Spectroscopy of Nanomaterials Research Group
Team leader: prof. dr hab. Barbara Pałys
Team leader’s e-mail address: bpalys@chem.uw.edu.pl
Brief description of the research topic:
We design and synthesize nanostructures with catalytic and/or light-absorbing properties in the visible and near-infrared range. These structures are used to design new electrochemical sensors or surface enhanced Raman (SERS)-based sensors. We project new methods for determining biological compounds (e.g. folic acid, dyes) or active oxygen species (ROS). Examples of nanostructures include: nanospheres, nanourchins, gold nanobowls combined with graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide (completely or partially), nanoparticles surrounded by conducting polymers. These materials are used as substrates for SERS or materials for electrochemical sensors. We try to design substrates in such a way as to optimize the adsorption of the tested compound on the substrate. We have developed a number of modifications of graphene oxide to optimize its catalytic properties. We also study the spectroelectrochemical properties of compounds (including conducting polymers) using the EC-SERS technique, in order to design innovative sensors and analyze redox processes at the molecular level.
An important research trend is physicochemical analysis for the needs of marine research, including microplastics in diverse environmental samples, the composition and morphology of sediments, animals tissues. The research includes the detection and identification of microplastics using spectroscopic methods and numerical description of the surface and assessment of the degree of aging. We also design ecotoxicological tests (for micro- and nanoplastics and 2D materials) together with the selection of dedicated test materials and the assessment of diagnostic parameters. We prepare nanocomposites with graphene materials, selects recycling methods for “ghost networks”, and conducts spectral diagnostics of composite materials (degree of graphitization, aging, cross-linking), selected art pigments and cultural heritage items.
The main research methods are infrared spectroscopy and microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods.