Basic Technology Nanorobotics : Transfer to applications, new science and industry
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Materials Science and Engineering
Abstract
The unique properties of nanoscale materials cannot by determined by extrapolating the properties of bulk materials. In many areas of nanoscience, the developments of new materials, structures and devices are restricted by not knowing how the materials behave in real-time due to a lack of suitable instrumentation and test methods. The Basic Technology Nanorobotics programme has successfully developed new instrumentation to examine the 3D structural, mechanical, electrical and surface properties of nanostructures in real-time inside electron microscopes. The Basic Technology translation grant will underpin the translation of this technology into the industrial sphere. Through applying the techniques, unique world-leading capability will be available to UK industry and academia to determine their nanoobjects' functionality, reliability, failure modes and lifetime, and thus enable more effective engineering of their nanostructured materials and devices. Key interdisciplinary applications to be targeted by the translation of the technology to industry will include determining the real-time interaction of nanoparticles, dynamical nanotribology of nanostructured surfaces and coatings, failure of nanostructures including MEMS/NEMS components, nanoscale functionality and failure of biomedical materials and novel nanowelding methods. The translation grant will be used both to address existing industrial problems (demonstrating the technology capability), and also to carry out short-term high-risk exploratory investigations at the cutting edge of nanotechnology research to underpin future research programmes. The translation grant will ensure that the UKs industrial base will gain maximum advantage of the technological developments arising out of the Basic Technology grant. Furthermore it will ensure the training of the next generation of UK-based researchers in this field, and enhance links with UK and global companies and researchers to ensure a UK lead in this area.
Publications
Anantheshwara K
(2011)
Dynamical Evolution of Wear Particles in Nanocontacts
in Tribology Letters
Briston K
(2010)
Development of a novel SEM microgripper
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Briston K
(2010)
Fabrication of a novel SEM microgripper by electrochemical and FIB techniques
in Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering
Briston K
(2010)
Fabrication of carbon nanotubes by electrical breakdown of carbon-coated Au nanowires
in Materials Letters
Briston KJ
(2012)
Fabrication of nanoporous carbon by electrical transformation of amorphous carbon nanospheres.
in Nanotechnology
El Mel AA
(2012)
Fabrication of a nickel nanowire mesh electrode suspended on polymer substrate.
in Nanotechnology
Elawayeb M
(2012)
Electrical properties of individual NiFe/Pt multilayer nanowires measured in situ in a scanning electron microscope
in Journal of Applied Physics
Elawayeb M
(2011)
Nanostructure and chemical characterisation of individual NiFe/Pt multilayer nanowires.
in Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology
Ghatak J
(2012)
In situ TEM observation of lithium nanoparticle growth and morphological cycling.
in Nanoscale
Gnanavel T
(2010)
Nanoscale sculpting of ferromagnetic structures by electron beam ablation
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Gnanavel T
(2010)
Electron beam nanofabrication of ferromagnetic nanostructures in TEM
in Applied Physics A
Gnanavel T
(2011)
In-situ fabrication of three dimensional nickel nanobeads by electron beam induced transformation.
in Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology
Gnanavel T
(2012)
In-situ cobalt nanocrystal synthesis by intense electron beams in TEM
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Guan W
(2011)
A piezoelectric goniometer inside a transmission electron microscope goniometer.
in Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada
Guan W
(2010)
A Piezoelectric Goniometer Inside a TEM Goniometer
in Microscopy and Microanalysis
Guan W
(2012)
A nanomanipulation system for tomographic examination of nanostructures on demand
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Lockwood A
(2012)
Deformation behaviour of polysilicon components for MEMS
in Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering
Lockwood A
(2012)
Dynamic nanoscale in situ TEM tribology
in MRS Proceedings
Lockwood A
(2010)
Advanced transmission electron microscope triboprobe with automated closed-loop nanopositioning
in Measurement Science and Technology
Lockwood A
(2009)
In situ TEM nanoindentation and deformation of Si-nanoparticle clusters
in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Lockwood A
(2011)
Nanoscale deformation of MEMS materials
in MRS Proceedings
Lockwood A
(2011)
NanoLAB Triboprobe: Characterizing Dynamic Wear, Friction and Fatigue at the Nanoscale
in MRS Proceedings
Lockwood AJ
(2011)
Friction-formed liquid droplets.
in Nanotechnology
Medford B
(2010)
A novel tripod-driven platform for in-situ positioning of samples and electrical probes in a TEM
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Milne R
(2010)
In-situ TEM deformation of aluminium nanopillars
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Moebus, G
(2011)
Handbook of Nanophysics
Möbus G
(2011)
Dynamics of Polar Surfaces on Ceria Nanoparticles Observed In Situ with Single-Atom Resolution
in Advanced Functional Materials
Möbus G
(2010)
Hybrid tomography for structural and chemical 3D imaging on the nanoscale
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Peng Y
(2010)
Electrical nanowelding and bottom-up nano-construction together using nanoscale solder.
in Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology
Peng Y
(2011)
Electrical properties of individual CoPt/Pt multilayer nanowires characterized by in situ SEM nanomanipulators.
in Nanotechnology
Peng Y
(2009)
Bottom-up nanoconstruction by the welding of individual metallic nanoobjects using nanoscale solder.
in Nano letters
Peng Y
(2009)
Conductive nichrome probe tips: fabrication, characterization and application as nanotools.
in Nanotechnology
Peng Y
(2010)
Nanoconstruction by welding individual metallic nanowires together using nanoscale solder
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Qu K
(2015)
Realization of the welding of individual TiO 2 semiconductor nano-objects using a novel 1D Au 80 Sn 20 nanosolder
in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Saghi Z
(2010)
Prospects of aberration correction for lattice-resolved electron tomography
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Sayle TX
(2014)
Mechanical properties of mesoporous ceria nanoarchitectures.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Wang JJ
(2009)
The formation of carbon nanostructures by in situ TEM mechanical nanoscale fatigue and fracture of carbon thin films.
in Nanotechnology
Xu X
(2010)
Three-dimensional characterization of multiply twinned nanoparticles by high-angle tilt series of lattice images and tomography
in Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Zhang H
(2015)
Phase transformation of Sn-based nanowires under electron beam irradiation
in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Zhang H
(2014)
Nanoscale characterization of 1D Sn-3.5Ag nanosolders and their application into nanowelding at the nanoscale.
in Nanotechnology
| Description | A key trend within industrial sectors important to the UK economy, including aerospace, automotive, medicine, energy and construction, is the use of advanced materials with nanoengineered design. The unique properties of nanoengineered materials cannot be determined by extrapolating the properties of bulk materials, and the development of new nanoscale materials, structures and devices can be restricted by not knowing how the materials behave in real-time (due to lack of suitable nanoscale instrumentation and dynamical test methods). Therefore to enhance existing and future research capabilities in new advanced materials, advancements in sophisticated nanoscale imaging, microscopy, metrology and in-situ characterisation methods are required. The Basic Technology Nanorobotics programme has successfully developed new NanoLAB instrumentation to measure the properties of individual nanostructures in real-time and down to atomic resolution. By applying advanced nanorobotics instrumentation and 3D nanomanipulation inside electron microscopes, the behaviour of nanostructures can be imaged in-situ, and their structural, mechanical, electrical and surface properties directly measured. The ability to video the movement of individual nanoparticles and surfaces whilst in contact and interacting with one another (TEM tribology) is particularly exciting, and a significant step forward in the EPSRC priority area of characterisation of materials at the nanoscale. The project NanoLAB technology has been applied across an interdisciplinary range of nanoengineered materials, structures, and devices. Key advancements include: Nanoscale Friction: The NanoLAB TEM Triboprobe is a transformative technology, which enables for the first time real-time nanoscale imaging of friction during the repeated rubbing of surfaces. Energy loss and damage caused by friction at material contacts is an extremely important industrial problem, with macro-scale damage often the sum of multiple nanoscale events. TEM tribology is a new way to characterise energy transfer and surface change due to friction, and has successfully demonstrated new nanoscale phenomena including frictional transformation of nanoscale carbon to graphene/graphite, friction formation of nanoscale liquid droplets, and dynamical nanotribology of ultrahard coatings. (Collaborators: IISc, Tecvac) 3D Behaviour of Nanoparticles: Many 3D advanced materials are now composites incorporating nanoparticles, including strengthened alloys, bionanocomposites, lubricants, and coatings. However the contribution of nanoparticles to strength, integrity and wear resistance is frequently unknown. In-situ NanoLAB testing has revealed the complex 3D behaviour of nanoparticles when subjected to mechanical and electrical forces. TEM Tribology has been used to quantify nanoparticle dynamics, including crushing nanoparticle clusters, observing the birth of nanoparticles by fracture of rubbed surfaces, and tracking the 3D-movement of nanoparticles trapped between surfaces. (Collaborators: Unilever, IISc). Nanostructure stability: Applying NanoLAB electro-mechanical testing to nanostructures, we find that nanoengineered structures do not follow the behaviour of their macroscale counterparts. Successful developments include advanced structural testing of Si MEMS/NEMS components revealing enhanced flexibility of nanoscale bridges, electrical manipulation of nanocarbons with fabrication of novel nanoporous spheres, and electrical manipulation of nanovolumes of metal enabling a new concept for site-specific joining of electronic components by electrical deposition of nanoscale solder balls. (Collaborators: QinetiQ, HEF R&D, Atomising Systems). 3D Nanotomography: NanoLAB technologies have enabled the development of novel methods of 3D materials manipulation and 3D structural/chemical characterisation using electron tomography including 360º rotation tomography, and tomographic nanofabrication. These methods have benefitted a range of industrial sectors including nanopowder and nanocomposite manufacturers (Ceramisys, Fluidinova, Promethean Particle, QinetiQ NM, eminate ltd, Smith&Nephew). The Project grant has demonstrated the capability and potential of NanoLAB technologies across a wide range of applications, and also carried out investigations at the cutting edge of nanotechnology research to underpin future research programmes. Future exploitation will include the developing fields of nanobatteries/nanoenergy storage and green nanotribology. |
