Producing Nanomaterials Using Mask-Free Methods

SLU ID 16-018 | Mask-Free Production of Microscale and Nanoscale Materials on Various Substrates

Background

Nanomaterials are materials in which at least one of their dimensions is sized between 1 and 1,000 nanometers (i.e., 10-9 meters). Nanoscale typically refers to materials in which at least one of their dimensions is sized between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). Traditional methods for producing nanomaterials employ lithographic techniques that are more expensive and require polymer masks. Moreover, they do not have the capability to prepare materials directly at a pre-defined location on substrates or devices.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed technology that overcomes many of the limitations of producing nanomaterials with lithographic techniques. This technology is essentially a planar nanoprinting technique for making ultra-thin (i.e., atomic scale) materials and semiconductor elements. It enables the precise growth of dissimilar MX2 materials layered either vertically or laterally for easy incorporation into complex device architectures. Thus, the technology enables one to control the shapes, geometry, and precise position of the heterostructure assemblies of materials on various substrates.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing capability to prepare two-dimensional nanomaterials directly at a pre-defined location on substrates

• Increasing capability to prepare two-dimensional nanomaterials directly at a pre-defined location on devices

• Increasing control of growth and alignment of microscale and nanoscale structures on a variety of substrates

• Minimizing the cost of producing patterned two-dimensional layered materials

• Minimizing the need to use polymer masks required by other methods

• Increasing the variety of surfaces on which planar nano-printing can be used (e.g., Graphene, quartz, sapphire, and flexible polymer substrates)

• Increasing the scalability of nano-printing processes

Applications

The potential applications of this technology including:

• Automotive applications

• Aerospace applications

• Biomedical applications

• Printable electronics

• Conductive films and inks

• Wearable health monitoring

• Electronic textiles

• HMI automotive displays

• Displays

• Transistors

• Integrated circuits and other components

• Memory devices

• Conductive and waterproof electronics coatings

• Photonics

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.