Quantum dot based photoelectrochemical and electrochemical sensors for toxic and hazardous gases and endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecules

• Grant number: 16/24366-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2017
• End date: September 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Grantee: Jesse Thomas Ernest Quinn
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/14262-7 - Nanostructured films from biologically-relevant materials, AP.TEM

Abstract

This proposal advocates that quantum dots be used as the active components in photoelectrochemical and electrochemical sensors to detect toxic and hazardous gases and to measure endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecules. The proposed research will focus on the synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of quantum dots followed by design and characterization in photoelectrochemical and electrochemical sensors. Quantum dots are highly tunable with numerous valuable properties; in conjunction with these types of sensors they are considered convenient and practical, having received significant attention in academia and in industry. Photoelectrochemical and electrochemical sensors are low-cost, easily miniaturized, reliable, and robust and have been reported to measure a multitude of analytes. With growing public concern of the potential risks and hazards of many airborne chemicals or the implication of endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecules in human related diseases, new types of sensors are required to detect such analytes at much lower concentrations with greater response times than what current technology can offer. The main contribution expected is related to achieving appropriate functionalization of quantum dots for selectivity and sensitivity to target analyte(s). (AU)