NIRT: Science and Technology of Nanoporous Metal Films

该提案是响应纳米尺度科学与工程计划，NSF 04-043，类别NIRT而收到的。本研究计划旨在发展对纳米多孔金属合金薄膜的基本认识和技术。这些薄膜是通过首先沉积三种或三种以上金属的混合物，然后通过选择性化学蚀刻去除其中一种成分而形成的。留下的薄膜具有由韧带和空隙组成的开孔结构，其尺寸在纳米到几十纳米之间。纳米多孔金属合金有许多应用，包括：用于局部递送治疗剂的生物医学设备涂层；粘合促进剂，以连接不同的材料；高效燃料电池和环境修复的催化剂。我们的研究将涵盖合成方法，机械性能的实验和理论研究，以及材料如何通过纳米多孔薄膜运输的研究。这个项目的一个教育外展元素将通过一个以纳米技术应用为重点的暑期研究项目，为本科生，特别是女性和代表性不足的少数民族提供机会。这项研究的结果有望增加纳米制造的知识基础，并加速纳米多孔膜在重要社会问题上的应用

This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 04-043, category NIRT. This research program aims to develop the fundamental understanding and technology of thin films of nanoporous metal alloys. These films are created by first depositing a mixture of three or more metals, and subsequently removing one of the constituents by a selective chemical etch. The film left behind has an open-cell structure consisting of ligaments and voids with dimensions on the nanometer to tens-of nanometers scale. Nanoporous metal alloys have a number of applications, including: coatings for biomedical devices for local delivery of therapeutic agents; adhesion promoters to join dissimilar materials; catalytic agents for efficient fuel-cells and environmental remediation. Our inquiries will cover synthesis methods, experimental and theoretical studies of mechanical properties, and investigations into how materials are transported through nanoporous thin films. An educational outreach element of this program will provide opportunities to undergraduates, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, through a summer research program in nanotechnology focusing on applications. The results of this research are expected to augment the intellectual foundations of nanomanufacturing and accelerate the application of nanoporous films to important societal problems