UPCOMING EVENTS

Seminars and workshops to look out for!

Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute

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CORPORATE NEWS

Institute ofMaterials Researchand Engineering

www.imre.a-star.edu.sg

RESEARCH AWARDS OUTREACHPEOPLE

Recognition for young inventors

New scalable process for molecular electronics

Research, Development and CommercialisationMCI (P) 144/03/2013 • ISSN 0219-1830 JULY 2013

CORPORATE NEWS

IMRE nanoimprint and 3D on-the-go technology

New chemistry and materials workshop

Profile - Dr Wong Chia Woan

IMRE nanoimprint and 3D on-the-go technology IMRE and Temasek Polytechnic (TP) have developed a new nanoimprint-basedscreen protector that turns the ordinary screens of handheld devices into 3D displays. The new technology is marketed by Singapore start-up, Nanoveu Pte Ltd. The unique plastic film can also potentially be used as next generation security tokensemployed by banks and corporations.

Mobile device users now have

access to unprecedented,

distortion-free, brilliant 3D content,

thanks to a simple plastic filter. The

latest innovation from TP and IMRE

is the first ever glasses-free 3D

accessory that can display content

in both portrait and landscape

mode, and measures less than 0.1

mm in thickness. Nanoveu Pte Ltd

has licensed the technology from

A*STAR’s Exploit Technologies and

TP, and has begun marketing the

technology as EyeFly3D.

Not only is the nanoimprint-based

EyeFly3D technology thinner, it is also

more transparent than most other

existing 3D filters in the market. This

allows it to be used as a screen guard

as it does not adversely affect the

quality of normal 2D screen resolution.

“To turn an ordinary piece of plastic

into EyeFly3D, we worked with TP to

engineer about half a million perfectly

shaped lenses on the plastic’s

surface using IMRE’s proprietary

nanoimprinting technology,” said

Dr Loke Yee Chong, the IMRE

scientist who is currently heading the

nanoimprinting R&D for the project.

“Our breakthrough is a game-

changing piece of plastic that simply

fits onto current smartphones or

tablets to give users breathtaking

3D graphics on their smart devices.

This removable plastic also opens

up a multitude of opportunities for

anyone wanting to create affordable

premium 3D content and games for

quick adoption to existing portable

devices easily,” said Nanoveu Pte Ltd

Founder and CEO, Mr Alfred Chong.

“The success of this project is typical

of what IMRE aims to do - innovate

and turn science into an exciting

business opportunity. I’m glad this

has given us products that make life

just a little bit more fun,” said Prof

Andy Hor, Executive Director of IMRE.

A software development kit that

enables game developers to convert

their existing games into 3D versions

is currently in the works. The team is

also looking at using the technology

to develop inexpensive and less bulky

security access tokens to decode PIN

numbers sent online by banks to

verify transactions.

For more information on the

technology, please contact

Dr Loke Yee Chong lokeyc@imre.a-star.edu.sg

Licensing agreement being concluded by A*STAR, Temasek Polytechnic and Nanoveu to market the EyeFly3D film. Standing (L-R) Prof Andy Hor (Executive Director, A*STAR IMRE); Dr Raj Thampuran (Managing Director, A*STAR). Seated (L-R) Mrs Lay-Tan Siok Lie (Deputy Principal, Temasek Polytechnic); Mr Alfred Chong (CEO, Nanoveu Pte Ltd); Mr Philip Lim (CEO, A*STAR ETPL).

How does EyeFly3D work?

Fast facts about 15 ACC

• The uniform array of miniature ‘lenses’ created on the surface of the plastic helps diffract light to create a glasses-free 3D viewing experience.

• To complement the filter, software applications for the Apple iOS and Android platforms developed by TP allow users to play 3D content through the filter, in both landscape and portrait formats.

The 15th Asian Chemical Congress (15 ACC) is making its way back

to Singapore after a hiatus of more than two decades. Inaugurated in Singapore in 1985, 15 ACC will see renowned speakers, including three Chemistry Nobel Laureates, illustrating the relevance and value of chemistry in modern science and technology. The biennial event will be organised by the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (SNIC) in partnership with local universities and A*STAR institutes, including the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences and IMRE. The event is

15 ACC affiliated events:

Editors Forum @ 15 ACC - Take this unique opportunity to meet up with and learn from Editors of well-known journals like Nature Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie, and Journal of The American Chemical Society, among others.

1st Asian Chemistry Research Fair (ACRF) - The event is a premier education initiative that targets junior college and secondary school level students, and gives them the opportunity to present their research projects in the setting of an international research conference, the 15 ACC.

