Chemistry and Chemical Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Carbon nanomaterials derived from citric acid and urea exhibit behaviors that challenge conventional structure–property models based on static bulk descriptions. This study examines how precursor pairing and reaction duration, post‑synthetic thermal history, and time‑dependent aging govern nanoscale organization and optical response. Through controlled synthesis and processing, distinct nanostructures with tunable structural and spectroscopic profiles are generated.

A multiscale framework integrating nano‑FTIR, atomic force microscopy, and thermal analysis reveals chemical heterogeneity and continuous structural reorganization across length scales. By correlating local chemical environments with optical behavior, we show that fluorescence efficiency and photostability depend on specific nanoscale architectures rather than average composition. Longitudinal analysis of fresh and aged samples reveals time‑dependent evolution, including spontaneous self‑assembly and early carbogenic core formation within defined thermal windows. These findings clarify formation mechanisms and provide guidelines for controlling functional response by prioritizing dynamic nanoscale architectures over static structural averaging.

Language

English

Keywords

Chemical heterogeneity, Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy, nanoparticles, Optical properties, Characterization, Self-Assembly

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Chemistry

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Terefe G Habteyes

Second Committee Member

Koushik Ghosh

Third Committee Member

Dongchang Chen

Fourth Committee Member

Jean-Hubert Olivier

Fifth Committee Member

John King

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