Dr. John M. Pettibone

Developing aimed synthetic approaches for ligated nanoclusters and nanocrystals through both kinetic and thermodynamic control. Mechanistic studies of nascent product formation and subsequent solution phase processing (size-selective and size focusing methodologies) can guide direct routes to nearly single products. Further work is focused on developing mechanistic insights into predictable size control through ligand exchange. Proof-of-concept for the development of new materials using ligated nanoclusters as molecular building blocks in bottom-up approaches (e.g., self assembly) has been achieved. Facile production and manipulation of the molecular building blocks is also a research focus for further tuning material properties through ligand exchange and doping.

Previous research was conducted on the fate and processing of manufactured metal oxide nanoparticles in real and simulated aqueous and gaseous environments (Prof. Vicki H. Grassian). Further studies of nanoparticle processing in simulated lung fluids were coupled with pulmonary toxicity studies to examine acute and sub-acute effects of inhaled metal oxide nanoparticles and their dose-response relationships in mouse models.