4th Asia America Chemical Symposium (A2CS) on Advanced Materials - The ongoing symposium series aims to cement the collaboration between the FACS and the American Chemical Society (ACS) and will focus on Advanced Materials research for applications, primarily in the energy and biology sectors.

Singapore-France Merlion Workshop - The event is to strengthen bilateral research ties by developing new partnerships between Singapore and France.

Top chemistry conference returns to Singapore

hosted by the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS), which comprises 28 chemical societies from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity! Learn more or register online at www.15acc.org.

the year 2012 with the A*STAR The Outstanding Publication (TOP) award, which was accepted by Prof Andy Hor, on behalf of IMRE.

• 3 Nobel Laureates,• 24 Pioneers from Asia,• 51 Asian Rising Stars,• 24 Keynote Lectures,• 42 Thematic Sessions,• 3 Special Workshops.

Prof Andy Hor (right), IMRE’s Executive Director, receiving the TOP award from A*STAR’s Chairman, Mr Lim Chuan Poh (left).

At the annual A*STAR Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the A*STAR Workplan Seminar 2013, IMRE’s Dr Wong Chia Woan and Dr Karen Chong were awarded the STAR Employee and Most Inspiring Mentor award, respectively. The STAR Employee award for Dr Wong is A*STAR’s highest honour for any individual who personifies A*STAR’s core values. The Most Inspiring Mentor award recognised Dr Chong’s outstanding efforts in nurturing other scientists, scholars and students. IMRE was also recognised for its high-quality research publications for

Source: Nanoveu Pte Ltd

The best in A*STAR

Institute ofMaterials Researchand Engineering

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Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research

PEOPLECORPORATE NEWS

New Staff at IMREIMRE welcomes its newest batch of scientists, engineers, technicians and corporate staff.

(Front row, left to right) Shi Zugui; Shen Qing Hao, Wilson; Enrique Kwan Huang; Chen Chao; Li Xue; Mohit Sharma; Li Gongqiang.(Back row, left to right) He Tao; Toa Zi Siang Desmond; Wang Shengqin; Zhou Bo; Ang Yuen Siang; Hans-Peter de Hoog;Thirumaleshwara Bhat; Tan Khai Seng.

What does Research Administration entail?

I see Research Administration as a function which establishes and administers systems and processes to support the R&D activities as well as record the R&D output of an institution. This function encompasses the administration of R&D activities, which covers resource allocation, R&D plans, documentation of R&D output such as intellectual properties, and technical deliverables.

How do you think Research Administration helps advance the R&D productivity in IMRE?

Research Administration in IMRE was formed in 2001 to consolidate the administration of projects and management of intellectual properties (e.g. technology disclosures, patents and publications) under one department. With the increase in the number of researchers and R&D activities over the years, the department designed and developed several database systems to enhance efficiency as

Profile – Dr Wong Chia WoanA pioneer who streamlined the administration of research data, output and

strategies, IMRE’s Dr Wong Chia Woan was recently conferred the STAR Employee

award, A*STAR’s top annual award which is given to staff who best personify the

organisation’s core values.

well as to provide more organised data on IMRE’s R&D activities and IP portfolio for management and researchers. We have created systems that link information from multiple sources such as R&D projects, achievements in intellectual properties, and resources allocation. We have developed systems and processes to ensure proper documentation of R&D activities, output, deliverables, and clearance for critical processes. We try to provide value-added roles such as compiling regular statistics to summarise R&D output and achievements to aid in performance reviews and R&D planning. We analyse patent portfolios in various technology areas and perform technology benchmarking to better exploit our IP portfolio. We have also shared our systems, design of databases and experiences with our counterparts from other research institutes.

What are some of the challenges in managing IMRE’s Research Administration?

Research Administration is the key coordination point

Dr Wong Chia Woan Researchers do also need to understand the importance of compliance to policies and systems which the organisation is built on.

between research and general administration. As a research entity, the requirements for our R&D activities and of our researchers form the core of our operations. However, researchers do also need to understand the importance of compliance to policies and systems which the organisation is built on (e.g. research agreements, handling of intellectual properties, proper documentation of R&D, resources management, etc). Establishing the various databases and systems has not been easy but it is an effort that has been proven essential. We will continue to improve on these and we hope the systems we have put in place provide an organised and efficient structure that can help researchers to achieve greater heights. Success is a journey. Not a destination.

