Research Opportunity Number: CBE-04

Project Title: Nanoparticle Formation and Polymer Degradation

Project Summary: The project will leverage flash nanoprecipitation to make nanoparticles containing catalyst that can potentially degrade polymers when incorporated into the polymer matrix. A high school student working on this project will work to make various nanoparticles (bulk vs. core-shell) to encapsulate catalyst. 

The student will investigate the importance of molecular and process parameters on nanoparticle formation and encapsulation efficiency. Time permitting, the student will make nanocomposites consisting of polymer and nanoparticles to examine polymer degradation. 

Student Roles and Responsibilities: Work with graduate student to make nanoparticles, including measuring polymer masses, volumes of solvents, dissolving polymer in solvents, flash nanoprecipitation, microscopy. Techniques used include Flash Nanoprecipitation; balances, thermogravimetric analysis; dynamic light scattering, and microscopy.

Additional Considerations: Materials used in this project may include polystyrene, polybutadiene; polystyrene-polycaprolactone copolymers; polystyrene-polyethylene glycol copolymers; organic solvents and catalyst.

Department/Institute: Chemical and Biological Engineering

Participation Dates: June 16 – August 1, 2025

Stipend Offered: $300 (Weekly)

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025, midnight Eastern Daylight Time