Degree Type

Thesis

Date of Award

2010

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Victor Shang-yi Lin

Abstract

The research presented here involves the application of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in heterogeneous catalysis and biomedical study.

Since the discovery of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN), it has been studied as solid catalyst support. We studied the catalytic activity of CO hydrogenation and the selectivity to C2 oxygenates by encapsulating monodispersed rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles during the synthesis of MSN in situ, and further modified by manganese oxide. The catalysts showed a higher reactivity in CO hydrogenation and a better selectivity to the desired product ethanol.

Structure directing agent plays a big role in mesophase structure, as well as affecting the distribution of functional group during the co-condensation. We developed an anionic surfactant (PME), by which we increased the interaction of the calcium site with the head group of surfactant, synthesizing a mesoporous calcium silicate material. The catalytic activity in transesterification reaction is better than the cationic surfactant (CTAB) templated material.

Also, previous studies in our group showed the potential of MSN, which were biocompatible as drug delivery vehicles. We exploited the biological application of MSN by chemically bonding ceria nanoparticles as the caps for stimuli responsive control release system. Furthermore, it showed pH dependent antioxidant properties when mixed with H2O2, and better endocytosis efficiency and protection to normal cells than naked ceria nanoparticles.

2

Copyright Owner

Enruo Guo

Language

en

Date Available

2012-04-30

File Format

application/pdf

File Size

105 pages

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Included in

Chemistry Commons

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