Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:1867

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1867

Authors:
Matas Adams, Alba Maria

Abstract:
This thesis is dedicated to the synthesis, characterization and application of different nanomaterials that are semiconductors. It is divided in three blocks, in the first one we talk about quantum dots (QDs), that are fluorescent nanoparticles whose wavelength of emission changes with size. Such materials are being used as substitutes of organic dyes, due to the many advantages they present, the main one is that the fluorescence is not lost with time. These QDs have been used to study their interaction with gold ( that increases the fluorescence intensity), they have been encapsulated with polimers to be used as controls in flow cytometry or by silica to use them as sensors for cystic fibrosis (once they have been attatched to the right polymer and dye). Finally, in this thesis, they have been also used to track the movement of a platelet receptor. In the second block we talk about up conversion nanoparticles, which only difference regarding QDs is that they are excited using a longer wavelength than the emission, so they are able to absorb in the infrared and emit in the visible range of light, making them ideal for biological applications. We have use this materials to recognice an specific receptor in neutrophils as well as to be surrounded by hydrotalcite (body friendly material) so it can be released in the organism. Finally, in the third block we have syntesized materials for catalysis (bismuth sulfide) and for solar cells (titanium oxide for perovskite solar cells).