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Spring 2009 Seminar Series
Friday, May 22, at 3:30 p.m.
Room 264 MacQuigg Labs
Kathy Lu
Assistant Professor
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Nanoparticle-Based Material Processing and Templating
Abstract
The availability of ever-smaller nanoparticle sizes has opened up considerable promise for unique particle-based materials. Liquid-based approaches have the most promise for the processing of nanoparticle-based systems by allowing process consistency and control. Our efforts have been focused on understanding and developing a water-based system to create stable nanoparticle suspensions of high solids loading. Dual focused ion beam (FIB) lithography with simultaneous high resolution electron beam imaging and ion beam patterning capability has been explored to allow nanofabrication of different shapes and mold arrays. A new forming process for nanostructured materials, freeze casting, has been studied with the objective of bridging multiple length scales. This talk will discuss the necessary conditions producing high solids loading nanoparticle suspensions followed by analysis of microstructural evolution of these suspensions during freeze casting. Future work will involve advancing the fundamental understanding and theories of templated nanostructure preservation by developing 3D quantification methods using nanostructural electron tomography and FIB lithographic rendering.
The ultimate objective of this research is to provide a new approach for surface templating of nanoparticle-based materials. This represents an exciting, logical approach to challenging problems facing nanomaterials for energy, sensors, and catalysis, all of which require large response areas. These integrated efforts are expected to make important contributions to the difficult interfacing, scaling, and integration problems facing nano-devices.
Bio
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Kathy Lu |
Kathy Lu received her Ph.D. from Materials Science and Engineering of Ohio State University in 2000. During 2000-2001, she was the Director of Materials Processing, Center for Innovative Sintered Products of Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. During 2001-2004, she was a Materials Development and Processing Scientist at Energizer Battery Company, Westlake, OH. Since 2004, Kathy Lu has been an Assistant Professor in Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. She is the recipient of 2008 Karl Schwartzwalder- PACE Award from American Ceramic Society and 2005 Ralph E. Powe Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, and organized several technical symposia during different material-related international conferences.
Please join our speaker for light refreshments in 479 Watts Hall following the talk.
