Assessment of the potential hazards of 2D nanomaterials to the environment
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
The current focus of this project is to synthesise a set of model GO 2DNMs with highly controlled lateral size and test how the lateral dimension of the 2DNMs alters the viability (including cell metabolism and membrane integrity) of three different bacteria found in soils. The effect of prior interactions with natural organic matter on their subsequent toxicity of the bacteria will also be assessed. Toxicological endpoints will be coupled to the results of high resolution electron microscopy studies to relate intra/extracellular GO location to altered cellular metabolism of cell organelles and thus cellular reactivity. Since imaging the interaction of GO with bacteria presents an imaging challenge, given its low contrast against the cells, I will also assess the interaction of molybdenum disulphide with bacteria.
Planned Impact
Advanced materials characterisation is fundamental to the development of new products and new materials; it has a pivotal role in key EPSRC thematic areas including Energy, IT, Healthcare, Security and Transport. However a skills gap is emerging and there are insufficient PhD students being trained in this area to meet the needs of industry and this in turn will limit the rate at which industry can develop new materials and devices. It is now essential that we train a critical mass of scientists in advanced materials characterisation techniques and applications. The aim of this CDT is, therefore, to produce trained cohorts of scientists who will graduate with a broad range of expertise in advanced materials characterisation across many length and energy scales as well as with in-depth expertise in specialist areas of characterisation. Advances in electronics, photovoltaics, corrosion, biomaterials, advanced ceramics, composites, advanced metal alloys for transport, membranes, nanotechnology, fullerenes and graphene depend on the detailed characterisation of the bulk, interfaces and surfaces of the constituent materials. Future benefits of nanomaterials rely on sophisticated feedback of the material properties during the R&D phase.
The research undertaken during the course of the CDT will be based on challenge led problems developed in conjunction with our industrial partners, and the graduating cohorts will be research scientists whose expertise will facilitate the development of new materials. Development of novel approaches to materials characterisation may be one outcome, as well as the potential to develop new sample environments for use in, for example, ambient pressure XPS, or at large scale facilities. Our students will develop expertise in a range of cutting edge techniques, apply these to complex materials problems, and work strongly with partners. Examples of the impact of this approach can be taken from the thematic areas outlined in the full case for support. In energy materials the development of next generation devices with extended lifetimes and durability relies on developing a full understanding of surface and near surface chemistry under in operando conditions. These measurements are only possible with advanced techniques such as APPES, in combination with structural and electrochemical measurements. This presents a unique challenge and has significant impact for the developers of these technologies in the UK, EU, USA and Asia. Indeed demonstration fuel cells for example are currently being deployed, but cost reductions are required. In this sector alone (renewable energy) there is a current estimated market size of £12bn with over 110,000 employees in the UK alone. Major materials advances, accessed through understanding the underpinning science, will dramatically affect this market, and the CDT will support the next generation of world leading scientists that will deliver the economic benefits for the UK that these technologies offer. The consequence of our training philosophy is that the next generation of scientists working on materials characterisation will provide the innovation and creativity required to lead the world in the development and manufacture of new materials. This will have real impact on the quality of life of future generations through improvements in areas such as Energy, IT, Healthcare, Security and Transport mentioned above.
The research undertaken during the course of the CDT will be based on challenge led problems developed in conjunction with our industrial partners, and the graduating cohorts will be research scientists whose expertise will facilitate the development of new materials. Development of novel approaches to materials characterisation may be one outcome, as well as the potential to develop new sample environments for use in, for example, ambient pressure XPS, or at large scale facilities. Our students will develop expertise in a range of cutting edge techniques, apply these to complex materials problems, and work strongly with partners. Examples of the impact of this approach can be taken from the thematic areas outlined in the full case for support. In energy materials the development of next generation devices with extended lifetimes and durability relies on developing a full understanding of surface and near surface chemistry under in operando conditions. These measurements are only possible with advanced techniques such as APPES, in combination with structural and electrochemical measurements. This presents a unique challenge and has significant impact for the developers of these technologies in the UK, EU, USA and Asia. Indeed demonstration fuel cells for example are currently being deployed, but cost reductions are required. In this sector alone (renewable energy) there is a current estimated market size of £12bn with over 110,000 employees in the UK alone. Major materials advances, accessed through understanding the underpinning science, will dramatically affect this market, and the CDT will support the next generation of world leading scientists that will deliver the economic benefits for the UK that these technologies offer. The consequence of our training philosophy is that the next generation of scientists working on materials characterisation will provide the innovation and creativity required to lead the world in the development and manufacture of new materials. This will have real impact on the quality of life of future generations through improvements in areas such as Energy, IT, Healthcare, Security and Transport mentioned above.
