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Kirk J. Ziegler
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., 2001, University of Texas at Austin
Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization
Integration of nanomaterials into devices
Porous structures
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Faculty Web Page -
Research Details, Publications, Patents, Research Group Opportunities
Brief Description of Current Research
As technology rapidly shrinks toward the nanometer length-scale,
understanding how dimensionality affects materials properties has become
increasingly important. At the nanoscale, electron interactions are restricted
resulting in unique properties that differ from the macroscopic world. Our goal
is to synthesize nanomaterials exhibiting unique properties, understand and
manipulate their properties, and integrate them into critical new inventions and
devices that will affect microelectronics, manufacturing, healthcare,
biotechnology, energy, and materials science.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The random formation of both
metallic and semiconducting SWNTs in all synthesis techniques precludes their
use in many applications. The small differences in the physical properties of
the nanotubes make separating these mixtures difficult. Our group is
investigating multiple approaches to separate the metallic from semiconducting
nanotubes. We are utilizing reactivity differences between metallic and
semiconducting nanotubes as well as diameter dependent reactions to alter the
nanotube properties which can then be exploited by conventional separation
processes.
Nanowires. Nanowires will play a key role in future integrated
circuits as both devices and interconnects. Our group is utilizing multiple
techniques to synthesize these materials including the vapor-liquid-solid and
templated growth processes. Supercritical fluids have been instrumental in the
synthesis of nanowires with uniform diameters. The ability to control the
mass-transfer properties of a supercritical fluid is particularly important for
the nucleation and growth of crystals or the synthesis of nanowire arrays.
Devices. Our group is exploring new device concepts and fabrication
approaches that may enable integration to go far beyond the limits of
conventional microelectronics technology permitting reduced device dimensions
and increased circuit density. The integration of these nanostructures into
integrated circuits, LEDs, thermoelectrics, biosensors, and
nanoelectromechanical systems are being explored. These nanoscale devices could
open up additional and potentially unexpected opportunities for many fields.
Selected Publications
- "Length dependent extraction of single-walled carbon nanotubes", by K.
J. Ziegler, D. J. Schmidt, K. N. Shah, E. L. Flor, R. H. Hauge, and R. E.
Smalley, (to appear, 2005).
- “Developing implantable optical biosensors”, by K. J. Ziegler, Trends in
Biotechnology, (to appear, 2005).
- “Controlled oxidative cutting of single-walled carbon nanotubes”, by K. J.
Ziegler, Z. Gu, H. Peng, E. L. Flor, R. H. Hauge, and R. E. Smalley, Journal
of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 127, pp. 1541-1547 (2005).
- “Bistable nanoelectromechanical devices”, by K. J. Ziegler, D. M. Lyons, J. D.
Holmes, D. Erts, B. Polyakov, H. Olin, E. Olsson, and K. Svensson, Applied
Physics Letters, Vol. 84, pp. 4074-4076 (2004).
- “Conductive films of ordered nanowire arrays”, by K. J. Ziegler, B. Polyakov, J.
S. Kulkarni, T. A. Crowley, K. M. Ryan, M. A. Morris, D. Erts, and J. D. Holmes,
Journal of Materials Chemistry, Vol. 14, pp. 585-589 (2004).
- “Supercritical fluid synthesis of metal and semiconductor nanowires”, by J. D.
Holmes, D. M. Lyons, and K. J. Ziegler, Chemistry-A European Journal,
Vol. 9, pp. 2144-2150 (2003).
- “Synthesis of organically-stabilized copper nanoparticles in supercritical
water”, by K. J. Ziegler , R. C. Doty, K. P. Johnston, and B. A. Korgel,
Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 123, pp. 7797-7803 (2001).
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