| Exploitation Route | Nanostructured products now exist in many industrial sectors, and the new NanoLAB technologies can be applied to many interdisciplinary fields to determine the real-time functional, structural, chemical and tribological properties of interacting nanoobjects and surfaces. Key industrial beneficiaries (non-exhaustive list) include manufacturers of nanopowders and fibres, wear-resistant surface coatings companies, biomedical materials and implants (eg hip and knee joints), developers of MEMS/NEMS devices, and medical and electronic nanotools. Energy storage/batteries is also a strong growth area, where new nanosized components may offer much higher battery performance, but only if sufficient structural and property stability can be attained over battery lifetime. The design of novel low-friction materials, reducing energy loss, is also an exciting exploitation opportunity where NanoLAB technologies will be able to give unique insights into the friction behaviour of nanocontacts, sliding surfaces and lubricants. Exploitation of the project research has already led to new projects supported by the Technology Strategy Board, the EU and Industry. Future projects will integrate industrial collaborations with the new Centres for Doctoral Training in Energy Storage, and Integrated Tribology, at The University of Sheffield. This will enable the UKs industrial base to gain maximum advantage of the technological developments arising out of the Basic Technology grant whilst training the next generation of UK-based researchers in this field. The young researchers supported by this project have gained invaluable training and expertise during the project lifetime, and have formed strong industrial and research links which will underpin their developing professional careers. The researchers have moved into substantive academic and industrial posts (including Tribological and Electronics industries). |
| Sectors | Construction,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
| Description | The Project grant has demonstrated the capability and potential of the new NanoLAB technologies across a wide range of interdisciplinary applications, and also carried out investigations at the cutting edge of nanotechnology research to underpin future research programmes. Key industrial applications have so far included: The nanoscale dynamics and tribology/wear of nanoscale carbons (Collaborators: HEF R&D, Lyon Univ), wear of engine materials (Collaborators: IISc), degradation of battery materials, fracture of MEMS components (Collaborators: QinetiQ), development of new oral care products (Collaborators: Unilever), analysis of solders (Collaborators: Atomising Systems), and development of new bio nanocomposites (Collaborators:Ceramisys, Fluidinova, Promethean Particle, QinetiQ NM, eminate ltd, Smith&Nephew). Future exploitation will include the developing fields of nanobatteries/nanoenergy storage and green nanotribology. Exploitation of the project research has already led to new projects supported by the EPSRC, the Technology Strategy Board, the EU and Industry. Future projects will integrate industrial collaborations with the new Centres for Doctoral Training in Energy Storage, and Integrated Tribology, at The University of Sheffield. This will enable the UKs industrial base to gain maximum advantage of the technological developments arising out of the Basic Technology grants whilst training the next generation of UK-based researchers in this field. The young researchers supported by this project have gained invaluable training and expertise during the project lifetime, and have formed strong industrial and research links which will underpin their developing professional careers. The researchers have moved into substantive academic and industrial posts (including Tribological and Electronics industries). |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Electronics,Energy,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Control of tribology for oral care |
| Organisation | Unilever |
| Department | Unilever UK R&D Centre Port Sunlight |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Nanocharacterisation of tribology of teeth and novel oral care products. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Development of novel oral care products. |
| Impact | PhD thesis. Currently confidential outputs. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Nanotribology of bearings |
| Organisation | SKF |
| Department | S.K.F. Engineering & Research Services B.V |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Nanocharacterisation of dynamics of tribology and wear of advanced bearing materials |
| Collaborator Contribution | Development of advanced bearings |
| Impact | Disciplines of materials science and chemistry. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Title | Method of forming a deposit |
| Description | A novel method for nanoscale welding is introduced, which enables nanoscale objects to be joined without damage. The methodology uses nanoscale volumes of solder materials, which are deposited in a defined way using nanoelectrical Joule heating. The nanoscale solder deposits form high performance, electrically conducting welds. |
| IP Reference | GB0807096.3 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2008 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | High academic impact. |
| Title | SPECIMEN HOLDER ASSEMBLY |
| Description | A novel nanorobotic manipulation system for specimens in transmission electron microscopy is introduced, which uniquely combines: - piezoelectric manipulation in 5 degrees of freedom, including rotation and translation (coarse/fine) - retractable insertion within the loading profile for standard specimen holders, requiring no modification to the main instrument. - unlimited tilt range for specimens for tomography - ability to operate as a goniometer within a goniometer, rotating two specimens agains each other, bringing two specimens into contact and permitting transfer of materials from one sample to another sample |
| IP Reference | EP20080102641 20080315 ; WO2009GB50253 20090316 ; GB20080004771 20080317 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2008 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | The technology attracted the attention of various leading instrument manufacturers, various demonstrations have been organised, and commercial products in this field are expected in the future. |