Synthesis and characterisation of doped alumina nanofibres and their application

Overview

Topic status: In progress

1-dimensional nanomaterials are an extremely important research topic because it offers new technology for the development of new and novel materials. Such materials include nanotubes, nanofibres, nanosheets, nanoribbons and nanoholes. Titania inverse opals (fundamentally high surface materials based upon nanoholes) have been developed for the wet photocatalytic oxidation of organic chemicals in water purification. The application of gold nanoparticles for the purification of air through the removal of toxic chemicals has been developed. The synthesis of 1-D carbon nanofibres for the development of conducting polymers has been investigated. Alumina and doped alumina nanofibres, nanotubes and nanoribbons have been developed by Ray Frost and his students. These materials have applications in the removal of, for example, radioactive cations from aqueous systems.

Research activities

Research will focus on the synthesis, characterisation and application of these 1-dimensional nanomaterials (alumina nanofibres) in the purification of aqueous systems. The idea is to make highly adsorbent materials based upon alumina nanofibres. Radioactive strontium, sodium etc is a huge environmental problem for nuclear waste materials stored in aqueous repositories. In the US there are lakes of water bigger than Sydney harbour which need to be remediated. These materials will be used to remove radioactive cations from aqueous media (radioactive ions will not be used; instead an appropriate substitute cation will be investigated). If necessary the surfaces of the alumina nanofibres will be functionalised to improve the adsorption process.

Expected outcomes

The project objectives are to:

  • synthesise alumina nanofibres
  • characterise the alumina nanofibres and their surface modification
  • determine the performance of the these nanomaterials in the removal of radioactive cations from aqueous solutions.

Duration of project

Up to 8 weeks; specific times can be tailored to the individual needs of the student (generally between the hours of 9am and 5pm) within the general time period mid-November 2011 to mid-February 2012.

Study level
Vacation research experience scholarship
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Chemistry

Contact
Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.