Fabricating Microbridge Structures with Submicrometer Resolution

SLU ID 22-015 | Controlled, selective production of nanostructures

Background

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (also called nanorods) have unique material properties and exceptional performance in electronics, optics, and photonics applications. Researchers are becoming more interested in them for potential applications in the area of environmental protection.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed methods for fabricating microbridge structures with submicrometer resolution and synthesizing crystalline ZnO nanowires at predefined locations.

Benefits

The potential advantages of this technology over existing solutions include:

• Minimizing the difficulty of varying the size of microscale and nanoscale structures

• Minimizing the difficulty of varying the geometry of microscale and nanoscale structures

• Increasing the ability to produce novel hybrid polymer-silicon one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials and systems

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include:

• Gas sensors

• Biosensors

• UV detection

• UV lasers

• Light-emitting diodes

• Dye-sensitized solar cells

• Nanogenerators

• Field emission devices

• Field effect transistors

Opportunity

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