A Biomimetic Approach to Designing Functional Structures with Nanoscale Precision
Abstract
Controlling the morphology and assembly of nanomaterials with high precision has always been a focus of fundamental research and applied studies due to the strong size- and morphology-dependence of properties at nanoscale. Using biomolecules to exploit small energy differences based on surface bonding or molecular adsorption biological systems can gain control in most aspects of the material formation process, obtaining superior functions unseen in artificial materials. However, the limited molecular-level understanding of the specific interactions between biomolecules and materials and their influence on the material growth physics pose the main challenges in successful translation of biomimetic principles to in vitro engineering of material structures with nanoscale precision and high functionality. In this project, we propose to understand these fundamental challenges through theoretical and ex-situ and insitu experimental studies, and to formulate globally applicable biomimetic principles that can guide the production of (nano) material structures with predictable morphology and composition to deliver superior functionality. Pt-Ni nanocatalyst, wherein a small change in the morphology or the atomic arrangement near the surface can lead to significant property modification, will serve as an initial model system to refine molecular-surface interactions in order to achieve structures with optimal performance. First the phage display library will be used against Pt-Ni alloy nanocrystal surfaces to screen for specific binding sequences. The sequences will be closely examined and tested in ex-situ synthesis of Pt-Ni nanocrystals to further pin-point the binding motifs within each sequence. Further binding information can be inferred from molecular dynamics simulation which will be carried out by our established collaborators. The simulations can offer clues to understand and design binding molecules and construct crystal growth models which can lead to the production of Pt-Ni nanocrystals with predictable structure and surface atomic ordering. Measurements of catalytic activity and atomic scale structural characterizations will be used to validate and improve our hypotheses and theoretical models. And in situ observations of Pt-Ni nanocrystal growth under the influence of surface specific molecules will be used to obtain direct evidence for the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle crystallization as well as dynamic information that provide constraints on important energetic parameters not available through ex situ methods. It is expected that the successful execution of the proposed studies will provide unprecedented control over nanocrystal formation in the Pt-Ni system and beyond. Understanding the mechanisms of biomolecule-directed process of material formation will benefit the design of multivariate intelligence systems, bio-derived energy systems, and biomimetic structural applications. It has the potential to open up many new avenues in scientific discoveries and technological applications, and to bring great impacts on technologies ranging from sensors, chemical production and clean energy generation to environmental protection.. Specifically for Navy, the success of the proposal may contribute to areas such as biominearal assisted CO2 sequestration and photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants in sea water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512146
Entities
People
- Yu Huang
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Los Angeles