Functional Interfaces at the Nanoscale
EMSL Project ID
24801
Abstract
A large number of mission areas of the US. DOE demand functional materials that will meet the operational requirements of targeted applications. Indeed, innovative solutions to pressing national mission area issues can only be achieved through the realization of multifunctional materials. To achieve these solutions, increased attention must be directed toward the design and fabrication of tailored interfaces that include chemically and structurally modified thin film structures, and spatially textured nanomaterials. Of key interest here are materials functionalities that promote selective analyte preconcentration, separation, and sensing, enhanced signal or energy transduction, and interfacially-driven catalysis, to name just a few.For example, new methods of chemical, biological, and radiochemical analysis that are highly selective in challenging sample matrixes are required for programs focused on environmental remediation and national security. Furthermore, such analyses often must be carried out at remote sites or in situ, and if laboratory methods are allowable, such methods must be highly automated or provide high throughput (or both). Traditionally, the required performance is achieved by invoking manual laboratory sample preparation procedures and subsequent analysis using high-resolution separation and detection instrumentation. Where these methods are inapplicable, new approaches must be developed, such as preconcentrators for environmental sampling and separation, new sensors, automated fluidic assays, and automated process monitors. Generally, replacement of traditional high-resolution laboratory methods requires that new materials be designed and developed that utilize specific interfacial structures to scale from the level of molecular interactions to nano- and microscale material forms.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2007-06-15
End Date
2008-09-07
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members