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Project

Diameter-dependent phase transitions in one-dimensional arrays of molecules confined inside single-wall carbon nanotubes.

The properties and functions of many systems in biology, geology, catalysis and nanofluidics are determined by the confinement of molecules in small nanochannels, e.g. nanoconfined water plays a vital role in selective transport through cell membranes. The hollow structure of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), with a wide range of atomically-precise diameters, smooth impermeable walls and a giant aspect ratio, forms an ideal model system to study the behavior of molecules confined in one dimension. In this project the vibrational and electronic transitions of SWCNTs will be exploited as ultrasensitive probes for the local molecular order of the encapsulated molecules. Wavelength-dependent automated resonant Raman scattering and fluorescence-excitation spectroscopy will be performed as a function of temperature to unravel the phase behavior of water and other molecules confined inside the SWCNTs. The in-depth characterization of these phase transitions combined with state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations will enhance the understanding of molecular confinement and will pave the way for the rational design of ultraselective filtermembranes, sensors, fuel cells and nanofluidics applications.
Date:1 Oct 2017 →  30 Sep 2021
Keywords:CARBON NANOTUBES, PHASE TRANSITIONS, CONFINEMENT EFFECTS, OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY
Disciplines:Condensed matter physics and nanophysics, Optical properties and interactions with radiation, Phase transformations