Research Terms
Energy Alternative Energy Solar Energy Engineering Materials Sciences Materials Chemistry
Industries
Advanced Materials & Products Biofuels Solar
1. Hu, Z.; Liu, J.; Simon-Bower, L.; Zhai, L.; Gesquiere, A. J. “Influence of Backbone Rigidness on Single Chain Conformation of Thiophene-Based Conjugated Polymers” J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, ASAP.
2. Li, Q.; Chen, Y.; Luo, L.; Wang, L.; Yu, Y.; Zhai, L. “Photoluminescence and Wetting Behavior of ZnO Nanoparticles/Nanorods Array Synthesized by Thermal Evaporation” Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2013, 560, 156.
3. Anderson, J. M.; McInnis, M. D.; Malhotra, A.; Zhai, L. “Aqueous Route for the Synthesis of Platinum, Ruthenium and Ceria nanoparticles on Multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the Electroxidation of Methanol and Ethanol” Mater. Express, 2013, 3, 11.
4. Das, S.; Singh, S.; Singh, V.; Joung, D.; Dowding, J. M.; Reid, D.; Anderson, J.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker, S. I.; Self, W. T.; Sudipta, S. “Oxygenated Functional Group Density on Graphene Oxide: Its Effect on Cell Toxicty” Particle & Particle Systems Characterization, 2013, 30. 148.
5. Tran, B.; Oladeji, I. O.; Zou, J.; Chai, G.; Zhai, L. “Adhesive Poly(PEGMA-co-MMA-co-IBVE) Copolymer Electrolyte” Solid State Ionics 2013, 232, 37-43.
6. Tran, B.; Oladeji, I. O.; Wang, Z.; Calderon, J.; Chai, G.; Atherton, D.; Zhai, L. “Adhesive PEG-based Binder for Aqueous Fabrication of Thick Li4Ti5O12 Electrode” Electrochimi. Acta 2013, 88, 536-542.
7. Tran, B.; Oladeji, I. O.; Wang, Z.; Calderon, J.; Chai, G.; Atherton, D.; Zhai, L. “Thick LiCoO2/Nickel Foam Cathode Prepared by an Adhesive and Water-Soluble PEG-Based Copolymer Binder” J. Electrochem. Soc. 2012, 159, A1928.
8. Arif, M.; Liu, J.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker, S. I. “Temperature Dependent Charge Transport in Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-Polystyrene Copolymer Field-Effect Transistor” Syn. Met. 2012, 162, 1531.
9. McInnis, M.; Zhai, L. “Conjugated Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composite” Reviews in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2012, 1, 119.
10. Li, Q.; J. M. Anderson, Chen, Y.; Zhai, L. “Structural Evolution of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube/MnO2 Composites as Supercapacitor Electrodes” Electrochimi. Acta, 2012, 59, 548.
11. Sarkar, S.; Gan, Z.; An, L.; Zhai, L. “Structural Evolution of Polymer-Derived Amorphous SiBCN Ceramics at High Temperature” J. Phys. Chem. C. 2011,115, 24993.
12. Chen, H.; Chunder, A.; Liu, X.; Haque, F.; Zou, J.; Austin, L.; Knowles, G.; Zhai, L.; Huo, Q. “A Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticle/Polyelectrolyte Fibrous Nanocomposite Prepared from Electrospinning Process” Mater. Express, 2011, 1, 154.
13. Shabani, R.; Massi, L.; Zhai, L.; Seal, S.; Cho, H. J. “Classroom Modules for Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation” Eup. J. Eng. Edu. 2011, 36, 199.
14. Singh, V.; Joung, D.; Zhai, L.; Das, S.; Khondaker, S. I.; Seal, S. “Graphene Based Materials: Past, Present and Future” Prog. Mater. Sci. 2011, 56, 1178.
15. Sarkar, S.; Zhai, L. “Polymer-Derived Non-Oxide Ceramics Fibers- Past, Present and Future” Mater. Exp. 2011, 1, 18.
16. Zou, J.; Tran, B.; Zhai, L. “Fabrication of Metal Nanoparticles on Highly Dispersed Pristine Carbon Nanotubes” International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials, 2011, 2, 92.
17. Liu, J.; Mikhailov, I.; Zou, J.; Osaka, I.; Masunov, A. E.; McCullough, R. D.; Zhai, L. “Insight into How Molecular Structures of Thiophene-based Conjugated Polymers Affect Crystallization Behaviors” Polymer, 2011, 52, 2302.
