MIT-NANO. Investigations on a multiscale integration technique for one dimensional nanostructures

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In contrast to zero-dimensional nano objects like nanoparticles, one-dimensional nano materials can be generated in highly organized architectures, thus offering possibilities for integration of such objects into microsystems like sensors, actors and energy harvesting systems. This area opens up a promising field for a cooperative research alliance at the borderline of chemistry, material and engineering sciences. We are strieving to investigate integration techniques for one dimensional nano-structures like carbon nanotubes (CNT) and metal nano wires (MNW). Central purpose of our research are 3D nanostructured ensembles composed of dense entities of vertically aligned single CNT or MNW. We are aiming towards high aspect ratio structures of the individual components (single CNT and MNW > 1000). This approach should allow to embed those micro-nanostructured architectures in a lateral as well as horizontal fashion into a variety of functional micro structured units. Micro-nano integration of three dimensional block structures composed of MNW and CNTs represents a challenge deserving utmost research importance in micro engineering. To reach such goals, material as well as microtechnological knowledge comprising different hierarchical orders (from nm to µm to mm up to cm size) are necessary. To tackle this we set out (i) to synthesize MNW and CNT as well as (ii) to functionalize and modify these nanostructures on their outer surface. To establish the whole line of micro-structuring methods necessary for this we have to develop individual methods and technological solutions on different length scales. This endeavour can be summarized by phrasing the term multiscale integration technique. As a model exemplifying our multiscale integration problem we have chosen a lithium ion micro energy accumulator. To tackle the challenges connected with this is the development of material synthesis and deposition techniques of electrochemically active materials onto the CNT and MNW structured electrodes as well as the construction and connection techniques (packaging) allowing to set up the electrode structures as well as the final housing of the electrodes thus building a complete, that is fully operational micro nano system. Due to the overall micro size dimensions of the electrodes, the complete micro energy accumulator will have a final overall size of about one mm. The goal of this program is that such a micro energy accumulator will be available as a first demonstrator unit at the end of the complete funding period. The knowledge towards the multiscale integration techniques developed in this project will pave the way for a wider variety of miniaturised engineering elements e.g. sensors.