Size-, shape- and structure- dependent properties of nanoparticles and nanocomposites

The objects of research in this project proposal are nanoparticles of different materials (metalic oxides, chalcogenides and metals) and shapes, as well as polymer based hybrid materials (nanocomposites). The understanding of the influence of size, shape and structure (crystal and surface) on inherent optical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles, as well as the interaction between nanoparticles and polymer matrix due to creation of desired properties of nanocomposites (thermal, mechanical, anti-electrostatic, antibacterial, biocompatibility) is the target of this research. Special attention will be paid to improvement of photocatalytic activity of surface modified/doped TiO2 nanoparticles of different shapes; to quantum efficiency increase and extension of emission life-time of oxide, silicate and titanate based nanophosphors; to optimization of optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles by controlling their size, shape, dielectric properties of surrounding medium and their order degree in disperse medium; to achievement of room temperature ferromagnetic response using diluted magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles synthesized by doping of TiO2 nanoparticles of different shapes or quantum dots with transition metal ions; to improvements of thermo-mechanical properties of nanocomposites, their biodegradability and synthesis of intelligent textile materials by surface modification with nanoparticles and conducting polymers.