Template Directed Synthesis of Nanotubes, Nanowires, and Nanocables
We are studying the synthesis of nanowires, nanotubes and nanocables using nanoporous templates. We have used electrochemical deposition to fabricate arrays of nanocables with a gold/tellurium composition. We have deduced the mechanism of tellurium film growth by electrochemical deposition. We have published a recent review article on the use of polymeric templates to make nanostructures such as nanocables. In collaboration with Salvadore Mafe and Patricio Ramirez at Valencia, we published a theoretical model on the mass transfer and kinetics to form nanocable structures.Use images 1 and 9Electroporation of Food. Pulsed electrical fields (PEF) have been used in the food and pharmaceutical industry to kill bacteria. It is well known that PEF creates pores in cell membranes and these pores will make the cells leaky and can lead to cell death. We are investigating the use of PEF to introduce reversible effects in that the pores can be created in cell membranes but are small enough to reseal. WE will use this technique to insert or extract value added components into the cell, such as nutrients, enzymes, proteins and anti-oxidants.