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The Alvarez Lab research is focused on carbon nanomaterials synthesis and assembly into macroscopic materials for sensor applications. We synthesize and assemble carbon nanotubes (displayed in Fig below) into fibers and films and use them for environmental, physiological and electrochemical sensors, as well as energy storage devices. Besides of the fundamental chemistry such as synthesis and electrochemistry, students in the Lab are exposed to engineering aspects of nanomaterials development.
Physiological sensors
We are developing microelectrodes suitable for physiological applications such as recording extracellular activity for neuroscience research and the ability to stimulate neurons in a targeted fashion. Brain related treatments like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, require microelectrodes implants that are flexible, biocompatible and reliable electrodes. This research is focused on a bottom-up approach that allows us to combine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into macroscopic flexible electrodes that can be adjusted to application-specific requirements. Electron transfer rates are currently under study using Electroretinogram (ERG) for signal recording and electrical stimulation. Biocompatible polymer coatings and control over their porosity and stiffness are topics of interest in neuroscience as implants to prevent damaging brain tissue.
Electrochemical Sensors
Detection of heavy metals in our drinking water has become high priority for our societies, particularly for people living in cities where water infrastructure was built more than 50 years ago. This research intents to develop an electrochemical sensor based on CNTs to detect toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and Hg that have been detected in drinking waters. The sensor will quantify trace levels of multiple heavy metal ions simultaneously and should operate autonomously. Current electrochemical approach employs anodic stripping voltammetry and can detect nanomolar concentrations, however the sensitivity heavily depends on the material characteristics. Besides of the material, miniaturization of the electrodes allows the fabrication of small sensors that can potentially assist human wellbeing.
Energy Storage Devices
Miniaturized, flexible and wearable electronics devices are topics of growing interest. Powering these devices needs for compatible energy storage units that can exhibit similar mechanical strength and flexibility. Fiber-based energy storage devices that are light-weight, and flexible can be easily integrated into textiles. The large surface area, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength of CNTs makes their fiber assemblies an ideal material for fiber supercapacitors and batteries. This research is oriented to the development of microns thick energy storage devices based on CNTs and thin films in combination with polymers.