UC Riverside

The interaction of light with a small metallic particle creates a strong local electromagnetic wave that can be exploited in the public health arena for photochemistry, biosensing, drug delivery and more. In this dissertation, I discuss the synthesis and application of two different nanoparticles for public health, zirconium nitride (ZrN) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). ZrN is investigated as an alternative plasmonic material to efficiently convert the sun’s visible radiation into chemical energy to remove heavy metals from water. The photothermal and photelectric mechanisms of plasmonic ZrN particles are considered and characterized. YSZ is proposed as a ceramic cranial implant for the improvement of diagnostic and treatments of brain disorders. YSZ nanoparticles synthesized with an Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis system are densified with a Spark-Plasma Sintering process to obtain dense bulk nanostructure. I work to optimize the mechanical properties of 3YSZ with the optical properties of 8YSZ. Additionally, I comment on the potential for nanotechnology to contribute to public health.