Michael Bronikowski

Michael Bronikowski
Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Office: SC 202

1986 B.S. Chemistry and Mathematics, California Institute of Technology (with Dr. Ahmed Zewail)
1992 Ph.D. Chemistry, Stanford University (with Dr. Richard Zare)

Postdoctoral Training

1992-1994, University of Wisconsin (with Dr. Robert Hamers)
1994-1997, University of Colorado (with Dr. Alan Gallagher)
1997-2001, Rice University (with Dr. Richard Smalley)

Research Interests

Michael Bronikowski is interested in nanotechnology and nano-materials, especially the production of and applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs are tubes of carbon atoms with nano-scale diameters (0.5–10 nanometers). This new nano-material is predicted to have many exciting mechanical and electronic properties including superior tensile strength and extremely high electrical conductivity. To fully realize the potential of CNT-based materials, it will be necessary to grow CNTs to lengths measured in meters (typical current achievable lengths are 100–1000 microns). Bronikowski's research involves investigations into methods by which CNT can be grown to much longer lengths than are currently achievable, to take advantage of these unique materials' properties.

In his lab, CNTs are grown by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD): carbon-containing gases such as methane are passed over nanometer-sized particles of catalytic metals, and under appropriate conditions, these gases will decompose upon the catalytic particles to release their carbon atoms, which will form into CNTs. His research involves the investigation of methods to stabilize and control the structure of the catalytic particles used so that they are stable over long periods of time during the CVD process. This will allow the continued growth of CNTs to reach ultra-long lengths.

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.