Biography
Reza Razeghifard received his PhD in 1997 from the Australian National University working on spectroscopic studies of light reactions of photosystem II protein leading to water oxidation. He continued his research interests in studying photosynthetic proteins in algae as a postdoctoral fellow at the university of Minnesota and research fellow at the Australian National University. He is currently Chemistry Major Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry at Nova Southeastern University.
Abstract
One approach to construct photo-electrochemical devices is to assemble oriented layers of photoactive pigments on electrode surfaces. The proper orientation of pigments for creating the directional electron transfer and wiring them to the electrode surface requires a scaffold. As the starting point, a peptide scaffold was used to bind chlorin pigments. The photo-activity of the chlorin attached to the peptide was measured in the presence of several quinones as the external electron acceptors. The data showed that the photoactivity of complex was dependent on the type of quinone and modulated as the result of the net charge on the peptide surface. Fixing of peptide complexes on the electrode surface can be achieved by the introduction of thiol groups into the scaffold. The devices constructed from these photoactive complexes can function as solar energy converters and photoswitches in electronic circuits.
Biography
Rynno Lohmus done his PhD in physics Application of novel hybrid methods in SPM studies of nanostructural materials 2002. He is working as a Project manager for Estonian Nanotechnology Competence Centre (ENCC), & Senior Researcher at Institute of Physics, University of Tartu since 2005. He had published more than 43 publication in reputed journals
Abstract
Ionic liquids (IL) have shown impressive anti-wear and lubrication properties as compared with common lubrication oils in general use. ILs are suitable in extremely harsh friction conditions where high thermal stability and chemical inertness is required. In recent times different type of nanoparticles have gained much attention as anti-wear and extreme pressure additives to lubrication oils. Reasons behind this phenomenon include the remarkable tribological behavior of nanoparticles even at severe frictional conditions, and their self-repair capability to the worn surface, and good environmental-friendliness. The aim of the present study is to covalently functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNT) with IL via esterification reaction and therefore obtain improved dispersions of CNTs in IL. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the direct esterification of COOH functionalized CNTs with IL, other previously reported methods involve hazardous thionyl chloride and/or more synthesis steps. Also the applicability of carbon nanotube/IL composites as novel protective lubricating films for metal wear parts was investigated.