Applications for the 2012 NURF program are no longer being accepted.
Listed below are the project descriptions for the summer 2012 NURF program. The projects support one of NDnano's research pillars: physical limits to computation, new materials and nanostructures, energy harvesting technologies, and nano-bioelectronics. To apply:
1) Review the project descriptions (below) and select a project of interest. (Click on project images for larger view.)
2) Complete the application.
3) Email your completed application to the project's faculty mentor for consideration, and cc: Heidi Deethardt at deethardt.1@nd.edu.
Faculty mentors will follow-up with applicants as needed. Fellowship recipients will be notified by NDnano starting March 1, 2012.
Please note: Students are welcome to apply for more than one project. However, please list and prioritize on your application all the projects to which you have applied. Students from any college or university are welcome to apply.
Questions? Feel free to contact Heidi Deethardt at deethardt.1@nd.edu
Thank you for your interest in NDnano!
Back to overview and application instructions
PHYSICAL LIMITS TO COMPUTATION
Project: High-speed transistor testing
Faculty mentor: Prof. Patrick Fay • 261 Fitzpatrick • 631-5693 • pfay@nd.edu
 In this project, the student will measure the DC and RF performance of high-speed GaN high electron mobility transistors for ultra-fast mixed-signal (digital, analog power) applications. This project involves computer-controlled characterization of devices, including the use of a state-of-the-art vector network analyzer at frequencies up to 220 GHz. From the measurements, an equivalent circuit model suitable for circuit design will be extracted, and implemented in CAD software.
Project: Ultra-low energy computation
Faculty mentor: Prof. Gregory Snider • 275C Fitzpatrick • 631-4148 • snider.7@nd.edu
 Anyone who owns a laptop knows that power dissipation and the associated heat are a problem for the microelectronics industry. As electronic devices scale down in size, they use less power (and hence, energy), but is there a lower limit to the energy that must be dissipated by each device? Recent experimental measurements have demonstrated our ability to measure energy dissipation in the range of a few hundred yJ (yJ is 10-24 J), and we are building CMOS circuits to operate in this range. Projects in the group of Professor Gregory Snider will explore the limits of ultra-low power computing, building and measuring circuits that test these limits. The projects will include building circuits and amplifiers for energy measurements of the CMOS circuits as well as the actual measurements. A student involved in these projects will gain experience in programming, fabrication, CMOS design, and device measurement techniques.
Project: Design of nanomagnet logic devices
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Wolfgang Porod • 203A Cushing • 631-6376 • porod@nd.edu
Prof. György Csaba • 225 Cushing • 631-3059 • gcsaba@nd.edu
 In nanomagnet logic (NML), magnetic signals are substituting electricity in performing computation. The building blocks of this magnetic computer are tiny (sub 100 nm size) magnetic dots. This is a fundamentally new computing paradigm, which was pioneered at Notre Dame. The Notre Dame Nanomagnetics group is now leading a large, international collaboration, where the goal is to build a prototype of a magnetic computing device. The student will use micromagnetic simulations to design and simulate logic gates. The gates will be built and tested in the ND Nanofabrication Lab. You will compare the experimental findings with simulation results. For more info on NML, see http://spectrum.ieee.org/semiconductors/design/magnetic-logic-attracts-money.
Project: Silicon micromachining for terahertz waveguide circuits and components
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Lei Liu • 204 Cushing • 631-1628 • lliu3@nd.edu
Prof. Tao Wang • 312 Cushing • 631-1353 • twang5@nd.edu
Prof. Huili (Grace) Xing • 262 Fitzpatrick • 631-9108 • hxing@nd.edu
Prof. Patrick Fay • 261 Cushing • 631-5693 • pfay@nd.edu
 As the frequency increases into the submillimeter-wave and terahertz (THz) region (0.1-10 THz), the detection and processing of RF signals become challenging largely because of difficulties associated with extending classical microwave technologies and techniques to this frequency regime. The cost and tolerances for machining small structures are difficult to fulfill in fabricating waveguide structures with traditional milling techniques for use at THz frequencies. Advanced micromachining (and/or nanomachining) techniques using deep reaction ion-etching (DRIE) or SU-8 have become very attractive for submillimeter-wave and THz waveguide structures, circuits and components.
