| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/K88972/01 |
| Title: |
FLUORESCENCE DYNAMICS IN CONFINED WATER: APPLICATION TO THE STRUCTURE OF SILICA HYDROGELS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Birch, Professor DJS |
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| Department: |
Physics |
| Organisation: |
University of Strathclyde |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 January 1997 |
Ends: |
31 December 1999 |
Value (£): |
197,992
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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We propose to investigate for the first time the dynamics of formation and structure of porous silica hydrogels on a molecular scale by means of time-resolved fluorescence probes. The purpose of our proposal is to address the goal of being able to control the structure of silica hydrogels from the earliest stages of processing. As a means to this end we will perform fundamental studies on the dynamical properties of water confined within pores. Techniques to be used include fluorescence energy transfer, anisotropy and solvation dynamics. Data obtained over six orders of magnitude in time resolution will be consolidated to give a complete picture of the relationship between probe dynamics and pore structure during ageing, drying and wetting. The many varied applications of sol-gel glasses provide testimony to the likely benefits arising from understanding the molecular origins of the fabrication processes involved. Applications span research (eg optical coatings, GRIN lenses, sensors, gas chromatography) and consumer products (eg in filtration, adhesives, paints and cleaning agents).
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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 |