Engineering Bio-Improved Multifunctional Nanostructures

Wednesday, March 10, 2021: 1:30 PM - 2:05 PM

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Description

Nanostructures based on biological organisms have received significant interest across many research disciplines. By studying bio-inspired principles, researchers have engineered nanostructures with unique physical properties that are not found in materials with macroscopic length scale. Examples include the tapered nanostructures found on the eyes of moths, which can reduce reflection over broad wavelength bands. The porous and ordered architectures observed in plants has also led to nanoarchitected structures and materials with improved mechanical properties at low density. I will discuss some of our recent efforts in the fabrication and characterization such engineered nanostructures, including examples such as self-cleaning anti-glare glass, light-weight ultra-stiff nanolattice material with near-unity refractive index, and stretchable transparent conductors. Nature also has many examples of nanostructures which physical properties that are dynamic and responsive. The most prominent example is the color changing ability observed in chameleon and many species of cephalopod and fish. I will highlight some of our recent efforts in engineering such active nanostructures. This can lead to dynamic iridescence where the reflectance can be tuned in real time, which can find applications in reflective displays. Lastly, I will also highlight the important role advanced nanofabrication technology plays in improving nature’s design.

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Additional Info

Keywords: Please select up to 4 keywords ONLY:
Materials Characterization,Nanoscience,Surface Analysis