Measuring Nanoparticle Permittivity in Colloidal Suspension

Sponsor
Sandia National Laboratories
Year
2012 – 2013
Advisor
  • Richard Campbell Haskell
Team
Frances Yenan Su (’14)
Mitul Verma (’14)
Eric S. Anderson (’13)
Chuhyon John Eom (’13)
Christopher (Chris) P. Gage (’13)
Michael Jeffrey Loy (’13)

The Sandia National Laboratories clinic team characterized the permittivity of barium titanate particles in colloidal suspension as a function of primary particle size, synthesis method, and surfactant choice using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.  To accomplish this goal, the team has built a sample holder to contain the suspension, developed a procedure to extract nanoparticle permittivity from the suspension permittivity, and integrated both of these deliverables into a testing procedure.

 

The Physics Clinic program presents opportunities for students to work on practical projects relevant to industrial work. Students work on teams of 3–5 on a sponsored research or development project.