A multi-partner collaborative effort has focused on understanding semiconductor-oxide interfaces. This involves atomic layer precision in synthesis of the structures, correlating the structure and electronic properties using first principles, and obtaining subatomic resolution of structures from synchrotron x-ray diffraction a the Advanced Photon Source (Argonne National Laboratory) and electr
Transition metal oxides exhibit many properties that can be harnessed in novel devices. For example, an epitaxial ferroelectric on silicon enables a nonvolatile transistor that remembers its state without continuous power consumption. A critical question is how the oxide/silicon interface affects the oxide functionality.
The vivid, angle-dependent structural colors of some butterfly wing-scales are produced by light scattering from complex three-dimensional nanoscale structures.
Optical properties of nanomaterials are at the basis of a host of new technology and prototypes, including sensors, computing devices, and enhancing substrates for spectroscopy, yet fundamental understanding on how to tune such properties is just emerging.
When a negatively charged, high molecular weight polymer (hyaluronic acid) is mixed with a positively charged peptide-based, self-assembling molecule, a membrane is instantaneously formed at the interface of the two solutions. These closed membranes (sacs) have a complex hierarchical structure which presents a unique challenge in quantifying its mechanical properties.
Molecular semiconductors are important materials for technology applications, such as solar cells. Current research focuses on how to organize molecules at interfaces for more efficient energy conversion. Maryland MRSEC researchers
Hydrogels undergo volume changes when immersed in water, the degree of which is det
The dipole orientation in ferroelectrics, such as LiNbO3 and BaTiO3, can be controlled via application of an electric field and this can in turn affect surface properties. In this project we have shown for b
We have designed and fabricated simple artificial protein scaffolds (we call them maquettes) that can transfer catalytic functions familiar in Nature into materi
