Hamers Group Research Projects
Learning how to assemble individual nanoscale objects into functional nanoscale systems.
Where there are now many methods for fabricating nanoscale materials such as nanotubes and nanowires, many practical applications of nanotechnology will ultimately require the integration of these individual elements into more complex systems. We are working to develop methods for manipulating and assemblying nanoscale materials.
There are two principal aspects to this work;
1) Use of block copolymers as a template for nanoscale assembly: Block copolymers can form regular striped and cylindrical patterns on surfaces with nanometer dimensions. By tailoring the properties of functionalized nanoparticles, we are attempting to control their intercalation into the block copolymer materials, in order to fabricate regular arrays of complex nanoparticles at surfaces. This research is done in collaboration with other faculty as part of our campus Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). . This effort involves synthesis of nanoparticles, functionalization and characterization of their surfaces, and intercalation of the nanoparticles into the block copolymers, and manipulation of nanoscale materials using electric fields.
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Drew Mangham holding a vial of functionalized CdSe nanocrystals |
2) Use of dielectrophoretic manipulation: Uncharged particles will respond to electric fields depending on the difference in polarizability (dielectric constant) between the particles and a fluid in which they are embedded. This can be used to manipulate nanoscale materials across electrode junctions, forming devices such as bio-electronic switches.
Here is a movie showing individual silicon nanowires being transported along the end of an electrode, and directed into a gap between the left and right electrodes. Click on the "play" button to play the movie. Click here to read the paper. |