As an initial step, this NURF summer project will focus on the design, simulation and fabrication of integrated waveguide blocks on silicon wafers for THz circuits such as simple transmission lines, detectors and cavity resonators. Measurement of these initial circuits will be performed with a 200 GHz vector network analyzer (VNA). The fabrication technique developed in this project will be applied to various THz circuits and components, including couplers, filters, mixers, etc. Working with NDnano’s state-of-the-art cleanroom and testing facilities, the student will gain substantial hands-on experiences in THz waveguide circuit design and simulation, mask design, pattern generation, lithography, etching, packaging and metrology. Furthermore, the research project provides an excellent opportunity for career development in the microwave and THz research field, allowing students to design, fabricate, evaluate and optimize their own THz circuits. A rising junior or senior with electrical engineering background is expected. However, qualified applicants at other levels will also be considered.
Project: Study of power/performance characteristics of nanomagnet-based circuits
Faculty mentor: Prof. Sharon Hu • 326D Cushing • 631-6015 • shu@cse.nd.edu
By placing nano-scale magnets in carefully crafted patterns, logic computation can be performed. Such nanomagnet logic (NML) circuits provide a drastically different way of processing data from traditional CMOS. NML circuits have many desired properties, including lower power, non-volatility, and radiation hardness. Basic structures of NML circuits have been experimentally demonstrated. By participating in this project, students will learn fascinating properties of nanomagnets, become proficient with micromagnetic simulation tools, simulate different NML circuit structures, and investigate the performance and power of these structures. Bolder students will get a chance to try out their own logic circuit designs.
Project: Nanoelectronics from two-dimensional materials
Faculty mentor: Prof. Alan Seabaugh • 230A Fitzpatrick • 631-4473 • seabaugh.1@nd.edu
Students in this project will build and test electron devices constructed from single-layer materials like graphene. These materials are of wide interest for energy-efficient transistors, ionic switches, memories, solar energy converters, or batteries. A wide range of projects are possible depending on student interest: modeling, fabrication, characterization, and circuit design.
Project: On-chip lasers
Faculty mentor: Prof. Mark Wistey • 266 Fitzpatrick • 631-1639 • mwistey@nd.edu
CPU speeds are currently limited by their power density, and multicore processors need supremely fast buses to each other and to memory. Both of these could be solved by using optical interconnects. But Si doesn't emit light, so we can't make lasers with silicon. On the other hand, germanium is already used in CPUs, and strained Ge will emit light. In this project, the student will implement a straightforward technique for creating tensile strain in Ge films in order to study the maximum strain available using the stress liner technique and identify future improvements. The optical properties of the strained films will be measured using photoluminescence (PL) and other techniques. The student will be expected to produce research suitable for publication, with assistance from Prof. Wistey and other members of the research group.
Project: Application-level hardware with magnetic logic
Faculty mentor: Prof. Mike Niemier • 380 Fitzpatrick • 631-3858 • mniemier@nd.edu
Presently, there are multiple research efforts underway to harness magnetic phenomena for logic in addition to storage. Motivation for this work is two-fold. First, the amount of static power dissipation in CMOS chips now rivals the levels of dynamic power dissipation. In other words, even if a chip does not perform any computation, stand-by power is similar to the power dissipated when performing useful work! Second, the intrinsic switching energy of a magnetic device can be orders of magnitude lower than a charge-based CMOS transistor. While some drive circuity overhead must be accounted for in magnetic systems, this suggests that magnetic logic could help to minimize dynamic power dissipation as well. Thus, while the multi-decade Moore's Law-based size scaling trends may continue, associated performance scaling trends are threatened by energy-related concerns that magnetic devices could help to alleviate. While students' work will be grounded in physical-level simulations at the device-level, students will look beyond the design of simple lines and gates to study how nano-scale magnets can be arranged to process information. (As such, interest in computer design and architecture will be viewed as a positive.)
NEW MATERIALS AND NANOSTRUCTURES
Project: Characterization of uranyl peroxide nanoclusters
Faculty mentor: Prof. Peter Burns
156A Fitzpatrick • 631-6247 • please submit applications to gsigmon@nd.edu
 Uranyl peroxide nanoclusters (discovered in 2005) self assemble in basic solutions in the presence of peroxide. To date, over 26 uranyl peroxide nanoclusters have been published. The clusters contain 20-60 uranyl peroxide polyhedra and can have peroxide, oxalate, and pyrophosphate linkers. We are now exploring the properties of the nanoclusters by characterizing them with small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), electro-spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Summer students will work with graduate students and post-doctoral students on the synthesis of uranyl peroxide nanoclusters and the characterization of these materials. Radiation training will be required for accepted students and is provided by the university.
