Harvard University researchers have discovered a way to bend straight nanowires into zigzagging two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures that have correspondingly advanced functions.
Charles M. Lieber and Bozhi Tian led the team whose work was published this week in the Nature Nanotechnology journal.
The authors said that one possible application of this new technology is that it could lead to a new approach for detecting the electrical currents in tissues and cells.
Lieber said, "We are very excited about the prospects this research opens up for nanotechnology. For example, our nanostructures make possible integration of active devices in nanoelectronic and photonic circuits, as well as totally new approaches for extra- and intracellular biological sensors. This latter area is one where we already have exciting new results and one we believe can change the way much electrical recording in biology and medicine is carried out".
The scientists carefully introduced triangular “stereocenters,” or fixed 120-degree joints, into the previously rigidly linear nanowires. These stereocenters are similar to chemical hubs present in a number of complex organic molecules. The hubs transform one-dimensional nanostructures into complex forms by introducing kinks, just like the stereocenters.
Tian and Lieber’s team managed to introduce the stereocenters while the nanowires self-assembled. The team removed important gaseous reactants contained in the chemical brew where the self-assembly was occurring, therefore halting the 1-D nanostructures’ growth for 15 seconds. They reintroduced the reactants after the joints had been formed. The technique resulted in a bent nanowire yield of 40 percent, which could later be purified for higher yields.
Charles M. Lieber and Bozhi Tian led the team whose work was published this week in the Nature Nanotechnology journal.
The authors said that one possible application of this new technology is that it could lead to a new approach for detecting the electrical currents in tissues and cells.
Lieber said, "We are very excited about the prospects this research opens up for nanotechnology. For example, our nanostructures make possible integration of active devices in nanoelectronic and photonic circuits, as well as totally new approaches for extra- and intracellular biological sensors. This latter area is one where we already have exciting new results and one we believe can change the way much electrical recording in biology and medicine is carried out".
The scientists carefully introduced triangular “stereocenters,” or fixed 120-degree joints, into the previously rigidly linear nanowires. These stereocenters are similar to chemical hubs present in a number of complex organic molecules. The hubs transform one-dimensional nanostructures into complex forms by introducing kinks, just like the stereocenters.
Tian and Lieber’s team managed to introduce the stereocenters while the nanowires self-assembled. The team removed important gaseous reactants contained in the chemical brew where the self-assembly was occurring, therefore halting the 1-D nanostructures’ growth for 15 seconds. They reintroduced the reactants after the joints had been formed. The technique resulted in a bent nanowire yield of 40 percent, which could later be purified for higher yields.
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