Kartika Tanguturi
Pronouns: he/him/his
Research Mentor(s): Mark Hammig
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences / Engineering
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 3 – 1:40pm – 2:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors:
Presenter: 40
Abstract
Nanoparticles in semiconducting or metallic form can enable applications in ionizing radiation detection and shielding by allowing one to control the optoelectronic and thermal properties of the solid. My work in this project is based on how solutes of aluminum nitrate nonahydrate, sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate, and sodium tetrahydroborate (sum of > 5 g) dissolved and heated in approximately 200 mL of ultrapure water can form thin nanostructured shields that can either scatter or detect radiation. The process of nanoparticle synthesis is highly detailed and sensitive to variations in the reaction conditions, but fundamentally, the hydrothermal solution-based process is facile. Using a 3-neck (round bottom) flask, sizes 19/22 or 24/40, a condenser column, stoppers, stir bar, hot plate, oil bath, nitrogen gas, and water pipes, these nanoparticles can be synthesized in an aqueous solution. When this reaction is complete, one pours this solution into a Fisherbrand 500 mL glass bottle to analyze the nanoparticles. Through this procedure, we can learn how well the material is capable of absorbing and detecting radiation and what parameters in the synthesis reaction have different effects or lead to the manifestation of a highly efficient radiation detector. Thus, using the results, we can repeat this process numerous times to reach a consensus on what recipe works best for a semiconductor or metal, my work focusing on aluminum nanoparticles. This research project is significant in deepening our understanding of nanoparticles and radiation and can take the scientific community to higher levels of understanding life at the nanoscale.
Engineering