Project: Plasma jets for nanomaterials synthesis
Faculty mentor: Prof. David Go • 370 Fitzpatrick • 631-8394 • dgo@nd.edu
 Plasma jets are an emerging technology that have a wide variety of applications - from killing tumors and healing wounds to cleaning tumors and synthesizing new nanomaterials. This project targets using plasma jets for plasma electrochemistry to synthesize nanoparticles, focusing on how to control the interaction between the plasma jet and a liquid. A NURF student will conduct experiments that look at novel plasma configurations for plasma/liquid interactions and use simple simulations to predict the interaction thermodynamics. The student will work with a team of graduate students studying plasma science, but will have the opportunity to work independently and use their own creativity and imagination. Those who intend to continue the research for credit in the fall semester will be given preference.
Project: Synthesis of hybrid cellulose/metal nanocomposites
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Tao Wang • 312 Cushing • 631-1353 • twang5@nd.edu
Prof. Abhijit Biswas • 223 Cushing • 631-5619 • biswas.5@nd.edu
Cellulose based nanocomposites are a promising class of future materials because they are sustainable, renewable and environment-friendly, and also because cellulose nanofibrils themselves possess excellent mechanical properties and functionalities. The goal of this NURF project is to develop a synthesis approach for hybrid nanoporous composites consisting of 3D metal and cellulose microfibril networks. The project will consist of three tasks: 1) investigate protocol for creating stable 3D cellulose microfibril aerogel with tailored structural stability and pore dimensions, 2) establish procedures for cellulose surface catalysis and subsequent nanometer-level metallization to generate nanocomposites, and 3) characterize the resultant materials for physical and mechanical properties as well as metallography. This research will help the student gain experience in a career path in sustainable and green nanomanufacturing. The student is expected to be a rising junior or senior with organic chemistry course work, but qualified applicants at other levels will also be considered.
Project: Single protein detection using nanostructure probes
Faculty mentor: Prof. Zachary Schultz • 244 Nieuwland • 631-1853 • schultz.41@nd.edu
 Nanoparticles have become widely used as imaging probes. They have many advantages that make them useful over other imaging probes such as fluorescent dyes. In particular, when excited by a laser at their plasmon frequency, gold and silver nanoparticles exhibit large electromagnetic fields on their surfaces. Molecules in the presence of these fields give rise to increased Raman scattering. By measuring the Raman scattering, one can determine the molecules in close proximity to the nanoparticle. The goal of this project is to use Raman scattering obtained from proteins in contact with nanoparticles to determine the amino acid residues responsible for the protein binding to the nanoparticle. To accomplish this, Raman spectra will be obtained from pure amino acids and short amino acid sequences, and compared to the Raman spectra obtained from nanoparticles in contact with intact proteins. The long-term goal of this project is to use nanoparticle probes to detect specific proteins and protein binding interactions in cells. This project is appropriate for students with an interest in spectroscopy and biochemistry.
Project: Solid polymer electrolytes filled with nanoparticles for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Susan Fullerton • 317 Cushing • 631-1367 • fullerton.3@nd.edu
Prof. Alan Seabaugh • 230A Fitzpatrick • 631-4473 • seabaugh.1@nd.edu
 Solid polymer electrolytes [SPEs] offer many advantages over liquid or gel electrolytes for use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries; however, the room-temperature conductivity is insufficient to power a portable device. Conductivity can be improved by adding spherical oxide nanoparticles to the SPE – but the conductivity remains low. One possible explanation for the improvement is that nanoparticles induce the formation of polymer structures that are highly conductive. In this case, oxide nanoparticles with a high aspect ratio may outperform those with a spherical geometry. In this NURF project, we will investigate how the conductivity and thermal properties of nanoparticle-filled SPEs change with nanoparticle shape and size. We will use impedance spectroscopy to measure conductivity, and differential scanning calorimetry to analyze the thermal properties. We will also use SEM to image the nanoparticles (see SEM of nanorods). The student working on this project will learn how to synthesize nanoparticles via hydrothermal synthesis, prepare SPEs, measure their conductivity and evaluate their thermal properties.
Project: Direct bandgap dilute carbides
Faculty mentor: Prof. Mark Wistey • 266 Fitzpatrick • 631-1639 • mwistey@nd.edu
Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) can grow new semiconductors which would be impossible under normal thermodynamic limits. It has been shown theoretically that adding dilute amounts of carbon to Ge films can dramatically alter the band structure of the Ge semiconductor, creating a direct bandgap. This could allow efficient lasers and optical transceivers to be grown directly on conventional Si CMOS chips. It may also improve the efficiency of inexpensive Si/Ge solar cells. This project focuses on altering the band structure of Ge using dilute carbide alloys. Students on this project will assist in the fabrication of Ge devices, analyze alloys grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and perform optical testing to evaluate the effectiveness of each technique. They will gain a broad knowledge of optoelectronic principles, including the physics of band structure modification, materials science in epitaxial growth, and electrical engineering device design and fabrication. Opportunities for followup research will continue through the following semester and/or school
year.