18. Joung, D.; Zhai, L. Khondaker, S. K. “Coulomb Blockade and Hopping Conduction in Graphene Quantum Dots Array” Phys. Rev. B. 2011, 83, 115323.
19. Sarker, B. K.; Liu, J.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker, S. I. “Fabrication of Organic Field Effect Transistor by Directly Grown Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Crystalline Nanowires on Carbon Nanotube Aligned Array Electrode” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2011, 3, 1180.
20. Li, Q.; Liu, J.; Zou, J.; Chunder, A.; Chen, Y.; Zhai, L. “Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube/Polyaniline/MnO2 Ternary Coaxial Nanostructures for Supercapacitors” J. Power Sources 2011, 196, 565.
21. Tafti1, E. Y.; Londe, G.; Chunder, A; Zhai, L.; Kumar, R.; Cho, H. J. “Wettability Control and Flow Regulation Using a Nanostructure-Embedded Surface” J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol. 2011, 11, 1417.
22. Zou, J.; Liu, J.; Karakoti, A.; Kumar, A.; Joung, D.; Li, Q.; Khondaker, I. S.; Seal, S.; Zhai, L. “Ultra-light Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Aerogel” ACS Nano 2010,4, 7293.
23. Hu, Z.; Liu, J.; Gesquiere, A.; Zhai, L. “Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Morphology Studies on a Diblock Copolymer Consisting of Poly (3-hexylthiophene) and Fullerene” Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2010, 211, 2416.
24. Joung, D.; Chunder, A.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker. S. I. “Space Charge Limited Conduction with Exponential Trap Distribution in Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheet” Appl. Phys. Lett. 2010, 97, 093105.
25. Chunder, A.; Pal, T.; Khondaker, S. I.; Zhai, L. “Reduced Graphene Oxide/Copper Phthalocyanine Composite and Its Optoelectrical Properties” J. Phys. Chem. C. 2010, 114, 15129.
26. Arif, M.; Liu, J.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker, S. I. “Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Crystalline Nanoribbon Network for Organic Field Effect Transistors” Appl. Phys. Lett. 2010. 96, 243304.
27. Ghosh, S.; Sarker, B. K.; Chunder, A.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker, S. I. “Position Dependent Photodetector from Large Area Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Films” Appl. Phys. Lett. 2010, 96, 162109.
28. Sarkar, S.; Zou, J.; Liu, J.; Xu, C.; An, L.; Zhai, L. “Polymer-Derived Ceramic Composite Fibers with Aligned Pristine Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2010, 2, 1150.
29. Joung, D.; Chunder, A.; Zhai, L.; Khondaker. S. I. “High Yield Fabrication of Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Field Effect Transistors by Dielectrophoresis” Nanotechnology, 2010, 16, 165202.
30. Sharma, R.; Karakoti, A.; Seal, S.; Zhai, L. “MWCNT-PSS Supported Polypyrrol/Manganese Oxide Nano-Composite for High Performance Electrochemical Electrodes” J. Power Sources 2010, 195, 1256.
31. Chunder, A.; Liu, J.; Zhai, L. “Reduced Graphene Oxide/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Supramolecular Composites” Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2010, 31, 380.
Nanoscience Technology Center (NSTC)
| Director |
Lei Zhai |
| Phone | 407-882-2847 |
| Website | https://www.nanoscience.ucf.edu/index.php |
| Mission | The mission of NSTC is to establish a cutting-edge research program in materials and nanotechnology, provide high quality training for students and facilitate the advance of innovations to solve real world technology challenges. The interests of our faculty are diverse and the innovative research programs including Green Energy, In Vitro Test Systems, Composites, Computer/Mathematical Simulations, Assistive Robotics, Quantum Dynamics, Bioimaging, NanoElectronics & NanoPhysics, Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agriculture, Integrated Device Development and Advanced Materials have been explored. Our research effort has made significant impact on nanotechnology society and industry. NSTC faculty has received NSF CAREER, ONR YIP, and DARPA YIA awards. In 2016, Materials Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Center (MISA), a USDA-NIFA recognized Center of Excellence, was established to address agricultural diseases threatening crop yield. |
The University of Central Florida invention consists of a thermochromic window that intelligently regulates indoor solar irradiation and modulates optical properties in response to real-time temperature changes. Smart window technologies contribute significantly to energy-saving (40 to 60 percent) in buildings. However, attempts to manufacture thermochromic windows have led to coatings with agglomeration or a darkening effect in an uneven pattern. This results in the inconsistent absorption or reflection of light that deteriorates the overall aesthetics of the window and reduces visibility.
