As nanotechnology continues to advance at a rapid pace, engineers are looking at how nanomaterials will affect organisms and ecosystems. Nirupam Aich, a Ph.D. student in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, is studying the environmental implications of nanohybrid materials with Assistant Professor Navid Saleh.
An understanding of nanomaterial behavior in aquatic ecosystems and a better knowledge of the interplay between nanomaterials and biological entities is critical to ensure safety. While the environmental community has already shown concern about the mobility, transport, and toxicity of single nanomaterials, nanohybrids have been overlooked. Nanohybrids are complex nano-structures made of two or more nanomaterials.
Nirupam is working with hybridized nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes hybridized with fullerenes or titanium) to see how the hybrid fate, transport, and toxicity differ from the component behavior.
These 3D fullerene models were created to educate high school students about nanomaterials.
preparing colloidally stable and biocompatible nanoparticle suspensions (fullerene, carbon nanotubes, graphene etc.) for usage in biomedical, electronics, and environmental applications.
characterizing nanomaterials in concrete structures using nano-scale imaging.
using simple DSLR camera to image light emitting paint to characterize cracking in concrete and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
using carbon nanotubes, graphenes, or mussel inspired biopolymers to reinforce concrete structures.
preparing nanomaterial based biosensors for biofilm growth monitoring.
Nirupam received a M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2012 and a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 2009. Back in South Carolina, he also worked with Dr. Saleh before they both came to UT Austin in early 2014.
Nirupam says he has always aimed to be an academic. He would like to continue to utilize his skills and knowledge to further pursue research in environmental applications and implications of nanoscale novel materials.