Project: Synthesis of nanocatalysts
Faculty mentor: Prof. Franklin Tao • 132 Nieuwland • 631-1394 • ftao@nd.edu
Heterogeneous catalysis is performed on the surface of particles of metal or oxide or composited metal and oxide at the nanoscale. Size is critical as coordination of environment and electronic structure of atoms on the surface of nanoparticles with different size depends on the size and shape of the catalyst particles. One specific type of nanoparticle catalysts is alloy nanocatalyst. The second metal typically modifies the electronic state of the atoms of the first metal and, therefore, their catalytic performances. In this project, we focus on new synthesis, which can produce new bimetallic nanocatalysts with controllable size and shape. We also measure their catalytic performance (conversion rate and selectivity), therefore building a correlation of structural factors at the nanoscale with catalytic behavior. This correlation is critical for design of new catalysts. More information can be found at http://www.franklin-tao.com/.
Project: Emission dynamics of electronic molecules
Faculty mentor: Prof. Alexander Mintairov • B4/B5 Fitzpatrick • 631-7688 • mintairov.1@nd.edu
 Correlation between particles in finite quantum systems leads to a complex behavior and very unusual new states of matter. One remarkable example of such a correlated system is expected to occur in a dilute electron gas confined in a quantum dot, where the Coulomb interaction between electrons rigidly fixes their relative positions like those of the nuclei in a molecule. These electron molecules, called Wigner Molecules (WMs), can be varied experimentally using various combinations of semiconductor materials, numbers of electrons, electrostatic potentials, and magnetic fields. Thus, these WMs present a novel and compelling field for fundamental and applied research that could have considerable impact on the electronic and optical devices of the future. Our group at Notre Dame has recently discovered strong emission from such WMs. The student working on this project will be ushered into the infinitesmal world of near-field optical microscopy, where nanostructures are studied that are orders of magnitude smaller than can be seen in a conventional light microscope. Working with the faculty mentor and a physics graduate student, the student will learn to use time-resolved fluorescence to measure emission dynamics of such WMs, which has never been done before. An important result of these experiments may lead to the identification of molecular states that are suitable for quantum computing.
Project: Growth and characterization of 2D materials for electronic devices
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Michelle Kelly • 221 Cushing • 631-6915 • mkelly23@nd.edu
Prof. Grace Xing • 262 Fitzpatrick • 631-9108 • hxing@nd.edu
Two-dimensional materials are currently one of the most rapidly developing areas in the field of electronic materials. A 2D material is a single layer from a layered material, where in-plane atomic interactions are strong, but there is minimal interaction between layers in the structure. The most well-known example is that of graphene: a single atomic layer of graphite. A great deal of attention focused on graphene has resulted in rapid discovery of phenomena and material understanding. A particularly compelling aspect of 2D materials is that different materials can be used in concert with minimal interaction due to the lack of dangling bonds at the surface. Other 2D materials have been less explored so far, but are increasing in interest due to their promising electronic properties. In this project, the student will work to explore 2D material growth of boron nitride (BN: insulator) or molybdenum disulfide (MoS2: semiconductor) using a state-of-the-art chemical vapor deposition system. In addition to growth, the student will characterize the grown materials using scanning confocal raman microscopy and atomic force micrscopy. An ongoing parallel effort to fabricate electronic devices based on the grown 2D materials will complement the student’s growth efforts and give the student an opportunity to see device applications.
ENERGY-HARVESTING TECHNOLOGIES
Project: High-performance solar cell fabrication
Faculty mentor: Prof. Patrick Fay • 261 Fitzpatrick • 631-5693 • pfay@nd.edu
 Processing techniques for the fabrication of compound semiconductor-based, multi-junction high-performance solar cells will be explored. To improve efficiency in high-concentration ratio compound-semiconductor cells, novel processing approaches are needed so that all of the contacts and interconnections can be made on the back side of the wafer. Primary emphasis is on development and demonstration of fine-pitch contact via formation using ICP-RIE.
Project: Design of solar paint using nanostructure assemblies
Faculty mentor: Prof. Prashant V. Kamat • 235 Radiation Lab • 631-5411 • kamat.1@nd.edu
 In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as the new building blocks to construct light energy harvesting assemblies.1,2 Efforts are being made to design organic and inorganic hybrid structures that exhibit improved selectivity and efficiency towards light energy conversion. The recent advances in developing light harvesting assemblies based on carbon nanostructures and semiconductor nanocrystals provide unique opportunities to design solar cells. This project will involve simple synthesis of nanostructure assemblies (e.g., quantum dots anchored on carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide) and their characterization using electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The overall goal is to develop strategies to organize nanoassemblies on electrode surfaces using a paint brush approach and optimize the composition for higher efficiency.
