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The Center for Nanoscale Materials houses capabilities and expertise providing a comprehensive suite of synthesis techniques.

Our toolbox of synthesis techniques include chemical and nanoparticle synthesis methods, various gas-and liquid-phase deposition methods, general wet-lab and air-free chemistry techniques, and methods for the preparation of samples as films and surfaces. Nano-bio hybrid materials and biological assembly efforts center on nature-inspired materials that potentially can support energy conversion and energy transport, as well as understanding biosensing mechanisms in cell-like environments that are functionalized with engineered nanomaterials. We are able to hybridize metals, organics, semiconductors, and dielectrics with biomaterials to create nanobio metamaterials with unique properties.

In addition, we seek to engineer defects with atomic precision in nanoparticles and two-dimensional nanomaterials with a view to understanding their role in charge and energy transfer as well as their prospects for quantum science. Because defects play a critical role in the properties and behavior of nanostructures due to their small size, a detailed understanding of their influence is critical to nanoscience and developing nanotechnologies.

Tools and Capabilities

The tools listed below will be hyperlinked for more information as available. Capabilities that are available for remote operation are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Biomolecule/Nanobio Synthesis
  • Peptide Synthesis*
  • Bioconjugation
Biological Research
  • Mammalian Cell Culture (BSL1 or BSL2)
  • Biosafety Cabinets, -80oC Freezer, Incubators, and Autoclave
  • Microbial Culture (BSL1)
Chemical/Nanoparticle Synthesis
  • Schlenk Lines
  • Hydrothermal, Hel High Pressure Chem-SCAN II
  • Microfluidic Platforms
  • Polybot
  • QEM Synthesis Lab – Inorganic Crystals
Deposition Methods
  • AJA Sputtering (2-inch targets)
  • AJA Oxide Sputtering (3-inch targets)
  • AJA Dielectric Sputtering System
  • AJA Metal Sputtering System
  • Atomic Layer Deposition, Arradiance Gemstar
  • Cressington Sputter Coater 108auto
  • Electron Beam Evaporator, Temescal FC2000
  • Lambda Microwave Plasma CVD System: Nanocrystalline Diamond Deposition
  • Lesker E-beam Evaporator (PVD250)
  • Lesker Sputtering System (CMS18)
  • Oxford Plasmalab 100 Inductively Coupled Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
  • Applied Materials P5000 PECVD Deposition
  • Sputter/Carbon Coater, SPI
  • Thermal Evaporator, Angstrom Engineering
  • Thermal/PECVD System for Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Synthesis
General Wet-Lab and Air-Free Chemistry
  • Fume Hoods, Centrifuges, Rotary Evaporator, and Balances
  • Glovebox, Integrated Glovebox with Spin Coater and Thermal Evaporator
  • Ultrasonic Bath, Freeze Drier/Lyophilizer
Sample Preparation (Films and Surfaces)
  • Coaters: Dip Coater, Spin Coater, Slot-Die Coater
  • Plasma Cleaner, UV-Ozone Cleaner
  • Langmuir-Blodgett, Kibron MicroTrough X