Radhakrishna Sureshkumar, who serves as chair and professor of biomedical and chemical engineering at L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science of Syracuse University, has created a patent-pending innovative method for the production of stable metal nanoparticle suspensions that can capture sunlight.
The scientists can ‘dial in’ to a particular wavelength of the spectrum by altering the suspension’s composition. Sureshkumar used suspensions having a mixture or various types of metal nanoparticles that can interact with the visible spectrum’s different wavelengths via a phenomenon called as ‘plasmon resonance’.
Following their introduction into a solution, the nanoparticles agglomerated and settled down at the bottom of the solution due to their natural propensity. Such suspensions are naturally instable. However Sureshkumar’s team tackled this critical issue by using micelle fragments to function as bridges between the nanoparticles. Thus, they were held in their place.
Sureshkumar's team has collaborated with the Center for Functional Nanomaterials of Brookhaven National Laboratory to study nano-suspensions utilizing small angle x-ray scattering methods to prove their capability to produce superior nanoparticle dispersions with adjustable optical properties.
Sureshkumar stated that this research could develop numerous applications in the energy field. The suspensions could be utilized to develop coatings that enhance the light capturing efficacy of thin film photovoltaic devices as well as in the production of multipurpose smart glasses for constructing windows that produce energy from the visible spectrum, while obstructing the entry of adverse ultraviolet rays, he said.
Source: http://www.syr.edu