- Kamat, P. V.; Tvrdy, K.; Baker, D. R.; Radich, J. G. Beyond Photovoltaics: Semiconductor Nanoarchitectures for Liquid Junction Solar Cells Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 6664–6688.
- Ng, Y. H.; Lightcap, I. V.; Goodwin, K.; Matsumura, M.; Kamat, P. V. To What Extent Do Graphene Scaffolds Improve the Photovoltaic and Photocatalytic Response of TiO2 Nanostructured Films? J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2010, 1, 2222–2227.
- Matthew P. Genovese, Ian V. Lightcap, and Prashant V. Kamat Sun-Believable Solar Paint. A Transformative One-Step Approach for Designing Nanocrystalline Solar Cells
Project: Graphene-based electrodes in Li-ion storage battery
Faculty mentor: Prof. Prashant V. Kamat • 235 Radiation Lab • 631-5411 • kamat.1@nd.edu
 Graphene-based electrodes for electrochemical energy storage devices have garnered much attention in the past few years. Graphene has also been utilized as a stand-alone material for Li-ion battery anodes in place of traditional graphite and shows some marked improvement in storage and cycling. The storage capacity and cycling ability of graphene was shown to outperform graphite in a number of studies. The summer project involves synthesis and characterization of metal oxide-graphene oxide composites. Typically, manganese or cobalt oxides will be anchored on graphene oxide by chemical methods. Films of these composite materials on electrode surfaces will be cast using spin coat or electrophretic deposition techniques. These materials will be used as electrode materials and Li-ion intercalation properties will be investigated using electrochemistry technique. The size dependence of metal oxide nanoparticle, which ultimately dictates the interlayer spacing between the graphene sheets, will also be investigated. The electrodes developed in the laboratory will be used to construct Li-ion storage batteries, and their charge-discharge cycles will be recorded.
Project: Nanocomposite coating technology for carbon capture and conversion for sustainable energy
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Abhijit Biswas • 223 Cushing • 631-5619 • biswas.5@nd.edu
Prof. Tao Wang • 312 Cushing • 631-1353 • twang5@nd.edu
 This NURF project involves design and development of novel multicomponent polymer-based nanocomposite coating technology for efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and conversion into commercially important chemicals and liquid fuels such as formic acid, carbonates/bicarbonates, methanol and methane. This project furthers the development of novel pathways towards a sustainable energy future. (CO2) is regarded as one of the main causes of climate change, accounting for 70% of the gaseous radiative force responsible for anthropogenic green house effect. Apart from coal-fired power plants, global (CO2) emissions from internal combustion vehicles into the atmosphere have shown a rapid increase in the past decade due to the increase of the automobile park. Therefore, capturing (CO2) emitted by the heavy industry is critically important to mitigate climate change and preserve the eco system. Also, (CO2) is a renewable feedstock that can serve both as a reagent in chemical synthesis and as an environmentally benign solvent system. At present, given the depleting petroleum feedstocks that we heavily depend on to produce industrially important chemicals, it is of utmost importance that we develop new and novel uses for (CO2) in chemical synthesis and purification in order to curb global petroleum consumption. The major challenge, however, lies in activating stable (CO2). The NURF student will be involved in the synthesis, characterization and modeling of nanocomposite coatings that exhibit unique (CO2) capture and conversion properties due to numerous localized catalytically active hot reaction spots that are generated by the dispersed multifunctional oxide nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. The student will employ a simple drop-cast processing strategy for the synthesis of such nanocomposites. Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of the drop-cast method for the synthesis of nanocomposites for (CO2) reduction and conversion into carbonates [1]. The student is expected to have basic knowledge and understanding of inorganic/organic chemistry, polymers and nanotechnology. The project may continue beyond summer. This effort is expected to result in multiple high-impact research publications in the areas of energy-efficient materials, sustainable energy, novel reactive metal hydride based nanocomposites, nanocatalysis, etc. Furthermore, this research has great industrial relevance to the state of Indiana due to its high consumption of coal (63%) as fuel over other sources for energy generation and also to the automobile industry in the neighboring state of Michigan.
Reference
[1] A. Biswas, T. Tokoly*, Anindya Ghosh, Tao Wang et. al. Design and synthesis of sprayable nanocomposite coatings for carbon capture and direct conversion into environmentally safe stable carbonates, Chem. Phys. Lett., 2011, 508, 276.
