NIRT: Science and Technology of Nanoporous Metal Films

本提案是对NSF 04-043 NIRT类纳米科学与工程倡议的响应。这项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。留下的薄膜具有开放的细胞结构，由尺寸在纳米到几十纳米尺度的韧带和空洞组成。纳米多孔金属合金有许多应用，包括：用于局部输送治疗剂的生物医疗设备的涂层；用于连接不同材料的附着力促进剂；用于高效燃料电池和环境修复的催化剂。我们的研究将包括合成方法，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传输的调查。该计划的教育推广部分将通过一个专注于应用的纳米技术暑期研究计划，为本科生提供机会，特别是女性和代表性不足的少数族裔。这项研究的结果有望增强纳米制造的智力基础，并加速纳米多孔薄膜在重大社会问题上的应用

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