This new system will save companies time, money and labour as the innovative sensor is safer, more accurate and quicker at data collection,

Singapore’s Hoestar PD Technology Pte Ltd and IMRE have developed a wireless piezoelectric sensor system that tracks vibrations and stresses affecting the ‘health’ of machinery such as motors, pumps and generators. The technology increases productivity by saving time, reducing manual checking and offering precision at detecting defects via its automated remote monitoring.

The technology gives users real-

time updates on the physical

integrity of the machine and acts

as an early warning system to alert

users about impending machine

failures. Data on deteriorating

equipment ‘health’ allow factories

and businesses to plan for a timely

replacement of crucial components

before they fail completely,

thereby minimising costly delays in

production.

The system couples Hoestar’s

expertise in diagnosing machine

health with IMRE’s know-how in

piezoelectric and sensor research.

The sensor was specifically

customised to Hoestar’s need for

an extremely miniature millimeter-

sized sensing element that could be

integrated with wireless technology.

“Our piezoelectric sensors are highly

miniaturised or can be formed into

a coating layer to make installation

easy and allow the sensors to be

built directly onto the machines

for real-time as well as more

accurate readings,” said Dr Yao

Kui, the scientist who heads IMRE’s

piezoelectric sensors research team

that was able to develop a sensor

prototype with Hoestar in just

over a year. “We were also able to

integrate wireless technology on the

same device to do away with wired

connections so that the sensors

remain inconspicuous and can be

A sensor doctor that diagnoses ‘stressed’ machines

Dr Yao Kui k-yao@imre.a-star.edu.sg.

conveniently applied to the moving

parts of a machine.”

“This new system will save

companies time, money and labour

as the innovative sensor is safer,

more accurate and quicker at data

collection,” said Mr Leong Weng

Hoe, Managing Director for Hoestar,

adding that home-grown wireless

piezoelectric sensor technology

with remote monitoring functions

is new to Singapore. “We are very

excited about the collaboration and

have high expectations that the

new technology will lead to new

products for Hoestar, which will

substantially raise our competitive

edge.”

For more information on the

technology, please contact

The new sensors help monitor the vibrations and stresses that affect machinery.

- Mr Leong Weng Hoe, Managing Director, Hoestar

Our New Learned Colleagues

PhD; 73%Masters / Bachelors; 27%

Where They Studied

Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute

Institute ofMaterials Researchand Engineering

of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research

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RESEARCH

New scalable process for molecular electronics: An alternative to harmful organic solvents used in thin film fabrication Sreenivasa Reddy Puniredd, Sundaramurthy Jayaraman, Sai Hooi Yeong, Cedric Troadec, and M. P. Srinivasan, “Stable Organic Monolayers on Oxide-Free Silicon/Germanium in a Supercritical Medium: A New Route to Molecular Electronics”, J. Phys. Chem.Lett., 2013, 4, 1397−1403.

Patterning of carbon nanotubes and graphene using nanoimprint technology • Karen S.L. Chong, Maxim V. Kiryukhin, Andrew M.H. Ng; “Large area patterning

of single-wall carbon nanotubes by nanoimprint technology” Thin Solid Films, 2012, 526, 252–255.

• Yeong-Yuh Lee, Karen S.L. Chong, Seok-Hong Goh, Andrew M.H. Ng, and Madanagopal V. Kunnavakkam; “Scalable nanoimprint patterning of thin graphitic oxide sheets and in situ reduction”; J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B, 2011, 29, 011023.

What: The presence of even a small amount of oxide acts as a dielectric which induces trap states at the SiO

2/Si interface and is detrimental

to the electronic properties of devices. IMRE and NUS researchers have developed a process on oxide-free Si and Ge surfaces that has been passivated and modified with organic molecules by forming covalent bonds between the surfaces and reactive end groups of linear alkanes and aromatic species using single-step deposition in supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO

2).

What: IMRE scientists have used nanoimprint technology as a potentially easier and large scale method to pattern carbon-based materials (CNTs and graphene). Nanoimprinting is an efficient method that can selectively pattern arrays of CNTs or graphene on substrates. These patterns can be customised to accommodate different feature sizes, from the micron range to the nanometer regime, and does not affect the characteristics of the materials. The research group had demonstrated simple light-emitting diode (LED) circuits using CNT line gratings as the conductive medium and also the patterning of graphene oxide.

