This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 03-043, category NIRT.
Intellectual Merit: The proposal aims at studying a range of electronic devices that integrate ordered arrays of functional molecules onto nanopatterned surfaces, which present unique applications and truly underpin the development of nanotechnology. Ferroelectric materials are characterized by a spontaneous, reversible polarization. The presence of a large polarization implies that one can achieve unique surfaces with a controllable combination of surface charge, surface potential, and surface dipole, which can be exploited in patterning and nanoassembly. The fact that the polarization is reversible implies that surface patterns can be written with these features. Here, it is proposed to use scanned probe techniques to create such patterns in ferroelectrics with nanoscale resolution, and use these patterns as templates to drive a variety of self-assembly processes. Central to our understanding of how patterned surfaces can be used as supports and atomically precise templates is resolving how surface properties dictate monolayer growth, crystallinity, and functionality. The first steps towards creating functional nanoscale structures involve grasping how to exploit chemical and physical interactions at the molecular level and determine the degree of correlation between surface properties and single molecule or aggregate interactions. These issues of coherent organization or self-assembly of surface bound molecules impact a broad range of physical phenomena from single molecule device design to heterogeneous catalysis to functional opto-electronic materials. This NIRT will support four interrelated tasks, which range from patterning and control of the ferroelectric surface to exploring the fundamental science of molecular attachment and the specifics of two novel molecular patterned surface structures including liquid crystalline molecules and molecular rotators. Broader Impact: The program has an integrated educational and outreach program that begins with the six graduate students, four undergraduate students, and one post-doc working directly on the research projects. The research will impact newly developed graduate courses, and we are proposing to initiate a new series of interdisciplinary short courses. In addition, the PIs will develop and integrate hands-on nanotechnology modules from the NIRT into UG chemistry and physics courses through the SCALE-UP approach. This will also involve existing REU site programs in Chemistry and Physics. An AFM will be purchased in support of the undergraduate education initiatives. The program will link into another innovative NSF-initiated program (Technology Entrepreneurship and Education) to evaluate and develop commercialization activities based upon the research of this NIRT.
