Chemical vapor deposition system and vibrating sample magnetometer at NRL.
Nano Research Lab
Overview
The Nanomaterials Research Laboratory (NRL) is dedicated to research related to the synthesis, characterization, and versatile applications of nanomaterials. These materials include carbon, oxides, metallic, and organic materials. Materials research is linked to virtually every field of science and engineering. The discovery and development of new materials with tailored structures and properties enables advances in emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, biomedicine, biosensors, energy conversion, and nanoelectronics.
Projects
NRL has conducted a number of nanomaterial-related research projects funded by national/international science foundations and industries.
Current projects
- carbon nanotube-based amperometric biosensors;
- magnetic nanotubes in neuronal differentiation and neurite growth;
- carbon nanotubes in bio fuel cells;
- aligned carbon nanotubes as nanoelectrode arrays for immunosensors;
- nanomaterial-based high performance electrodes for batteries.
Past projects
- synthesis of conducting polymer nanotubes;
- hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanorods;
- carbon nanotube mat as the substratum for neuronal growth;
- sol-gel prepared transparent conducting thin film for EMI shielding;
- functionalization of carbon nanotubes;
- 3D helical carbon materials;
Chemical benches and fume hoods at NRL
Equipment/Capabilities
NRL is equipped with a number of research tools. Its capabilities include chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processing, hydrothermal synthesis, electrochemical reactions, thermal annealing, standard chemical and polymerization reactions, critical drying, and a number of material characterizations.
Synthesis tools
- thermal filament chemical vapor deposition
- microwave chemical vapor deposition
- electrodeposition setup
- ball mill
- regular chemical reaction glasswares
- glovebox
- spin coater
- critical point dryer
- oven and high temperature furnace
Characterization tools
- field emission scanning electron microscope (Jeol JSM6335F)
- X-ray diffraction (Rigaku MiniFlex)
- electrochemical station (Solartron1287 and 1255B)
- micropore physisorption analyzer (Micromeritics ASAP2020)
- vibrating sample magnetometer (Lakeshore VSM7404)
- battery testing system (Arbin BT4)
Recent publications
- “Effect of nanomaterials in platinum-decorated carbon nanotube paste-based electrodes for amperometric glucose detection”, Journal of Materials Research, v 23, n 5, pp. 1457-1465, May 2008.
- “The effects of functional magnetic nanotubes with incorporated nerve growth factor in neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells”, Nanotechnology, v19, p105101-1-7, 2008.
- “Synthesis of high yield single helical carbon microsprings by catalytic chemical vapor deposition and an experimental investigation of their growth mechanism”, Journal of Applied Physics, v101, p114903-1-7, 2007.
- “Platinum decorated carbon nanotubes for highly sensitive amperometric glucose sensing”, Nanotechnology, v18, p065503-1-9, 2007.
- “Somatosensory neurons grown on functionalized carbon nanotube mats”, Smart Materials and Structures, v15, n 4, pN85-N88, 2006.
Contact Information
- Director: Vijay K. Varadan
- Manager: Jining Xie