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This dissertation addresses atomic-level structure and related properties of the (100) surfaces of Vanadium and Niobium. The primary motivation of the surface structure experiments is based on an observation by P.J. Feibelman [[superscript 3,4]] that ab-initio calculations of surface relaxation (interplanar separation of near-surface planes) exhibit significant and consistent deviation from corresponding experimental relaxation values obtained through LEED crystallography. The deviation is much larger than the accepted accuracy of both the theoretical and experimental techniques. Resolving this dilemma is the primary objective for this systematic investigation of multilayer relaxation at transition metal surfaces. This research also addresses important secondary issues. Closely related to the surface relaxation issue for Nb(100) are experiments that provide an experimentallydetermined structural basis for the "sub-surface valve" model that has been proposed to explain the novel hydrogen uptake kinetics in Niobium. Definitive experiments that address the longstanding search for ferromagnetic order at the surface of V(100) is another important issue.

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Polymeric nano and microparticles are important tools for an increasing variety of applications in the life sciences such as cellular delivery, sensing and imaging, with a fundamental requirement being particle functionalisation. Herein, the use of zeta potential measurements is described as a convenient tool to allow a variety of chemical reactions to be rapidly monitored on particles. To allow multifunctionalisations these particles need to be orthogonally modified. As part of this thesis, novel dual-functionalised aminomethyl and boronic acid particles were synthesised. These particles could be modified via amide formation and palladiummediated cross coupling, with applications demonstrated in cellular delivery and cellbased cargo release. The requirement for bright fluorescent particles for applications in the life sciences was addressed by the synthesis and analysis of particles prepared using polymerisable fluorescein derivatives. Although nanoparticles are a promising technology to solve a variety of problems, their behaviour in biological systems is not fully understood. Herein, the effects of the particle’s surface chemistry on cellular uptake and toxicity were investigated.

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Graduation date: 1992