Biomolecular synthesis of quantum dot composites
AssigneeUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell
InventorsCarl Lawton, Suzanne Conroy
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Abstract
A biomimetic approach utilizing biomolecular self-assembly is described to form nanometer particle size composites for uses, such as, nonlinear optical media. Yeast tRNA was utilized as an ion-exchange/nucleation site within a polymeric matrix (polyacrylamide). Cadmium ion-exchange and subsequent sulfide precipitation resulted in formation of nanometer particle size composites. Illumination of samples with an Argon laster (514 nm) utilizing the Z-scan measurement method resulted in third order nonlinearity .chi..sup.3 values of +2.7.times.10.sup.-6 esu.
Claims10
A process for forming nanometer size particles in a composite structure, comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting a plurality of biopolymer molecules with metal cations, said biopolymer molecules being dispersed within a polymer gel matrix;
- and
- (b) precipitating the metal cations, thereby forming nanometer size particles.
A process for forming nanometer size particles in a composite structure, comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting a plurality of biopolymer molecules with metal cations, said biopolymer molecules being of uniform size and dispersed within a polymer gel matrix;
- and
- (b) precipitating the metal cations, thereby forming nanometer size particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.