As a solution, the UCF technology offers a thermochromic window with state-of-the-art vanadium dioxide (VO2)-based thermochromic glazing (coating) and a method for producing the window. The process includes embedding VO2 nanoparticles in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fiber mat and then encapsulating them in epoxy resin. This elongates the lifetime of VO2 nanoparticles and ensures environmental durability for practical applications. The approach allows for precise control of the size and distribution of VO2 nanoparticles. It also maintains the dispersion quality of VO2 nanoparticles which are susceptible to agglomeration.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing and/or research collaboration.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
Water and dust buildup on a variety of surfaces, such as decks, pillars, ceiling fans, refrigerator cooling coils, and blinds, can cause many problems including reduced performance and life, as well as increased maintenance cost. Dust-resistant and moisture-resistant coated mechanical components can reduce energy consumption via aerodynamic drag reduction during operation--in particular, residential, commercial, or industrial fans used in air handling systems.
University of Central Florida researchers have created a water-based nanoparticle suspension that forms a water and dust resistant coating on surfaces. Specifically designed for in-field application, this easily formulated, low cost, and easy-to-spray coating reduces dust adhesion by 95% and can be applied to a variety of exposed surfaces including walls, windows, fan blades, air conditioners, solar cell panels, and cooling coils. It can also be used in any paints that require water resistant properties such as stain resistant, dust resistant, water resistant, and corrosion protection coatings.
Technical Details
This composition is an aqueous solvent-based coating made of an alkaline aqueous solution of three components. The first is chemically condensable with itself and is independently cross-linkable (e.g. glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane). The second component is also chemically condensable with itself as well as with the first component, and it contains one of a fluorocarbon functionality and a hydrocarbon functionality (e.g. perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane, or, alternatively, an alkyl-trisubstituted silane). The optional third component is chemically condensable with the first and second components, but is neither independently cross-linkable nor includes at least one of the fluorocarbon functionality and the hydrocarbon functionality (e.g. cerium nitrate).
This coating can be cured with a similar composition. The cured first component is condensable with itself and independently cross-linkable. The cured second component is also condensable with itself as well as the first component and includes at least one of a fluorocarbon functionality and a hydrocarbon functionality. The cured third component is condensable with itself, the first and second components, and neither independently cross-linkable nor at least partially fluorinated.
This coating formulation may be applied using any of several methods including but not limited to dip coating methods, spray coating methods, roll coating methods, as well as any other conventional and non-conventional methods.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a new fabrication technology for 3D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to stimulate and record electrophysiological activity from cellular networks in vitro. The novel technology enables manufacturers to produce 3D-printed MEAs with spin-coated insulation and functional electrospun 3D scaffolds. The culture-ready systems can be used as fully functional "disease in a dish" and "organ on a chip" to promote cell/tissue growth and regeneration.
MEA technology has been widely-used as a platform for recording and stimulating electrical activity in electrogenic cells such as neurons, cardiomyocytes, and pancreatic beta cells for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Since the tissue environment is essentially 3D, there is an increasing need to extend cell culture matrices, support scaffolds, and microelectrodes to 3D form factors, as well. Yet, today’s MEAs are predominantly made using microelectronics fabrication processes or complex glass-based approaches that restrict their functionality to 2D applications. For example, they are unable to capture electrophysiological signals that occur at a certain height when cell cultures mature and obtain a 3D form. Additionally, creating a suitable insulation layer for 3D electrodes has always remained a challenge, due to diverse topographies for conformal deposition of biocompatible materials with a low thermal budget.
The UCF technology resolves these issues and enables manufacturers to fabricate 3D MEAs that are not only superior to their 2D counterparts but are also simple to produce using 3D printing techniques. In addition, the 3D nanoscaffolding enables a functional layer for accurate cellular placement, tissue engineering and complex 3D culture architectures.
The invention consists of methods and techniques for producing electrospun polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 3D scaffolds coupled to fabricated MEAs. The microfabrication technology involves the creation of 3D towers via 3D printing and a metallization layer, defined by stencil mask evaporation techniques. Multiple insulation strategies can be used with the technology, including the following: a drop-casted/spin-coated 3D layer of polystyrene (PS) and an evaporated layer of SiO2, both of which are laser micromachined to produce the 3D microelectrodes.
