Nanomechanical Architecture

Description
We are developing a novel versatile approach for nanofabrication: the nanomechanical architecture of strained bi-layer thin films, which combines advanced growth, patterning, and etching process to allow fabrication of a variety of nanostructures, such as nanotubes, nanorings, nanodrills, and nanocoils, with an unprecedented level of control. We envision the nanomechanical architecture will become one of the most viable nanofabrication techniques in the future, because of its unparalleled versatility in making different nanostructures from combinations of different materials and its unprecedented level of control to fabricate nanostructures with a priori designs.

Implications
The future nanotechnology relies largely on our ability to achieve a high level of control in nanofabrication. Our work will significantly advance a novel emerging nanofabrication approach. The nanostructures we make have a wide range of potentials applications in bio and nano technologies. They can be used as building blocks for nanomaterials, devices and sensors. The nanotubes, for example, can be used as strengthening elements for composites, nanopipelines for fluid transportation in biomedical applications, nanocables for electronic circuits, and nanoprobe tips for microscopy.

Research Group Contacts
Prof. Feng Liu, Materials Science and Engineering

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