How: In the published works, the researchers used nanoimprint technology in combination with a layer-by-layer deposition technique, and a lift-off process to pattern the CNT films and also graphene oxide into 2 μm and 250 nm gratings over a 1 x 2 cm area. The team had demonstrated intricate control over the density of both materials. In

Dr Sreenivasa Reddy Puniredd p u n i r e d d s @ i m r e . a-star.edu.sg

Dr Cedric Troadeccedric-t@imre.a-star.edu.sg

Dr Karen Chongkaren-chong@imre. a-star.edu.sg

How: The process is suitable for large-scale m a n u f a c t u r i n g due to short processing times, simplicity, and high resistance to oxidation. Ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) spectra performed on the organic monolayer grown using the SCCO

2

process on oxide-free silicon capped by a thin gold layer

reveals, for the first time, a three-fold increase in transmission of the ballistic current through the interface of a control device. IMRE and NUS are the first ones to use the SCCO

2

approach on oxide-free silicon to graft molecules.

Why: The IMRE-NUS process is highly scalable due to its short processing time. The cost of raw materials is also lowered as the process only requires a few micro to milliliters as opposed to conventional solution processing. Our new SCCO

2

process, which mainly uses available

particular for the CNT work, they successfully tuned the transparency and resistivity of the CNT film. These processes were then used to create a simple circuit where current flowed through 2 μm wide CNT lines to power an LED. The resistivity of the lines were

found to be 6.6×10-3 Ω cm.

Why: Carbon-based materials research has the potential to revolutionise the field of electronics. CNTs and graphene in particular show remarkable properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, large tensile strength and are readily tunable. Because fabrication is in the nanometer regime, layers of CNTs or graphene can be made optically transparent.

For more information about the research, please contact

CO2, can potentially replace some

billions of pounds of harmful organic solvents used every year in thin film fabrication and cleaning applications. Typical solution processing methods use different setups for various monolayers attached to the surface but our process uses the same reaction and setup conditions as well as a simple single-step reaction for different monolayers.

For more information about the publication, please contact

Publication HighlightsHave a look at some highlighted IMRE publications.

...new SCCO2 process, which mainly uses available CO2, can potentially replace some billions of pounds of harmful organic solvents used every year...

Representative Ballistic Electron Emission Spectra for Au/ OTS/n-Si(111) diodes grown by SCCO2 and conventional processes(red open square and blue open dots respectively) and a control diode of Au/n-Si(111) with the same metal thickness (black square). Inset: schematic of the Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy set-up.

LED circuit powered by CNTs patterned via nanoimprint.

One-step process to make new highly tunable hollow carbon nanoparticles Zheng-Chun Yang, Yu Zhang, Jun-Hua Kong, Siew Yee Wong, Xu Li, and John Wang; “Hollow Carbon Nanoparticles of Tunable Size and Wall Thickness by Hydrothermal

Treatment of α-Cyclodextrin Templated by F127 Block Copolymers”; Chem. Mater., 2013, 25, 704–710.

What: IMRE and NUS researchers have developed a new fabrication process where the size and morphology of hollow carbon nanoparticles (NPs) can be controlled. The produced hollow carbon nanoparticles exhibit excellent hydrophilic behaviour. Compared to conventional methods, the team’s technique is novel as it uses a simple one-step process to tune the morphology of the NPs, such as surface area, carbon wall porosity and thickness, and hollow pore size. The new materials could be applied to energy storage (e.g. Li-ion battery, supercapacitor, fuel cell etc), water treatment, and biomedicine.

How: The new hollow carbon NPs of controllable size and morphology were made via a hydrothermal treatment of α-cyclodextrin in the presence of Pluronic F127 as a soft template. The size and wall thicknesses of the nanoparticles are customised by adjusting the ratio

Dr Li Xu x-li@imre.a-star.edu.sg

of α-cyclodextrin to F127. A particular feature of the new nanoparticle is that after pyrolysis at 900 °C in argon gas, the nanoparticles exhibited a meso-/microporous carbon wall with specific surface area of >400 m2/g and a high specific charge capacity of >450 mAh/g.

Why: Because of its high charge capacity, the new hollow carbon nanoparticles could be applied as anodes in lithium ion batteries to make batteries last longer. Typically, the theoretical capacity calculated for the graphite material, which is currently used in such batteries is, 372 mAh/g. The new NPs produced by IMRE have higher charge capacities and better cycle stability. Such hollow carbon NPs could also be used for other application such as supercapacitors or in catalysis.

For more information about the publication, please contact

The new materials could be applied to energy storage, water treatment, and biomedicine.

Transmission electron microscope image of the hollow carbon nanoparticles with tunable size and wall thickness.

Carbon-based materials research has the potential to revolutionise the field of electronics.

