a blog by the NSF Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology
The title of this post presents a riddle similar to the one that I solved along with my advisor, Professor Rigoberto Hernandez, in a recent article published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry C.1 Nanoparticles are often made of a core (for example gold, silver, quantum dots, etc.) coated with molecules called ligands or polymers …
The first time I used a hand-held sparkler was just a year ago. As I watched small sparks fly off of it and waved it to leave different trails of light, I wondered, “What’s in a sparkler and does it have anything to do with nanoscience?” Fire and lights have captured the curiosity and imagination …
Continue reading "Bringing the Year in with a Bang!"
It's that time of year: the time when everyone starts publishing holiday gift guides! I enjoy reading science-oriented gift lists, not only to get ideas for what to give other people (or what to ask for myself) but because they offer the opportunity to celebrate geeky creativity and ingenuity. If you're buying things as gifts, …
Continue reading "The Sustainable Nano Guide to Holiday Gift Lists"
Our last blog post featured lighting technology powered by algae, and this week is all about a different example of green-colored water: the Chicago River. Every year since 1962, the Chicago River has been dyed green for the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade. So how does this amazing color transformation relate to the Center for Sustainable …
Continue reading "Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Fluorescence"
Sustainable Nano 