Template-Assisted Nanoparticle Processing

目前的自顶向下的方法会产生纳米特征，但这个过程很昂贵。自底向上的方法在纳米尺度上操纵物种，但不存在系统和大规模的组装。该项目的目标是开拓一种新的模板辅助纳米颗粒工艺，以生产具有分层纳米图案和纳米结构的大表面积材料。具体而言，本项目旨在通过聚焦离子束预纹理和纳米图像化相结合的方法获得层叠的纳米孔图案，了解纳米颗粒胶体相稳定性和分离性对大面积纳米结构形成的影响，并制定三维烧结中大面积纳米结构保存和控制的定量表征方法。模板将指导纳米图案的层次和尺寸分布；胶体相分离和定量烧结表征将为纳米材料的制备提供新的有效途径。分层纳米模式有望提供更强的性能。二氧化钛和氧化锌是光伏太阳能电池、光电器件、新型化学和生物传感器以及催化剂最理想的候选材料。分层纳米结构对大幅度提高太阳能电池的能量转换效率和光致发光效率等具有直接和直接的影响。该研究方法对多尺度器件集成、提高工艺可靠性和生产效率具有广泛意义。在纳米教育方面，该项目通过积极招募和留住女性工程专业学生，针对工程领域代表性不足的女性。期刊出版物、会议和通讯也将产生更广泛的社会影响。

Current top-down approach subtractively creates nano-features but the process is expensive. Bottom-up approach manipulates species at nanoscale but systematic and large scale assembly is non-existent. The objective of this project is to pioneer a novel template-assisted nanoparticle process in order to produce large surface area materials with hierarchical nanopatterns and nanostructures. Specifically, the program aims to obtain hierarchical nanopore patterns by combining focused ion beam pre-texturing and nano-patterning, understand nanoparticle colloid phase stability and separation for large area nanostructure creation, and formulate a quantitative characterization method in three dimensional sintering for large area nanostructure preservation and control. The template will direct the hierarchy and size distribution of the nanopatterns; the colloidal phase separation and quantitative sintering characterization will offer new and efficient approaches for nano-fabrication. The hierarchical nanopatterns are expected to deliver much enhanced properties. The materials to be used, TiO2 and ZnO, are the most desired candidates for photovoltaic solar cells, optoelectronics, novel chemical and biological sensors, and catalysts. The hierarchical nanostructures have direct and immediate impact on drastically increasing solar cell energy conversion efficiency and photoluminescence efficiency, among others. The research methodology has wide-ranging significance in multi-scale device integration while improving process reliability and producibility. For nano-education, the program is targeted at engineering-wise underrepresented females by actively recruiting and retaining female engineering students. Broader societal impact will also result from journal publications, conferences, and newsletters.