Meniscus Controlled Three-Dimensional Nanofabrication

Synthesis of nanostructures is an area of considerable interest within the field of nanotechnology because of their potential applications in nanoscale devices. Numerous synthesis techniques have been developed for large-scale fabrication of nanostructures. However, most of these techniques lack precise control over the placement and shape of the nanostructures. This dissertation describes two novel synthesis techniques based on controlled deposition within a nanoscale liquid meniscus. Metallic as well as non-metallic nanowires with extremely high aspect-ratios and three dimensional nanostructures such as freestanding metallic interconnects can be fabricated by these techniques at desired locations. Continuous fabrication at high speed was also demonstrated by making rolls of nanofibers. The process is similar to writing with a nanoscale 'fountain pen' in three dimensions in a continuous fashion using localized electrodeposition or evaporation phenomena to deposit the materials. The techniques are very simple and cost effective to implement and can be applied to a wide variety of materials. Nanostructures fabricated by these techniques can be used in a multitude of device applications such as conductive probes for sensing and manipulation, 3-D interconnects and templates for nanochannels.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Suryavanshi, Abhijit

Contributors dc:contributor

• Yu, Min-Feng

• Engineering, Mechanical

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3301230

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83900