Virus-enabled synthesis and 2D/3D assembly of nanowire networks

Dense networks of high aspect ratio nanowires can provide important functionality to electronic devices through a unique combination of electronic and structural properties including high conductivity, high surface area, and tunable porosity. In this thesis, we explore the virus-enabled synthesis and two/three-dimensional assembly of metallic and semiconducting nanowire networks for future applications including batteries and solar cells. In Chapter 2, we describe the virus-enabled synthesis of titanium oxide nanowires and their incorporation in layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte assemblies for use in dye sensitized solar cells. In Chapter 3, we describe a two-dimensional network of virus-templated cobalt oxide nanowires integrated into ultrathin microbatteries via soft lithography. In Chapter 4, we describe a three-dimensional porous virus-only aerogel network and demonstrate a virus-assembled metal nanowire network for use in batteries. Finally, in Chapter 5, the mechanical properties of various virus assembled three-dimensional structures are measured and compared. We hereby expand the virus assembly toolkit and demonstrate the versatility of bioengineered materials templates.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Liau, Forrest (Forrest W.)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Angela M. Belcher.

• Materials Science and Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/92064

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/92064