Directed assembly of functional nanostructures, towards nanoscale devices and circuits
Erika Penzo
Columbia University

Dec. 20, 2012, 1 p.m.


One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures have unique electronic, optical and mechanical properties that have attracted intense interest over the past two decades. Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and semiconducting nanorods, in particular, have long been recognized as potential candidates for future nanoelectronic applications. DNA nanostructures offer biofunctionality and are presently being explored for use as scaffolds and transport agents for both biological and inorganic nanospecies. Thus far, it has proven exceedingly challenging to take full advantage of the properties of these nanostructures. Their small size and the fact that their synthesis occurs either at high temperatures or in solution make it difficult to organize them in complex architectures, a key requirement for their exploitation. As a step toward this goal, we are developing an approach leading to the controlled and ordered arrangement of nanoobjects on lithographically patterned, chemically (or biochemically) functionalized surfaces. The basic requirements for this approach are: molecular-scale lithographic patterning; control over nanostructure length; and facile end-functional chemistry. We believe this may be a viable avenue toward building well controlled, robust nanoelectronic devices and circuits.



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Directed assembly of functional nanostructures, towards nanoscale devices and circuits
Erika Penzo
Columbia University

Dec. 20, 2012, 1 p.m.


One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures have unique electronic, optical and mechanical properties that have attracted intense interest over the past two decades. Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and semiconducting nanorods, in particular, have long been recognized as potential candidates for future nanoelectronic applications. DNA nanostructures offer biofunctionality and are presently being explored for use as scaffolds and transport agents for both biological and inorganic nanospecies. Thus far, it has proven exceedingly challenging to take full advantage of the properties of these nanostructures. Their small size and the fact that their synthesis occurs either at high temperatures or in solution make it difficult to organize them in complex architectures, a key requirement for their exploitation. As a step toward this goal, we are developing an approach leading to the controlled and ordered arrangement of nanoobjects on lithographically patterned, chemically (or biochemically) functionalized surfaces. The basic requirements for this approach are: molecular-scale lithographic patterning; control over nanostructure length; and facile end-functional chemistry. We believe this may be a viable avenue toward building well controlled, robust nanoelectronic devices and circuits.



Share