Nanotechnology is the ability to construct products and materials with atomic precision. This requires contributions from various technical disciplines, including chemistry, engineering, and physics to achieve these objectives. Current research in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences featuring nanopower supplies, sensor technology, modeling, control and advanced nanostructured materials are components of nanotechnology. The goal of the interdisciplinary Institute of Nanotechnology is to stimulate further collaboration between faculty and students in this area,
In addition, this institute is tied to what we now refer to as our “Laboratory for Micro and Nanoscale Characterization.” This project is the first collaborative effort to use our new e-beam nanolithographic system. These new nanomanufacturing capabilities and this project will set the stage for additional projects in the future.
Initial Projects
It is predicted that a density of 1Gb/cm2 of DRAM memory will be needed by the year 2020 if computers are to keep up with the current pace of technology. We propose to develop and characterize a novel nanoscale memory unit that can store bit patterns and develop a computer simulation model of this unit that can be incorporated into commercial computer-aided design programs. This nanoscale memory device is composed of arrays of batteries that are 100 nm in size (nanobatteries) that are accessed by a nanoscale crossbar system. The system that we propose has the potential to approach the 1Gb/cm2 value necessary for growth of computer technology of the future.
Nanostructured photovoltaic/nanobattery system
In order to reduce energy consumption and improve system mobility, electronics have to constantly be reduced in size and increased in efficiency. The integration of a distributive battery system that is self-rechargeable by means of enhanced photovoltaics fits well in the technological needs of society. The ultimate goal of the proposed research is the final fabrication and characterization of a nanostructured photovoltaic (PV) system connected to nanostructured batteries in order to form a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The inherent nanostructuring will greatly enhance the PV system while simultaneously enhancing the electron and ion conduction kinetics of the battery. The combined effect will result in nanobatteries that can be charged more readily by the photovoltaic system and can have increased capacity.
Nanoscale memory system
It is predicted that a density of 1Gb/cm2 of DRAM memory will be needed by the year 2020 if computers are to keep up with the current pace of technology. We propose to develop and characterize a novel nanoscale memory unit that can store bit patterns and develop a computer simulation model of this unit that can be incorporated into commercial computer-aided design programs. This nanoscale memory device is composed of arrays of batteries that are 100 nm in size (nanobatteries) that are accessed by a nanoscale crossbar system. The system that we propose has the potential to approach the 1Gb/cm2 value necessary for growth of computer technology of the future.
Other Collaborators: Institute Members
Parameswar Hari, Physics and Engineering Physics
Brenton McLaury, Mechanical Engineering
Bill Potter, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Gordon Purser, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Surendra Singh, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Winton Cornell (Geosciences), Daniel Crunkleton (Chemical Engineering), Alexei Grigoriev (Physics and Engineering Physics), Peter Hawrylak (Electrical and Computer Eng), Erin Iski (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Parameswar Hari (Physics and Engineering Physics), Michael Keller (Mechanical Engineering), Gabriel LeBlanc (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Todd Otanicar (Mechanical Engineering), William Potter (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Kenneth Roberts (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Surendra Singh (Electrical and Computer Eng), Dale Teeters (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Sanwu Wang (Physics and Engineering Physics), Peifen Zhu, (Physics and Engineering Physics)
For more information about the Institute of Nanotechnology, please contact:
Dale Teeters
Institute Director, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
918-631-3147
dale-teeters@utulsa.edu