Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We request a sample purification and preparation system for our materials research. It consists in a high-speed ultracentrifuge and a freeze drier. These are two pieces of basic equipment for separation and drying, respectively, and they are required for the synthesis, purification and sample preparation of the nanoparticles and polymer nano- or microstructures that we study. Our research program is centered on the development of advanced stimuli-responsive polymers and materials useful for health, energy and environment. Using a variety of nanoparticles either functionalized with or loaded in polymers, these materials can respond to signals such as light, carbon dioxide (CO2), pH or temperature change, in a controlled way to accomplish a work. We explore their use for light-controlled or CO2-triggered drug delivery, sensors for gas detection and reusable catalysts. The requested equipment is indispensable for advancing our research.