Nanotechnology
Nano-Scale Research at UCF

The interest in the understanding of small size, high surface area materials has increased in the last years due to their extraordinary electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. Since these properties are both size and shape dependent, new different ways of preparation are in great demand in order to control these two parameters. So far, the generation of nanostructures has been explored using laser ablation, arc-discharge, electron irradiation, Redox reactions and catalytic processes. Now we are proposing a method using nonlinear optics which hasn't been explored very much to the present. Furthermore, we are also interested in understanding the interaction of different type of nanoparticles with organic and inorganic molecules and their effect on their physical-chemical and optical properties. Our final goal is to design new systems for drug delivery, biological, chemical and explosive nanosensors, catalysis, and corrosion.

	Noninvasive Glucose Detection Using gold nanoparticles, Florencio Hernández and his research team can noninvasively detect low levels of glucose in human tears.
	Nano-Electrochemistry Díaz's Group deals with electrochemistry and materials chemistry in nanoscale science and technology. In particular, this research focuses on using electrochemistry to create nanostructured surfaces and in the sensing and optoelectronic applications of nanostructured surfaces.
	Imaging and Spectroscopy Imaging and Spectroscopy of Nanoscale Materials and Biological Systems
	Photolithography Of particular interest are methods for patterning materials on nanometer and micrometer length scales, techniques for three-dimensional (3D) nano- and micro-fabrication, and the development of new nano-composite materials having useful optical and electronic function.
	Purifying mercury-polluted water Using tiny pieces of gold and the properties of light, scientists can now quickly and inexpensively detect even trace amounts of the pollutant. In the near future, this process can be used to create water filters and reclaim contaminated water.
	Polypeptide Nano-Templating We are investigating the use of patterned folded polypeptides for templating the deposition of a second material into a target 3D nano-scale form.
	Nanoparticle Technologies This research focuses on the development of nanoparticle technologies and their application in nanomedicine, molecular imaging, and molecular diagnostics.