# Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization of Nano-materials at Western Kentucky University 

## W.P. Pan, X. Peng and W. Xie (Materials Characterization Center, Department of Chemistry 

### Western Kentucky University)

WKU is working on several projects for synthesis and processing of
nanomaterials for different application purpose. Part of projects are
sponsored by DOD, TVA, EPRI and NSF. In the meantime, we are trying to
apply for the funding support from DOE/EPSCoR program. Following is a
brief summary of the advancement and achievements of the projects:

**Synthesis and Degradation Mechanism of Nanocomposites**: The
introduction of nanocomposite concept in the polymer field in 1980s has
motivated significant research and development effort to improve both
mechanical, physical or thermal property of polymers, such as strength,
modulus, gas barrier, heat deflection temperature, *etc*. At WKU, the
polymer-clay nanocomposites have been developed, using different
organically modified clay, organic modifiers, different clay species,
and polymerization methods. The polimerization is operated on both
vacuum and atmosphere conditions. The preliminary results showed that
both the polystyrene-MMT and PMMA-MMT nanocomposites have better thermal
stability and mechanical properties than virgin polymer material. The
optimum organo-montmorillonite content to give the best improvement in
both thermal stability and mechanical properties of nanocomposite is 5
wt% in our experimental conditions for PS-MMT nanocomposite.

**Synthesis of Luminescent Nanoparticles for Photonic Devices:**
Photonic devices are required for the next generation of high density,
high speed and high capacity information and communication equipment.
The development of photonic crystals is the key to the successful
fabrication of photonic devices. By collaboration with National Taiwan
University, WKU is processing the nanoparticles, with focus on
characterization of the chemistry (compositions, dopants, etc.) of the
nanoparticles and the photonic crystals. The latter will be assembled
from the nanoparticles through a solution epitaxy methodology. The work
involves two major areas: 1) synthesis and characterization of light
emitting nanoparticles and 2) assembly of nanoparticles into photonic
crystals and characterization of assembled crystals. Currently,
synthesis of the nanoparticles is in the process.

**Development of alumina nanoparticle and its Application:** The
nanoparticles of alumina (in gamma and alpha phase), in a size range of
around or below 100 nm, have been developed. WKU established a
coal-firing 0.1MWth fluidized-bed combustor (FBC). The purpose for
developing the nanoparticles will be used for the following purposes; 1)
reducing the emission of pollutants, such as mercury, 2) improving the
coal combustion efficiency, 3) reducing the content of corrosive gases
in the flue gases and then decreasing the high temperature corrosion of
advanced materials in service.

**Development of Nanoscale Coating against High Temperature Corrosion:**
In this field the research will emphasize the synthesis,
characterization, or engineering development of nanoscale materials that
have direct application to advanced power and ultra-clean fuels systems,
like those described in the Vision 21 program. The research will also
seek "a new and improved understanding of the relationships between
nanostructures and properties and how these can be manipulated to
improve efficiencies and performance." WKU is, by the technique of
magnetron-sputtering using the target materials of the standard
stainless steels current in service in USA power plant, developing the
nanostructured metallic coatings to prevent high-temperature corrosion
in the PFBC-CC and IGCC systems. The preferential development of the
nanocoatings based on the following considerations. First, only a
limited amount of work on the development of high temperature
nanostructured alloys with good performance against corrosion have thus
far been reported. Second, if new nanocoatings can be developed and
employed as surface coatings on the high temperature alloys in service,
and play a superior role in preventing high-temperature corrosion, this
will be a preferred choice due to the low cost-efficiency ratio as
compared to the development of new nanostructured alloys.