Manganese dioxide is being extensively studied as a pseudocapacitor. Pseudocapacitors charge faster than traditional batteries and have a higher energy densities than capacitors, making them ideal for many applications including fast- recharging bike lights.

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are currently the subject of research efforts focused on developing highly sensitive sensors, diagnostic techniques, and targeted drug therapies. As these NPs move from the research lab to large-scale production, they will inevitably be released into the environment. This project sought to explore the eventual fate of these nanoparticles after release into the environment.