Materials Science and Engineering: Nanotechnology


One of our students using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) during a class.

One of the most interesting things about nanotechnology is that the properties of many materials change when the size scale of their dimensions approaches nanometers. Materials scientists work to understand those property changes and utilize them in the processing and manufacture of materials at the nanoscale. The field of materials science covers the discovery, characterization, properties, and end-use of nanoscale materials.

Most other engineering majors work with nanotechnology, but materials science and engineering is at the heart of it across all disciplines. For those who are passionate about nanotechnology, MSE is place to be for the most research, coursework, and experience in nanotechnology. Our department also administers the Clark School's Interdisciplinary Minor Program in Nanoscale Science and Technology, a program open to any student majoring in Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.

How is MSE@UMD Working with Nanotechnology?

Volumes So Small, a Drop of Water is a Lake: Members of the undergraduate Class of 2008 studied the behavior of fluids at the nanoliter level, and proposed a "micro-mixer" design that could enhance the performance of lab technologies used in chemical engineering, biology, bioengineering, DNA analysis, and pharmacology. More »
Tiny, Threat-Detecting Lasers: MSE professor Aris Christou "grows" lasers at the mico- and nano-scale that are used as sensors detect biological threats. More »
How Do You Test a Device You Can't See? MSE professor John Cumings and his research group have developed a new electron microscopy technique that will allow scientists to test nanoscale devices in real-time while they are observed in a transmission electron microscope. More »
"Growing" Computer Components: Professor Ray Phaneuf has developed a template nature can follow to produce "self-assembling" structures. The template causes atoms to be arranged in a defined pattern that can serve a variety of purposes—a semiconductor in a laptop, a component in a cell phone or a sensor in a wearable device. More »

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nanotube

This is a carbon nanotube, just a bit over 1 nanometer in width (100 nanometers is 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair). Nanotubes are up to 100 times stronger than steel at only 1/6 the weight. They have a thermal conductivity near that of diamonds, and an electrical conductivity that can exceed that of copper. Inside this nanotube are "buckyballs", spherical carbon molecules. This combination has the potential to be used to create nanomechanical structures.

nanowire model

Professor Oded Rabin's research group is modeling the efficiency with which a nanowire can convert heat into electrical energy.

nano-storage

Professor Gary Rubloff's research group is designing nano-sized structures capable of storing solar or wind energy 10x more efficiently than what is currently available.