people
|Faculty
|Alexander Star
 |
Alexander Star Department of Chemistry |
Our research is focused on the emerging fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Employing techniques from physical organic, analytical, and physical chemistry, our group develops novel nanomaterials, which are further studied to ascertain a fundamental understanding of the system as well as to determine potential beneficial applications.
Synthesis and Exploration of Novel Carbon-based Nanomaterials
Employing the bottom-up approach of controlled chemical vapor deposition (CVD), we fabricate single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and other novel carbon-based nanomaterials. These materials are further modified to impart new properties. Methods of functionalization include: oxidation through enzymatic biodegradation, labeling via covalent linking, decorating with nanoparticles, and the non-covalent attachment of synthetic or natural ligands/polymers. Moreover, the products of both the synthesis and functionalization stages of our research undergo rigorous characterization by a variety of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques as well as electrochemistry and solid-state electrical transport measurements. The results of our research have led to positive steps in the development of novel applications, which include the production of chemical and biological sensors, energy conversion devices (fuel cells), and drug delivery.
Research topics in our group:
• Carbon nanotube-based chemical and biological sensing
• Metal nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes for catalysis
• Synthesis and exploration of carbon nanocups
• Bio recognition and biodegradation of carbon nanomaterial
For detailed description of the projects please visit our group website.
Awards
University of Pittsburgh Innovator Award, 2008; Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, 2006; Intel Award, 1998; Buchmann Doctoral Fellowship, 1996-1999; Schwarz Memorial Graduate Scholarship, 1997
Selected Publications
"Decorated carbon nanotubes with unique oxygen sensitivity," D. R. Kauffman, C. M. Shade, H. Uh, S. Petoud, A. Star, Nature Chem., 2009, 1, 500-506
"Graphitic nanocapsules," B. L. Allen, C. M. Shade, A. M. Yingling, S. Petoud, A. Star, Adv. Mater., 2009, DOI, 10.1002/adma.200900851
"Electrocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups," Y. Tang, B. L. Allen, D. R. Kauffman, A. Star, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, DOI, 10.1021/ja904595t
"Simultaneous spectroscopic and solid-state electronic measurement of single-walled carbon nanotube devices," D. R. Kauffman, A. Star, J. Phys. Chem. C, 2008, 112, 4430-4434
"Electronically monitoring biological interactions with carbon nanotube field-effect transistors," D. R. Kauffman, A. Star, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2008, 37, 1197-1208
"Carbon nanotube gas and vapor sensors," D. R. Kauffman, A. Star, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2008, 47, 6550-6570
"Carbon nanotube FET-based biosensors," B. L. Allen, P. D. Kichambare, A. Star, Adv. Mater., 2007, 19, 1439-1451
"Chemically induced potential barriers at the carbon nanotube-metal nanoparticle interface," D. R. Kauffman, A. Star, Nano Lett., 2007, 7, 1863-1868
"Carbon nanotube sensors for exhaled breath components," O. Kuzmych, B. L. Allen, A. Star, Nanotechnology, 2007, 18, 375502
"Label-free detection of DNA hybridization using carbon nanotube network field-effect transistors," A. Star, E. Tu, J. Niemann, J.-C. P. Gabriel, C. S. Joiner, C. Valcke, PNAS, 2006, 103, 921-926