramics. Unlike previous methods our approach makes no a-priori assumptions as to the pertaining pore geometry, can be performed continuously in-situ and offers angstrom resolution. The method determines from a fluorescence decay measurement the distance distribution function between donor and acceptor molecules undergoing fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the shape of the distribution representing the pore morphology. The adventure lies in determining how the distribution relates to morphology, finding donor-acceptor pairs to reveal different morphological details and making a motion picture of gelation never seen before. Our preliminary results demonstrate the unprecedented resolution of the technique by revealing for the first time evidence for closed pores in silica nanoparticles in a sol prior to gelation. A successful project would provide fundamental insight into the formation of sol-gel pores and give the ceramics industry a method it urgently needs across a range of ceramics for continuously measuring pore morphology in-situ rather than the present approach of measuring the dried product at the end using adsorption. The technique we propose is generic and could be used on other ceramics as well as porous solids such as organic polymer resins, soft solids such as liposomes and cells or proteins. The research directly addresses Foresight priorities in areas of materials, optical technology and sensors.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.strath.ac.uk |