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"Dr. Spendel's research interests include nanomanufacturing, functional
interfaces, sensors, and integrating nanotechnology with
microbiological systems. Nanomaterials have shown us the properties of
matter are dependent on size as well as composition. The goal of
nanotechnology is to use the unique properties in the nano range -
larger than atoms and molecules and smaller than bulk stuff
properties."
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Description of Research
To achieve the nanotechnology promise we must be able to produce
nanomaterials in specific shapes with tight particle size
distributions. We are conducting research to develop rapid precisely
controlled microwave nanomaterial synthesis methods.
We are developing self-organizational methods built on surface and
colloid mechanisms to create functional interfaces for biological and
sensor applications. Of special interest is the hierarchical
manifestation of unique sensor detection capabilities derived from
nanomaterial interaction properties across scale levels.
Electrooptical concept sensors are being developed which combine
electrodynamic and molecular motion as detection mechanisms. Excitons,
surface plasmons, and microcavities are known to enable and in some
cases amplify detection sensitivity. Research in our laboratory is to
merge these amplification mechanisms with chemical specificity.
Interfacing between nanomaterials and microorganisms is an emerging
research discipline. Nanomaterials and biocompatible interfaces
constructed from them are important for economic microbiological
applications and nanosafety. Properly constructed interfaces can
support biofilms to enhance their economic potential, develop green
chemistries, and create a new technology beneficially combining
industrial with biosphere production methods. Successful integrations
between industrial methods and natural biological cycles are envisioned
to produce new sustainable technologies with minimal detrimental
environmental impact.
Undergraduate researcher's roles in your lab
Undergraduates are part of the whole research team and will be involved
in the synthesis, characterization and utilization of new
nanomaterials. Publications and presentations are expected from the
undergraduate research.
Graduate student's role in your lab
Graduate students will be part of the whole team but will act as mentor
to undergraduates and become independent researchers before obtaining a
degree. They are expected to have multiple publications and
presentations during their graduate careers.
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| Presentations |
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Cox, J.; Wandstradt, M.; Spendel, W.; Templated Nanoscale Sol-Gel Films
as Modifiers for Amperoimetric Detector; ElectroAnalytical Conference
ENSCPB, France June 11-15 (2006)
Spendel, W. U., Pacey, G. E., Microwave Fabrication Nanotechnology Road
to Complex Structures; 4th International Microwaves in Chemistry
Conference, March 8 - 11, 2006, Orlando FL.
Heuser, J. A., Spendel, W. U., Pacey, G. E. Microwave Control of Iron
Oxide Particle Syntheses; 4th International Microwaves in Chemistry
Conference, March 8 - 11, 2006, Orlando FL.
Heuser, J. A.; Taulbee, A. R.; Spendel, W. U.; Pacey, G. E.; Terahertz
(THz) Spectroscopic Investigation of Alkyl Halides, Pittsburgh
Conference May 12 - 16, 2006 Orlando FL.
Pisarenko, A.; Spendel, W. U.; Pacey, G. E.; Thin Film Nanoparticle
Optical Detection Pittsburgh Conference May 12 - 16, 2006 Orlando FL.
Wolfgang U. Spendel, S. D. Puckett, James A. Cox, Gilbert E. Pacey,
"Mesoporous Thin film Electrocatalytic Polyoxometalate Electrode For
Sensor and Catalysis Applications", Pittsburgh Conference, Orlando FL,
February 2005.
Dorota Kowalska, Wolfgang U. Spendel, Gilbert E. Pacey, "Potential
Switchable Smart Electrode Surface", Pittsburgh Conference, Orlando FL,
February 2005.
Justin A. Heuser, Wolfgang U. Spendel, Gilbert E. Pacey, "Terahertz
(THz) Spectroscopic Determination of Water Bonding in Zeolites",
Pittsburgh Conference, Orlando FL, February 2005
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| Funding |
$100.000 Grant from the State of Ohio
Nanomaterials in our Environment
$100.000 Grant from the State of Ohio
Nanomaterials in our Environment
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| Publications |
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Keith, J.; Hess, L.C.; Spendel, W. U.; Cox, J.A.; and Pacey, G.E., "The
Investigation of the Behavior of a Long Period Grating Sensor with a
Copper Sensitive Coating Fabricated by Layer-by-layer Electrostatic
Adsorption", Talanta, 2006, 70, 818-822.
Burns, C.; Spendel, W. U.; Puckett, S.; Pacey, G. E.; Solution ionic
strength effect on gold
nanoparticle solution color transition; Talanta (2006), 69(4), 873-876.
S.D. Puckett, J.A. Heuser, J.D. Keith, W.U. Spendel, and G.E. Pacey,
"Interaction of Ozone with Gold Nanoparticles", Talanta (2005), 66(5),
1242 - 1246.
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