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Cytoplasmic flows, bacterial colonies, and algal blooms are ubiquitous examples of active suspensions assembled from self-propelled particles, which internally inject energy into their suspending medium and, at sufficient concentrations, can produce large-scale flows. Linking macroscale material properties of active suspension to their underlying microscopic dynamics is a key challenge to describing these materials.

Objective: Use plasmon-enhanced photochemical reactions to map the polarization-dependent near fields of optical antennas. Approach: Use the anisotropic nano-crescent structure and SU-8 photo-resist. SU-8 exposure accomplished through plasmon-enhanced multi-photon absorption by 800 nm light.  Approach: Use the anisotropic nano-crescent structure and SU-8 photo-resist. SU-8 exposure accomplished through plasmon-enhanced multi-photon absorption by 800 nm light. 

Automated Particle-Resolved Colloidal Characterization  

Metallic glass nanostructures provide a new platform for electrocatalytic applications. Several surface modification strategies that remove or add metal species (images, right) improve the catalytic activity of metallic glass nanostructures.   These strategies were demonstrated for three key electrocatalytic reactions important for renewable energy.     

  By fabricating graphene structures atop nanometer-scale “steps” etched into silicon carbide, researchers have for the first time created a substantial electronic bandgap in the material suitable for room-temperature electronics. Use of nanoscale topography to control the properties of graphene could facilitate fabrication of transistors and other devices, potentially opening the door for developing all-carbon integrated circuits.

Semiconductor nanocrystals hold great potential for the low-cost manufacture of electronic devices. 

Doping semiconductor nanocrystals with transition metals is an efficient route to tune emission color over a broad range of wavelengths. We have developed a simple and environmentally friendly process for protein-aided mineralization of transition metal doped ZnS nanocrystals. Biofabricated ZnS:Mn quantum dots (QDs)

Heteroanionic doping of metal oxide semiconductors enables unique optoelectronic properties as a result of the tunable bonding and variable charge transport properties imparted by diverse anion chemistry. Here the effects of fluoride (Fˉ) doping in an archetypical metal oxide semiconductor, indium oxide (In-O), is studied.

The CDCM Stuff program engages diverse young learners and public audiences in the beauty, excitement, and impact of materials science and materials-based technologies. CDCM has facilitated 39 events during this reporting period, impacting more than 2,300 community participants.