Manuel Montaño

no image available

Research Topic: The release of polymer additives from nanocomposites embedded with carbon nanotubes

Contact Information

  • Office Location: Duke University, Gross Hall, Laboratory 380
  • Office Phone: 720-670-8002
  • Email Address: manuel.montano@duke.edu

Education

  • Colorado School of Mines
  • B.Sc. in Chemistry (minor in Bioengineering and Life Sciences)
  • Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry

Research Interests

Dr. Montaño's research is primarily focused on the detection, characterization, and behavior of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in the environment. A primary component of his research has been the development of analytical techniques capable of detecting ENMs in spite of their small size, low expected release concentrations (ng / L), and the ubiquitous presence of naturally occurring nanomaterials. Throughout his graduate research, various analytical techniques were used such as field-flow fractionation, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). His graduate thesis specifically focused on the development and application of single particle ICP-MS for the detection and characterization of both engineered and naturally occurring inorganic nanoparticles.

His current postdoctoral research focuses on the potential release of engineered nanomaterials and other co-contaminants from nano-enabled products. A wide array of everyday consumer products are seeing a greater degree of nanomaterial incorporation due to the number of potential benefits nanomaterials provide. With this increasing number of nano-enabled products, the release of ENMs into the environment after use and disposal is likely inevitable. In order to accurately assess the ecotoxicological risk these materials may pose, information regarding both their hazard and exposure will need to be determined. The bulk of this research will be aimed at determining how the presence of nanomaterials in these nano-enabled products affect the release of other known contaminants (e.g. plasticizers, polymer additives).

Key Publications:

  • Montaño, M.; Badiei, H.; Bazargan, S.; Ranville, J. Improvements in the detection and characterization of engineered nanoparticles using spICP-MS with microsecond dwell times. Environmental Science: Nano, 2014.
  • Montaño, M.; Lowry, G.; von der Kammer, F.; Blue, J.; Ranville, J. Current Status and Future Direction for Examining Engineered Nanoparticles in Natural Systems. Environmental Chemistry, 2014. Download (PDF)

 

Curriculum Vitae Montano (PDF)