Nanoclusters in Action - Nov 2017

Nanocluster Beam Deposition (NBD) characterizes a class of gas phase synthesis methods for producing multifunctional clusters and nanoparticles (NPs) from individual atoms or molecules. It is well suited to become the standard approach for the fabrication of nanocluster-based devices and functional nanomaterials. The synthesis process starts by the nucleation of sub-nanometric clusters in an inert-gas atmosphere, followed by cluster coagulation, coalescence, and growth. After formation, clusters are deposited on suitable substrates, or integrated into functional devices.

With the Nanoclusters in Action mini symposium, we aspire to:

1. Host an advanced research and learning symposium focused on cutting edge, important and exciting research dealing with the applications of nanoclusters in nano-electronics, biosensing, nano-catalysis, gas sensing, etc.

2. Have in-depth discussions on the utilization of state-of-the-art NBD technology (different approaches for scaling-up the technology) in research, and share information on new breakthroughs in nanocluster implementation for particular applications.

3. Promote and stimulate collaboration in nanotechnology between OIST and World leaders in nanocluster technology in areas that have great impact on global environmental and technological problems.

The topics covered by the symposium are focused on the application of NPs in the Nanotechnology and Biomedical fields, which includes:

  1. Scale-up of cluster production: Focus on the different approaches for scaling-up the technology and increasing the yield.
  2. Applications in environmental sensors: Focus on the utilization of nanoclusters for gas sensing applications, pollution monitoring, etc.
  3. Applications in nano-devices: Application of randomly deposited nanoclusters for miniaturized electronic device fabrication, with emphasis on lifetime stability.
  4. Applications in heterogeneous catalysis: Focus on the application of nanoclusters in electro-catalysis, photocatalysis, energy storage, etc.
  5. Applications in biomedical systems:  Applications of the nanoclusters in the biomedical field such as biosensors, smart coating, composites, and brain probes.