The Effect of Surfaces on the Strength of Nanoscale Silicon Structures

表面对纳米级结构强度的影响工程实验室和化学实验室之间的合作将利用一种新开发的技术来了解原子尺度上的断裂，这种技术能够精确测量微小（纳米级）材料样品的强度。合作者先前的研究表明，单层分子可以显著提高纳米级硅束的强度，而原子尺度的粗糙度会导致强度下降。将采用实验和计算机模拟相结合的方法来了解这些效应的起源。这种理解将使化学涂层和生产非常坚固和非常稳定的纳米级机械设备的工艺的发展成为可能。通过整合研究和教育，这个跨学科项目将教育本科生和研究生在高强度、长寿命的微型和纳米机电设备（MEMS和NEMS）的生产日益增长的技术和经济重要性领域，并将为这些学生在教育、工业和公共服务领域的后续职业做好准备。该项目将通过开发新的商业上可行的工艺来促进技术的进步。为了吸引更多的学生从事科技事业，特别是来自传统上代表性不足的群体的学生，研究小组的成员将参加各种面向K-12学生和教师的教育推广活动。除了新的活动，研究人员还将继续参与康奈尔化学教师研究所和跳高项目，这两个项目旨在改善高中教育。

The Effect of Surfaces on the Strength of Nanoscale StructuresThis collaboration between an engineering and a chemistry laboratory will develop an understanding of fracture at the atomic scale using a newly developed technique capable of accurately measuring the strength of tiny (nanoscale) samples of material. Previous research by the collaborators has shown that a single layer of molecules can significantly improve the strength of nanoscale silicon beams, whereas atomic-scale roughness can lead to strength degradation. A combination of experiments and computer simulations will be used to understand the origins of these effects. This understanding will enable the development of chemical coatings and processes for the production of very strong and very stable nanometer-scale mechanical devices.By integrating research and education, this interdisciplinary project will educate undergraduate and graduate students in an area of increasing technological and economic importance the production of high strength, long-life micro- and nano-electromechanical devices (MEMS and NEMS) and will prepare these students for subsequent careers in education, industry and public service. The project will contribute to the advancement of technology by developing new commercially-viable processes. To attract more students to careers in science and technology, particularly students from traditionally underrepresented groups, members of the research team will participate in a variety of educational outreach activities to K-12 students and teachers. In addition to new activities, the researchers will continue their involvement with the Cornell Institute for Chemistry Teachers and Project High Jump two programs designed to improve high school education.