Project Info

Integrating Nanoarchitectured Metals with Polymers

Terry Lowe
lowe@mines.edu

Project Goals and Description:

We have invented at Mines a new mechanism to nearly instantly neutralize pathogenic viruses and bacteria. The method depends upon creating nanoscale features on the surfaces of particles, wires, or sheets of copper, zinc, and other metals. The technology has the potential to reduce the risks of infection from air, water, and surfaces everywhere. The project goal is to integrate nanoarchitectured particles into polymer fibers or layers.

More Information:

Grand Challenge: Provide access to clean water.
Recent scientific and media publications (Google search generates many hits) on filtering bacteria and viruses from air and water. Another key search word is Hospital Acquired Infection.

Primary Contacts:

Terry Lowe, lowe@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The ideal student has a background in materials science, chemistry, metallurgical engineering and related fields.

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

8 hours

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

The student will gain experience in laboratory material synthesis, surface science, and characterization using various forms of microscopy and chemistry lab techniques.

MENTORING PLAN

The student would become a member of Dr. Lowe's Transdisciplinary Nanostructured Materials Research Team (TNMRT). TNMRT has a formal mentoring program based upon methods evolved from UC Davis and the University of Michigan. The team includes undergrads, graduates, and full-time staff who participate in mentoring.

PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS

Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Share This