*NURF Student (2010)
Project: Nano-explosives - Energy release from plasmonic nanoparticles
Faculty mentor: Prof. Zachary Schultz • 244 Nieuwland • 631-1853 • schultz.41@nd.edu
 Plasmonic particles have been shown to have exciting optical properties associated with their size and composition. Light at the appropriate frequency can drive collective electron oscillations (plasmons) in nanostructures. Plasmons result in both absorption and scattering of the light at the plasmon frequency. The ratio of absorption to scattering is known to depend on the size of the nanostructure. Absorption of light often results in heating of the particle. As these particles heat, dissipation of this energy can result in dramatic events. The figure shows the micrometer size crater resulting from irradiation at the plasmon frequency of a few clustered nanoparticles in a silicon well. This project will use Raman spectroscopy to explore heat dissipation at the surface of nanoparticles. The ratio of Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman band intensities will be used as a local probe of temperature, thus changes in the Raman spectrum will be used to measure the temperature on the surface of the nanoparticles. Students will prepare functionalized nanoparticles, obtain Raman spectra, and perform data analysis. This project is most appropriate for students with experience or interest in spectroscopy and who have completed a physical chemistry course.
Project: Operando studies of nanoparticles for exploring new surface chemistry and structure at the nanoscale under reaction conditions
Faculty mentor: Prof. Franklin Tao • 132 Nieuwland • 631-1394 • ftao@nd.edu
Two new unique instruments have been recently added to the Franklin Tao lab. Ambient pressure XPS (AP-XPS) has been developed for characterizing surface chemistry of metal and oxide nanomaterials at the nanoscale (see ND Newswire). In addition, a new ambient pressure high temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (APHT-STM) has been built for visualization of surface structure of nanoclusters at atomic scale. By using both AP-XPS and APHT-STM, we can study the catalysts in action during the energy conversion process since catalysts functionalize in reactive environment. One successful example we have done in this project is the operando studies on the conversion of CO2 to methane by using cobalt oxide. More information is available at http://www.franklin-tao.com/.
Project: Synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures
Faculty mentor: Prof. Luis Fernandez-Torres • 251 Nieuwland • 631-1848 • lfernan3@nd.edu
We are interested in the synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures using colloidal routes. The novelty in our synthetic methods is that we design all our synthesis to take place in aqueous or ethanolic solutions, atmospheric conditions, and temperatures below 100°C. This synthetic challenge requires novel growth modifiers, and often leads to novel semiconductor nanostructures. These new semiconductor nanostructures can potentially be used in solar energy harvesting. We have been investigating semiconductor nanostructures of ZnS, CdS, and their respective selenides. We characterize these nanostructures with SEM and EDS. Our final goal for the summer is to incorporate our novel nanostructures into solar energy harvesting devices.
Project: Growth of semiconductor thin films
Faculty mentor: Prof. Luis Fernandez-Torres • 251 Nieuwland • 631-1848 • lfernan3@nd.edu
Semiconductor thin films are important one-dimensional materials (1D) that hold a great promise in the field of nanoelectronics. Their unique dimensions possess the direct pathways ideal for efficient charge transfer in applications such as photovoltaic cells. We are interested in synthetic methods to produce semiconductor thin films of high crystallinity. To achieve this, we use self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to anchor metallic ions from solution that will be used as seeds. Then we perform a chemical bath deposition (CBD), where the metal (Zn or Cd) reacts with a chalcogenide source (S or Se) to form a film of the appropriate semiconductor. In the CBD process, we can control pH, temperature, and concentration to tailor our semiconductor film. We characterize these structures with XPS, AFM, and STM.
NANO-BIOELECTRONICS
Project: Detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals with paper analytical devices
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Marya Lieberman • 271 Stepan • 631-4665 • mlieberm@nd.edu
Prof. Toni Barstis (Saint Mary's) • 168 Science • 284-4661 • tbarstis@saintmarys.edu
 Counterfeiting of life-saving drugs such as antimalarials and antibiotics is an increasing problem in Africa, southeast Asia, and South/Central America. In this project, the NURF student will help to develop and test low-technology analytical devices that use color-generating chemical reactions and a cell-phone camera to detect counterfeit drugs. The student will design simple masks for photolithography and carry out the exposure and development process to make the paper analytical devices (PADs). The student will be assigned to a particular analytical task, such as measuring erythromycin concentration, and will adapt known colorimetric tests that work in solution into color-generating reactions on the PAD. The project will require the ability to do basic stoichiometry, concentration, and equilibrium calculations, careful record keeping, good presentation skills, ability to work well with others, and a taste for creative messing about. A semester of inorganic and/or analytical chemistry would be a plus. Could start in spring 2012 and continue into fall 2013.
