Synthesis of carbon based hybrid nanocomposites as new materials for photovoltaic applications and ultrastable metal nanoparticles applied to biomedical applications

Orateur : Erwan RAUWEL (Tallinn Technical University, Tartu College - Estonia)

During the last decade composite materials have spurred a large interest and with the rising of nanotechnology, the development of new nanocomposite materials promoting new properties has taken a step forward. The photoluminescence of carbon based hybrid nanocomposite consisting of non-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, HfO2) have been investigated. Surprisingly, photocurrent generation under UV-visible illumination has been observed and suggests these hybrid system have promising features for being used as flexible nanodevices for light harvesting applications. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have received extensive attention during the past decades due to their high potential applications. We have developed a method of synthesis that enables the production of surfactant free stable MNPs under air. Their stability in air allows applications that are usually difficult to implement with metal nanoparticles due to their pyrophoric properties. Ultrastable metal nanoparticles (Ag, Co and Ag-Co nanocomposites) have been studied for antimicrobial/fungal applications. To validate a potential use, their toxicity was also studied using Human Cells and cancer cells showing a higher toxicity against cancer cells. It is also possible to synthesize nanocomposites combining cobalt and silver MNPs and the properties of these nanomaterials will also be discussed in terms of possible utilization for biomedical applications and environmental remediation.

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