University of California, Davis

I will discuss several novel phenomena in small nanoparticles that are discovered recently, including nanoscale energy deposition of small gold nanoparticles under x-ray radiation and enhanced catalytic properties of nickel nanoparticles supported at the tips of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Both theoretical and experimental results will be presented in the nanoscale energy deposition case, in which 3 nm nanometer gold nanoparticles are found to be able to absorb energetic x-rays and emit low energy electrons and radicals. One example of the potential applications of this new phenomenon in cancer treatment is briefly illustrated. In the second example, the experimentally observed 10 to 100 times increase in catalytic activity from small nickel nanoparticles immobilized by the SWNTs suggests that there are more unique properties associated with these nanoparticle catalysts than a simple increase in the surface area. Results of carbon dioxide reforming of methane and steam reforming of methane using these small nanoparticles are given.

Dr. Guo's Web Site

4:00 p.m., Physics Research Building (PRB), Room 1080

Reception at 3:45 p.m., Atrium, PRB