Project: DNA origami
Faculty mentor: Prof. Marya Lieberman • 271 Stepan • 631-4665 • mlieberm@nd.edu
 Take the genome of m13mp18, a small virus. Add 226 short synthetic strands of DNA, the “staple” strands, and you can fold it into a flat rectangle as shown in the picture (left). This is an example of the DNA origami technique. We are conducting research on DNA origami as structural templates for nanoelectronic and nanomagnetic devices by binding non-DNA components to specific staple strands. In this project, the NURF student will work with Dr. Lieberman to chemically modify a DNA oligonucleotide with a functional group that can bind to metals. The project involves organic synthesis, purification of the oligonucleotide by HPLC, and characterization of the oligo by gel electrophoresis. Once pure oligos are obtained, the student will assemble the DNA origami in the presence and absence of metal ions and characterize them by atomic force microscopy. Two semesters of organic lab are required, and some experience working with biomolecules (DNA or proteins) would be a plus.
Project: Surface acoustic wave devices for chemical analysis of counterfeit pharmaceuticals
Faculty mentor: Prof. David Go • 370 Fitzpatrick • 631-8394 • dgo@nd.edu
 Counterfeiting of life-saving drugs such as antimalarials and antibiotics is an increasing problem in Africa, southeast Asia, and South/Central America. At Notre Dame and St. Mary's, there is a large collaborative effort to develop paper-based devices that can be used to rapidly detect these counterfeits. However, more detailed analysis of the chemical composition of the counterfeits would enable better law enforcement and counter-measures as they can be traced to specific sources. This project focuses on using a microelectronicmechanical system (MEMS) called a surface acoustic wave device to extract the chemicals from the paper-device for a full spectrum analysis using mass spectrometry. A NURF student will conduct experiments to evaluate the performance and detection limits of using a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The student will work with a team of undergraduate and graduate students on this large project, but will have the opportunity to work independently and use their own creativity and imagination. This project is best suited for chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering students, and Prof. Go has advised a number of undergraduates from these disciplines already. Those who intend to continue the research for credit in the fall semester will be given preference.
Project: Lab-on-a-chip molecular binding detection with terahertz waves
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Tao Wang • 312 Cushing • 631-1353 • twang5@nd.edu
Prof. Lei Liu • 204 Cushing • 631-1628 • lliu3@nd.edu
Prof. Li-Jing Cheng • 182 Fitzpatrick • 631-2304 • cheng.32@nd.edu
The ability to perform laboratory operations on stamp-sized chips represents a future direction in clinical diagnostics and biomedical industry. This NURF project targets developing a label-free in vitro diagnostic method for molecular binding using an already established integrated terahertz microfluidic system. Specifically, the NURF student will learn how to design and construct microfluidic chips, perform data acquisition and processing, develop experimental protocols and analytical methods, identify detection limits and sensitivities, and publish his/her results in an academic journal. This project offers the student a unique opportunity to gain hands-on skills in microfluidics, terahertz spectroscopy, and instrumentation. The student will be expected to be a rising junior or senior with chemical and biochemical course work, but qualified applicants at other levels will also be considered.
Project: Nanoscale bioengineering of bone-inspired, all-natural bionanocomposite scaffolds for bone substitutes and tissue regeneration
Faculty mentors:
Prof. Abhijit Biswas • 223 Cushing • 631-5619 • biswas.5@nd.edu
Prof. Tao Wang • 312 Cushing • 631-1353 • twang5@nd.edu
Prof. Gyorgy Csaba • 224 Cushing • 631-3059 • gcsaba@nd.edu
 This NURF project involves developing new, all-natural, biocompatible/biodegradable and bone-mimicking nanocomposite scaffolds that closely match the properties of natural bone and its chemistry, nanostructure and mechanical properties (modulus, hardness, fracture toughness and yield strength) for applications in bone tissue regeneration and bone substitutes. The approach is based on an innovative bioengineering strategy that exploits the combination of unique strength, modulus, and toughness that results from controlled nanoscale blending and tailoring of natural components found in bone tissue (calcium, collagen protein, calcite, sodium, and phosphorous) into a single system. Bone is a specialized form of connective tissue that forms the skeleton of the body and is built at the nano and micro levels as a multicomponent composite material consisting of a hard inorganic phase (minerals) in an elastic, dense organic network. The combination of inorganic and organic phases not only provides bone with unique mechanical properties and a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphate but also serves as a medium for diffusion and release of biological substances. Mimicking bone structure presents an important frontier in the fields of nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry and bone tissue engineering. An ideal bonelike or bone-mimetic biomaterial would replicate the predominant coalignment of the organic and mineral phases of the actual bone tissue architecture. This essentially involves nano- to micro-scale features of both the organization of collagen fibers in a characteristic three-dimensional architecture and the coalignment of important mineral such as HAP crystals within the collagen fibers (Figure 1). To be able to manufacture such a bone scaffold that mimics the natural bone at the nanometer scale (< 100 nm) with required mechanical and biomedical properties is important for practical applications to meet the ever growing demand for various prosthetic implants, which represent a multi-billion dollar global industry. The NURF student will be involved in the synthesis and characterization (mechanical, chemical and biomedical properties) and modeling of bionanocomposite scaffold. The synthesis approach is based on a simple and low-cost drop-cast processing strategy that allows blending of bionanomaterials for large-scale processing of the artificial bone-like materials (Figure 1) [1, 2]. The low-cost processing of orthopedic bioscaffolds is very important because it makes it possible to reduce the overall medical treatment costs. This project provides opportunities to the student to learn bio-nanomaterial synthesis, characterization and modeling/simulation. The student is expected to have a basic knowledge of inorganic/organic chemistry. The goal is to have a journal publication at the end of the NURF project. The project may continue beyond summer. The research has great relevance to the local orthopedic implant industry located in Warsaw, Ind., and the student can expect to gain sufficient preliminary training in biomaterials for a possible future career in the prosthetic industry and biomedical engineering.
