My Research

Molecular frameworks at nanometer length scales provide a very high surface area to volume ratios which increases the effective interaction of impregnated catalysts with reactants in heterogeneous reactions. Our research involves the preparation of metal oxide nanotubes fabricated via tubes by fiber templates process (TUFT). The templates in this case are electrospun polymer fibers having functional groups with high affinity for metal ions and exhibiting good wettability. A thin film of metal was deposited onto the template via Sol gel technique followed by heat treatment to yield metal oxide nanotubes. We focus mainly on Titania, Wurtzite and Zirconia nanotubes and nanofibers onto which Pd, Pt and Au Nanoparticles are impregnated singly or as bimetallics. Their catalytic properties are currently under investigation through Heck C-C coupling and hydrogenation reactions.