Michael Bronikowski

In my lab, students can expect to participate in all aspects and activities associated with growing and studying carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This will include more routine tasks carried out in a chemistry lab, such as weighing and mixing solutions, as well as specialized tasks specific to this work, which include operation of a spin-coater, plasma-asher and a CVD reactor system, with all gas flow and pressure control apparatus. Students will also learn to use UT’s scanning electron microscopy (SEM) system, which is used for detailed analysis of CNT samples. Our work commonly leads to publications in the scientific literature, so students can also gain experience in data analysis; preparing, writing and editing scientific manuscripts; and the entire process of submission to scientific journals.

Fig. 1  SEM image of dense mat of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

Fig. 2  Photo of several mats of CNTs, showing actual size and length of CNTs

Fig. 3  Hi-Mag SEM image of CNT mat, showing individual CNTs

  Fig 4.  Transmission Electron icroscopy (TEM) image of an individual double-walled CNT, showing concentric layers of carbon atoms

Fig. 5  The Bronikowski lab, with Dr. Bronikowski and studetn Melissa King (BS Chem, 2019)

(Undergraduate authors in bold type. *Corresponding author.)

Bronikowski, M. J.* "Growth of carbon nanotubes from ethylene using catalyst particles that incorporate diffusion inhibitor metals." MRS Advances, 2022, 7, 180-184.
http://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2018.666

Bronikowski, M. J.* and King, M. "Rhenium and Molybdenum as Diffusion Inhibitors in Catalytic Metal Particles for growth of Ultra-Long Carbon Nanotubes(CNTs)." MRS Advances, 2020, 5 (31-32),1697-1704. http://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2020.162

Bronikowski, M. J.* and King, M. "Refractory-Metal Diffusion Inhibitors Slow Erosion of Catalytic Metal Particles in the growth of Carbon Nanotubes." MRS Advances, 2019, 4 (3-4), 197-204. http://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2018.666

(Undergraudate co-authors in bold type. Presenting author underlined.)

Oral Presentations:

Bronikowski, M. J. “Carbon Nanotubes: Structural control for applications in Materials and Medicinal Nanotechnology.” University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) Taneja College of Pharmacy Graduate Program Distinguished Lecturer Series, (3/09/2023).

Bronikowski, M. J. “Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Growth Using Mixed-Metal Catalysts That Incorporate Heavy Refractory Diffusion Inhibitors—A Route to Extended CNT Growth.” MRS Spring 2022 National Mtg. (Honolulu, HI, 5/8/22 – 5/13/22).

Bronikowski, M. J. “Progress in growth of Carbon Nanotubes from catalyst particles incorporating diffusion inhibitors.” MRS Fall 2021 National Mtg. (Virtual, Boston, 12/06/21-12/08/21).

Bronikowski, M. J. “Diffusion inhibitors in catalyst particles for growth of ultra-long Carbon Nanotubes.” MRS Fall 2020 National Mtg, (Virtual, Boston, 11/29/20-12/04/20).

Bronikowski, M. J. “Use of Refractory-Metal Diffusion Inhibitors to Slow Erosion of Catalytic Metal Particles: A Route to Ultra-Long Carbon Nanotubes.” Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL) by invitation, (9/25/2019).

Poster Presentations:

Bronikowski, M. J. and King, M. “Rhenium and Molybdenum as Diffusion Inhibitors in Catalytic Metal Particles for Catalytic CVD Growth of Ultra-Long Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs).” MRS Fall 2019 National Mtg, (Boston, 12/01/19-12/06/19).

Bronikowski, M. J. and King, M. “Use of refractory-metal diffusion inhibitors to slow erosion of catalytic metal particles: a route to ultra-long Carbon Nanotubes.” MRS Fall 2018 National Mtg, (Boston, 11/25/18-11/30/18).

CVD reactor system used for CNT growth in our lab.	Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of CNTs grown in Michael Bronikowski’s lab at The University of Tampa.
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images of CNTs grown in Bronikowski’s lab at UT.	Bronikowski and student, Melissa King, work in the CNT laboratory.