Synthesis of CdS nanoparticles for a freshman nanotechnology laboratory

CHED 254

Kurt Winkelmann, kwinkel@fit.edu1, Thomas Noviello2, and Stephen Brooks1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, (2) Department of Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901
First-Year students in Florida Tech's Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Laboratory course synthesize CdS nanoparticles within a water-in-oil emulsion. Particle size is typically 5 nm in diameter as determined by UV/vis spectroscopy and the effective mass model. There is a visible difference in color between the nanoparticles (yellow) and bulk CdS material (orange). Students are introduced to band theory of solids, surfactants and quantum confinement during a pre-lab presentation and handouts. The experiment is appropriate for general chemistry students who have knowledge of intermolecular forces and quantum chemistry. This presentation will describe the synthesis procedure and show students' typical results, along with a brief overview of the freshman nanotechnology laboratory.
 

Nanotechnology in Undergraduate Education
8:30 AM-11:55 AM, Monday, March 26, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N227B, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007