"Fabrication and Characterization of 3D Printed, 3D Microelectrode Arrays with Spin Coated Insulation and Functional Electrospun 3D Scaffolds for 'Disease in a Dish' and 'Organ on a Chip' Models," Conference paper for the 18th Solid State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Workshop (Hilton Head 2018), Hilton Head, SC, June 2018.
The University of Central Florida invention is a cost-efficient approach to produce polymer fibers with surfactants for the purpose of producing material for facial masks with anti-viral properties. Polymer fibers of hundreds of nanometers with surfactants are produced through electrospinning of their solutions. When the fibers are hydrated by moisture, the movement of surfactants on the surfaces of the hydrated fibers is enabled. These surfactants can then disrupt the membrane of the virus and deactivate it. All the polymers and surfactants are FDA-approved commercially available.
The University of Central Florida invention is an implantable medical device for targeted pain suppression. Implanted onto the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), the UCF micro liquid thermal regulator (MLTR) uses closed-loop cooling and micro-channel technology. The MLTR can reduce the temperature to as low as 10 degrees Celsius, effectively modulating internal molecular channel activity and reducing pain perception. The innovation offers a non-opioid alternative for pain management, providing precise and localized cooling to the source of pain transmission. By offering a promising solution to chronic pain, the MLTR holds the potential to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life.
Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Stage of Development: Prototype available.
The University of Central Florida invention is a fast, cost-effective approach to producing nanoparticle catalysts on carbon fibers using microwave heating. Using the approach, researchers were also able to grow carbon nanotubes on the carbon fibers. Supported nanoparticle composites serve a vital role in a wide range of chemical applications, including energy storage, energy conversion and pollutant degradation.
The UCF process has the benefits of 1) operating under ambient atmosphere to produce metallic nanoparticles, 2) reliably producing small (approximately 5-20 nm) nanoparticles in seconds, and 3) producing nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes in the same simple process. The approach is readily adaptable to existing carbon fiber manufacturing processes, rendering this important technology more economically valuable to growing industries.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
The University of Central Florida invention provides a way to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene while maintaining valuable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By non-covalently attaching (at least partially conjugated) polymers to CNTs or a graphene structure, the UCF technology enables functionalized CNTs and graphene for fabricating various electronic devices. This includes sensors, energy-storing devices, and field effect transistors (FETs). In one example, the efficiency of CNT FET devices with polymer supramolecular structures is 100 times higher than that of standard polymer thin film FETs.
Two carbon allotropes, CNTs and graphene have valuable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The lack of a simple and versatile system to disperse and functionalize CNTs and graphene for commercial use often prevents these valuable properties from being used to make various electronic devices.
Technical Details
The UCF technology provides a composition and method for forming a new nanomaterial and electronic device containing the following:
Applications include nanoelectronics and electronic devices such as sensors, organic field effect transistors (FET), photovoltaic cells, biomolecular imaging and detection, and energy storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.
The University of Central Florida invention is a carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogel structure that integrates the properties of CNT materials with the highly porous structure of aerogels. Useful in many applications, the invention offers low bulk density, a large specific surface area, and high electrical conductivity. Applications include sensors, catalyst supports, electrodes for supercapacitors, and low-temperature fuel cells. Compared to conventionally produced CNT aerogels, the UCF invention provides easier fabrication methods and enables the development of mechanically strong, free-standing monoliths.
Technical Details
The UCF invention comprises a mechanically strong, ultralight, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) aerogel and methods for fabricating it. An aerogel includes supramolecular structures bound to one another. Each supramolecular structure consists of a CNT or graphene-type structure with an outer surface, multiple polymers, or aromatic molecules secured to the surface. Polymers or aromatic molecules have at least one cross-linkable structure. The supramolecular structures are crosslinked together by chemical bonding between the cross-linkable structures. Aerogels can be reversely compressed down to less than 20 percent of their original volume. They have a density <500 mg/cm3 and can provide unique properties. For example, free-standing monolithic polymer/CNT or graphene-based aerogels can provide a surface area ?300 m2/g, a density <15 mg/cm3, and a 25 C electrical conductivity ?1×10-4 S/cm. The 25 C electrical conductivity can be increased to ?0.1 S·cm-1 by a high-current pulse method.
