NIRT: Nanohybrids and Nanobiohybrids

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NIRT Nanohybrids and Nanobiohybrids
Ulrich Wiesner, Cornell University, DMR-0405195
A Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team
(NIRT) has come together to develop a bottom-up
approach based on block copolymer directed thin
film assembly of silica nanostructures on silicon
and subsequent laser induced melting to generate
silicon surface arrays with spacings down to the
molecular level (10 nm). The aim is to
understand the dynamics governing creation of
these structures, as well as to invent enabling
technologies that will allow inexpensive
fabrication of large areas of such nanostructures
without the use of traditional photolithography.
Since applications developed from these
nanostructured surfaces demand user-controlled
precision and accuracy, in the first part of the
project we examined the control over film
characteristics, such as pore-pore spacing,
defect density, and grain size as a function of
film composition and processing conditions.
Bare AFM image (a) and construction of Voronoi
diagram (b,c).
Monitoring of film quality development through
bare AFM (top) and respective Voronoi diagrams
(bottom) clearly showing improved structure
control through processing.
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NIRT Nanohybrids and Nanobiohybrids
Ulrich Wiesner, Cornell University, DMR-0405195
Education Five PIs (David A Muller,AEP Sol M.
Gruner, Physics Barbara A. Baird, Chem. Michael
O. Thompson, MSE and U. Wiesner, MSE) and one
collaborator (Christopher K. Ober, MSE) at
Cornell have been co-advising three graduate
students (Phong Du, Jerome Hyun, Prabuddha
Sengupta), and two undergraduate students (Billy
Yau and Brian Goodfellow) so far in the research
supported by this grant.
Activities included a tour of Duffield Hall,
Cornells newest building and leading facility
for nanoscale science. Participants attended
primer-lessons, panel discussions and lectures
held by Cornell faculty. Hands-on lab experience
were led by CCMR graduate students.
Outreach
Wiesner research group graduate student Phong Du
participating in CCMRs Kavli Institute to
educate science journalist about the emerging
fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology (see
Figure on the right).