(5al) Electrodeposited Nanowires for Sensing, Energy Conversion, and Logic Devices

One-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures, such as nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs), are attractive materials for electronics because of their potential for device miniaturization and unique properties which arise from size dependent quantum confinement effects. These building blocks of nanotechnology can be further complexed with axial and radial interfaces, for segmented, multilayered and core/shell structures. However, to fully exploit these higher level configurations, nanomaterials must be engineered for specific properties and interfacial characteristics that give rise to enhanced functionalities for communications, data storage, logic operations, sensing, and energy conversion. This ardent task requires a fundamental understanding of the synthesis approach on the structure-property relationship as well as size dependent effects. Yet the true values of these physical properties are not always accurately measured at this level, as many can only be assessed by interrogation of individual nanostructures. Additionally, the commercialization of nanowire-based devices has been severely stunted by stunted by controllable integration, including contact and alignment, into existing technologies.

During my time at UCR I have employed various electrochemical techniques to synthesize a barrage of nanostructures for sensing, spintronic and thermoelectric application. The bulk of my work focused on conjugated polymers and the development of hybrid organic/inorganic nanowires. To describe fundamental characteristics of these materials we have developed methodologies for isolating single nanowires and characterizing their true magneto and electron transport properties to distinguish interfacial and size effects. Rational assembly of such nanoentities is however, a continuing challenge in the field. To this end, the inherent magnetic and electric properties of these materials were utilized for aligning single nanowires and electrical contact has also been explored with annealing, lithography, electron beam lithography (e-beam), and focused ion beam (FIB).