PECASE: Microstructure and Processing of Cylindrical Nanomaterial Dispersions

本学院早期职业发展（Career）项目的研究目标是深入、科学地了解由模型圆柱形纳米材料分散体生产的宏观材料的微观结构、加工和性能之间的关系。圆柱形纳米材料是一种特别令人兴奋的新型材料，因为它们可以由许多化学元素制成；这使得广泛的潜在属性和应用成为可能。以前从未研究过具有如此大杆长、宽长径比、高刚性和大远程相互作用潜力的系统。圆柱形纳米材料分散体的潜在液晶相行为将作为温度、纳米材料尺寸和溶剂相互作用的函数进行研究。在分散形态和排列的变化，以响应剪切也将探讨。这些信息将用于优化由圆柱形纳米材料组成的固体宏观薄膜和纤维的自下而上组装。该研究计划包括与法国布尔多国家科学研究中心的合作。如果成功，本研究结果将为在先进宏观材料的生产过程中控制圆柱形纳米材料的排列和分布提供基础。潜在的应用包括微电子器件、传感器、光电器件和抗菌涂层。本科生和研究生研究人员的跨学科教育是实现研究目标的一个组成部分。作为职业规划的一部分，PI将开发有趣和有益的经验，鼓励学生选择并坚持科学和工程专业。这些活动包括指导本科生研究人员，促进来自代表性不足群体的学生的教育和职业发展。此外，还将把纳米技术推广活动纳入中学生科学营。本项目由材料加工与制造项目、土木、机械与制造创新部和国际科学与工程办公室共同资助。

The research objective of this Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) project is to acquire in depth, scientific understanding of the relationships between microstructure, processing and properties for macroscale materials produced from model cylindrical nanomaterial dispersions. Cylindrical nanomaterials are a particularly exciting new class of materials because they can be produced from many chemical elements; this enables a wide range of potential properties and applications. It has never before been possible to investigate systems with such large rod lengths, wide range of length to diameter ratios, high rigidity, and potential for large long-range interactions. The potential liquid crystalline phase behavior of the cylindrical nanomaterial dispersions will be investigated as a function of temperature, nanomaterial dimensions, and solvent interactions. Changes in dispersion morphology and alignment in response to shear will also be explored. This information will be used to optimize the bottom-up assembly of solid macroscopic films and fibers comprised of cylindrical nanomaterial building blocks. The research plan includes collaboration with Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Bourdeaux France.If successful, the results of this research will provide a basis for controlling the alignment and distribution of cylindrical nanomaterials during the production of advanced macroscopic materials. Potential applications include macroelectronic devices, sensors, electro-optical devices, and antimicrobial coatings. The interdisciplinary education of undergraduate and graduate researchers is an integral part of achieving the research goals. As part of this CAREER plan, the PI will develop fun and rewarding experiences that encourage students to choose and persist in science and engineering majors. These activities include mentoring undergraduate researchers and facilitating the educational and career development of students from underrepresented groups. In addition, nanotechnology outreach activities will be incorporated into science camps for middle school students. This project is jointly funded by the Materials Processing & Manufacturing Program, of the Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation Division and by the Office of International Science and Engineering.