Brian Tissue's Research Group at Virginia Tech

Research Interests

• New preparation methods for nanoparticles.
• Particle size effects on the spectra and dynamics of luminescent ions in nanoscale materials.
• Self-assembly of nanocomposites for solar energy collection, photocatalysis, imaging, and sensing.
• Information technology in chemical education.

Recent Projects

Brooke Agner (Summer 2004 REU)

Quenching of R6G dye by nanoparticles. [...more]

Lance Ashbrook (Hahn 1009)

Preparation of nanocrystalline TiO₂ and construction of photovoltaic solar cells.

Jeff Carter (B.S. 2005)

Preparation and luminescence of lanthanide-doped Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles. [...more]

Pam Dopart (Summer 2005 REU)

Preparation of Ag nanoparticles by laser-heated vaporization. [...more]

Ally Fry (Summer 2006 REU)

Surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticle films. [...more]

Wes Gordon (Davidson 330)

Film morphology and surface reactions of gas-phase condensed nanoparticles.   [...more]

Jisselle Ramirez (Summer 2006 REU)

Adsoption of metal complexes on metal oxide nanoparticles.

John Ross (Hahn 1009)

Preparation of Ag nanoparticles by laser-heated vaporization.

Brian Tissue (Davidson 406)

Chief bottle washer.   [see quick links above]

Joan Zapiter (Hahn 1009)

Energy transfer between metal complexes and metal oxide nanoparticles.

Collaboration with S. Ushakov and A. Navrotsky

Preparation of amorphous hafnia and zirconia. [UC-Davis Thermochemistry Facility]

Research Equipment

• Hahn 1009
  • Nd:YAG-pumped dye laser.
  • Cryogenic refrigerator.
  • Spectrometers and signal averaging and data acquisition electronics.
  • Optical and electronic breadboards.
• Hahn 005
  • CO₂ lasers and nanoparticle evaporation chambers.
  • Ceramic preparation equipment.
  • High-temperature box furnace.
• Davidson 330 and 332
  • High-temperature tube furnace.
  • Wet chemistry bench and hoods.

Pictures