References
[1] Abhijit Biswas, Ilker S. Bayer, He Zhao*, Tao Wang, Fumiya Watanabe, Alexandru S. Biris, Biomarcomolecules, 11, 2545 (2010). Featured in the October 25, 2010 issue of Noteworthy Chemistry, a weekly feature of the American Chemical Society that highlights innovative ideas from science, technical, and business literature.
[2] Abhijit Biswas, Timothy C. Ovaert, Constance Slaboch, He Zhao*, Ilker S. Bayer, Alexandru S. Biris, and Tao Wang, Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 013702 (2011). Selected by Virtual Journal of Biological Physics Research (2011).
*NURF student (2010).
Project: Engineering multifunctional nanoparticles to overcome drug resistance in multiple myeloma
Faculty mentor: Prof. Basar Bilgicer • 165 Fitzpatrick Hall • 631-1429 • bbilgicer@nd.edu
 Multiple myeloma (MM), a B-cell malignancy characterized by proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM), is the second most common type of blood cancer in the U.S. Despite the recent advances in treatment strategies and the emergence of novel therapies, it still remains incurable. A major factor that contributes to development of drug resistance in MM is the interaction of MM cells with the BM microenvironment. It has been demonstrated that the adhesion of MM cells to the BM stroma via a4b1 integrins leads to cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR), which enables MM cells to gain resistance to drugs such as doxorubicin (Dox)–a first-line chemotherapeutic in the treatment of MM. The overall objective of this proposed project is to engineer “smart” nanoparticles that will deliver and exert the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents on MM cells, and at the same time do it in such a manner to overcome CAM-DR for improved patient outcome. To enable this, we will engineer micellar nanoparticles that will be (i) functionalized with a4b1-antagonist peptides as well as Dox conjugates, and (ii) designed to show the adhesion inhibitory and the cytotoxic effects in a temporal sequence. When the nanoparticles are delivered to the MM cells, as a first step they will interact with the cell surface a4b1 integrins and inhibit MM cell adhesion to the stroma, thereby preventing development of CAM-DR (Fig 1). In the second step, Dox will exert its cytotoxic effects after cellular uptake, as the nanoparticles will be designed to require a low pH environment such as the endocytic vesicles, to release active Dox. This way, the “smart” nanoparticles will act on the MM cells in a temporal fashion and prevent development of CAM-DR for improved patient outcome.
Project: Multi-array tip-nanocolloid plasmonic molecular sensing
Faculty mentor: Prof. Hsueh-Chia Chang • 118 Cushing Hall • 631-5697 • chang.2@nd.edu
 We design plasmonic resonant grids and sharp nanostructures for exciting broadbanded plasmonic spectra but with a sensitive monochromatic scattering reporter. The resonant grids are fabricated by anodization of titania, and the nanostructures involve optical fibers etched into submicron tips. We also employ a peculiar effect of surface molecules on metal nanocolloid aggregation to detect DNA molecules captured by plasmonic nanocolloid probes. This combination of broadband tip plasmonic focusing and resonant grid coupling with metal nanocolloid high-Q plasmonic resonance allows us to use white-light illumination but sensitive detection and quantification of the scattered light. We also use photochemistry to functionalize separate probes onto each fiber tip. The objective is to design a multi-fiber array that can detect a large library of target molecules with simple optical sensors.
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