Bioinspired Materials Laboratory

This cross-disciplinary research

laboratory aims to employ nature’s

molecular tools with synthetic

biomolecular design principles

to create new bio-inspired

material platforms, with a focus

on deciphering the molecular

building blocks of living organisms

on which to engineer the next

generation of functional materials

for a wide range of applications,

using environmentally friendly

means of synthesis. For more

information about the R&D in this

laboratory please contact

New laboratories for advanced materials R&D

Dr Tan Yen Nee tanyn@imre.a-star.edu.sg

Dr Joel Yang (Plasmonics) y angkw j @ i mre . a-star.edu.sg

Dr Chan Yin Thai (Nanoheterostructures) chanyt@imre.a-star.edu.sg

Dr Chin Jia Min chinjm@imre.a-star.edu.sg

Porous Materials Laboratory

The laboratory aims to build a platform for collaborative work via a world-class research laboratory in porous materials for Singapore. The team focuses on the areas of Metal-Organic Frameworks, porous polymer films and dry matter/liquid marbles. Through the combination of self-assembly and top-down fabrication, the formation of novel hybrid materials is being explored. For more information about the R&D in this laboratory please contact

Plasmonics and Nanohetero-structures Laboratory

Nanoplasmonics enables the mediation of light between the macro-world and nanostructures. Colloidal Semiconductor Nano-heterostructures (CSN) are nano-structures capable of processing light due to its material proper-ties and quantum size confine-ment. This laboratory explores the integration of nanoplasmon-ics with CSNs to produce novel, and higher-performance devices than currently available. For more information about the R&D in this laboratory please contact

Porous films by self-assembly.

Learning from nature to create bioinspired materials for mankind.

High-resolution colour printing at 100,000 dpi using plasmonic nanostructures.

Institute ofMaterials Researchand Engineering

Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) • A*STAR • Singapore • Institute of Materials

Page 04

AWARDS OUTREACH

New chemistry and materials

10 May 13

IMRE and the Department of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry at NTU jointly organised a workshop to foster stronger collaboration and promote research on new materials development, with a focus on soft matter, molecular and luminescent materials. “From the workshop we have identified a number of collaborative efforts with NTU that focus on development

Visits and Events

Prof Andy Hor, IMRE’s Executive Director giving the opening address for the event (left). Participants at the workshop seminars (right).

Benefitting the elderly - IMRE spin-off, Sofshell Pte Ltd, was one of the winners at the 1st Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, walking away with the

Recognition for young inventors - NUS and Cambridge-trained Dr Loh Xian Jun was awarded a Commendation at the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award 2013 for his work on fast response biodegradable shape memory

TUM-SNIC Industry Award in Chemistry Education 2013 - Dr Karen Chong won the

award for her contribution to

Special Recognition Award for “Use of Technology” in the 4th Ageing Asia Investment Forum 2013. The forum brings together the world’s best aged care and

polymers. Developed in IMRE, this material has the ability to change its shape in response to stimuli such as heat but can also revert to its original ‘memorised’ shape after deformation and within a very short time. To date, no other shape

scientific outreach, in particular

chemistry outreach and chemistry

education. The award was jointly

presented by the Singapore

SSEF - IMRE supervised junior college students were among the winners at this year’s Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) competition. The awards the students won included two golds, three bronzes

healthcare operators. The results of the award were announced on 16 April 13 during the gala dinner of the event.

memory material responds as fast as this material. The technology is currently being explored for personal care and biomedical applications, such as drug eluting stents, responsive cosmetics and shape changing wraps.

National Institute of Chemistry

and TUM (Technical University of

Munich) Asia.

and two merit awards. The junior college students worked on a variety of projects that dealt with research on metamaterials, membranes and organic solar cells.

Mentoring the next generation

of new functional nanomaterials and complex nanostructures for applications in areas like catalysis, biomedicine and optoelectronic devices. Discussions are on-going and we look forward to working with NTU soon,” said Dr Leong Wei Lin, the IMRE scientist who helped organise the event. The event was attended by more than 60 participants.

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Diary of upcoming events @ IMRE

UPCOMING EVENTS

To find out more about IMRE’s seminars and events, please visit www.imre.a-star.edu.sg/eventsall.php

19-21 July 13X-periment 2013

20-23 August 1315th Asian Chemical Congress (ACC) @ Singapore www.15acc.org

20 August 131st Asian Chemistry Research Fair (ACRF-1) in conjunction with the 15 ACCwww.15acc.org

14-16 January 144th M3 @ Singapore