Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Ryan Coppage
Abstract
Metallic nanoparticles, including gold and silver, have been used in wide-ranging applications due to their versatile characteristics. These include catalysis, biosensing, imaging, cancer treatments, and art. Due to the phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance, metallic particles change optical properties when sized in the nanoscale based on their composition, shape, diameters, or aspect ratios. In study, these robust nanoparticle systems are applied as an alternative to traditional bulk metal colorants in ceramic glazes.
In this study, the research goals are two-fold: to understand firing mechanism on the gold nanoparticle size and to develop these processes for wider use by regular artisans. In the prior study conducted by Lambertson et al., they found that the average diameters of gold nanoparticles changed from their starting sizes after firing in both reductive and oxidative kilns – two kilns commonly used in art facilities. This effect of firing a range of nanoparticle sizes was not understood, so a multi-size nanoparticle analysis was used to understand how these kilns affect nanoparticle sizes. By elucidating these mechanisms, these processes can be fine-tuned to augment the implementation of nanoparticles as colorants.
Recommended Citation
Dinh, Nathan, "Nanoparticles as Alternative Ceramic Glaze Colorants" (2020). Honors Theses. 1447.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1447