Nano & Microstructure Design & Characterization

Materials engineers develop and use sophisticated characterization tools, such as electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction, to study material structure at a wide range of length scales. We need to understand material structure to control properties, from mechanical to electrical. Forensic analysis is frequently required for studies of material failure in engineering applications, such as catastrophic fracture or corrosion. 

• Advanced techniques for forensic investigation of materials 
• Nanostructure-property relationships for electronic/photonic applications 
• Finite Element-based failure analysis 
• In-situ electron microscopy: characterization and property measurements of novel materials and nano-devices, and their real-time evolution during processing and operation 
• Nano carbon surface modification (layer-by-layer deposition)
• Synthesis, property-structure relationship of new energy materials
• Development of electrochemical synthesis methods for nanostructured metals, alloys and composites  
• Nano fabrication
• Bio-Inspired nanostructures
• Integration of “top down and “bottom up” nanofabrication
• Nanostructured growth & characterization 
• Solar fuel materials
• Cellular Hybrid Materials