Nanoscience Research Update

Highlight: Self-Assembling Molecular Machines

"Self-assembly" is the process by which objects spontaneously arrange themselves into patterns. Imagine throwing bricks, wood, and Aires onto the ground and spontaneously "self-assembling" a house. Molecular Foundry scientists have shown that at the nanoscale, such spontaneous self-assembly is possible. They have developed simple recipes to whip up 'cage-like' container structures for the creation of complex molecular machines. Scientists have essentially thrown all the pieces together and let the structure assemble on its own. Learn More

 

 

Highlight: A New Route to Nano Self-Assembly

Scientists have discovered a simple, yet powerful way to induce nanoparticles to assemble themselves into complex arrays. By adding specific types of small molecules to mixtures of nanoparticles and polymers, the researches are able to direct the self-assembly of the nanoparticles into arrays of one, two and even three dimensions with no chemical modification of either the nanoparticles or the block copolymers. In addition, the application of external stimuli, such as light and/or heat can be used to further direct the assemblies of nanoparticles for even finer and more complex structural details. Learn More

 

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Additional Resources for teaching and learning about nanoscience

KQED video: What is Nanotechnology?

10-minute exploration of the basics of nanotechnology explained in layperson’s terms. Program notes, topic background, and pre- and post-viewing questions are also available.

Exploring the Nanoworld – A site of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials Research Science and Engineering Center Interdisciplinary Education Group"uses examples of nanotechnology and advanced materials to explore science and engineering concepts at the college level, and brings the'‘wow' and potential of nanotechnology and advanced materials to the public."

This site includes:

• Materials science and technology for the middle school that help students understand how we can “see” what we cannot see.
• Teaching modules for high school chemistry help students understand types and properties of nanotubes, complex processes of scanning probe microscopy, the emergence of novel properties in metals, properties of light emitting diodes, and much more.