Michael J. Bronikowski
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
University of Tampa
United States of America
Biography
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are tubes of carbon atoms with nano-scale diameters (0.5–10 nanometers). This new nano-material is predicted to have many exciting mechanical and electronic properties including superior tensile strength and extremely high electrical conductivity. To fully realize the potential of CNT-based materials, it will be necessary to grow CNT to lengths measured in meters (typical current achievable lengths are 100–1000 microns). Bronikowski's research involves investigations into methods by which CNT can be grow to much longer lengths than are currently achievable, to take advantage of these unique materials' properties.In his lab, CNT are grown by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD): carbon-containing gases such as methane are passed over nanometer-sized particles of catalytic metals, and under appropriate conditions these gases will decompose upon the catalytic particles to release their carbon atoms, which will form into CNTs. His research involves investigation of methods to stabilize and control the structure of the catalytic particles used, so that they are stable over long periods of time during the CVD process. This will allow continued growth of CNT to reach ultra-long lengths.
Research Interest
Michael Bronikowski is interested in nanotechnology and nano-materials, especially production of and applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Publications
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Hafner JH, Bronikowski MJ, Azamian BR, Nikolaev P, Rinzler AG, Colbert DT, Smith KA, Smalley RE. Catalytic growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes from metal particles. Chemical Physics Letters. 1998 Oct 30;296(1):195-202.
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Bahr JL, Yang J, Kosynkin DV, Bronikowski MJ, Smalley RE, Tour JM. Functionalization of carbon nanotubes by electrochemical reduction of aryl diazonium salts: a bucky paper electrode. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2001 Jul 11;123(27):6536-42.
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Nikolaev P, Bronikowski MJ, Bradley RK, Rohmund F, Colbert DT, Smith KA, Smalley RE. Gas-phase catalytic growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes from carbon monoxide. Chemical physics letters. 1999 Nov 5;313(1):91-7.
