Astrid Díaz

Pablo González

Mentor: Dr. Otaño

UPR Cayey

RISE Program

Background Information:

• The prefix “nano” derives from the Greek word for “dwarf.”

• It is the study of objects belonging to the nano-scale.

▫ (10ˉ⁹)

• The idea was first brought up in 1959.

Scanning Electron Microscope:

• Uses a beam of electrons to create an image.

• Voltage affects the resolution.

• If the surface gets charged, a bad image will be obtained.

http://www.purdue.edu/rem/rs/graphics/sem3.gif

http://www.che.vt.edu/Wilkes/electrospinning/Slide1.JPG

Research Question:

• Can aluminum oxide shells be created utilizing electrospinning and sputtering techniques?

Objectives:

• To create Aluminum nanoshells using Polyethylene Oxide fibers (PEO) made with the electrospinning and sputtering techniques.

What is Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) ?

• Biocompatible

• Used to make nanofibers.

• Weight of 900,000 kilodaltons.

The substrates:

• Oxidized Silicate- Smooth surface.

• Quartz- Crystalline structure.

Electrospinning Technique

http://www.che.vt.edu/Wilkes/electrospinning/Slide1.JPG

Methodology

1. The first step in the project was to make PEO fibers.

Methodology

2. Electrospinning technique was performed.

▫ Silicate substrates.

Oxidized Silicate Quartz Electrospinning Machine

Methodology

3. SEM microscope was used.

Fibers on the substrates

PEO on Oxidized Silicate

PEO on Quartz

Methodology

4. Magnetron Sputtering Deposition (MSD)

▫ The time of deposition was 14 min with 37 sec.

Aluminum

Fiber

Methodology:

5. Fibers were heated at 5oo˚C for 2hrs.

6. Images with SEM.

Aluminum shells on Quartz

Aluminum shells on Oxidized Silicate

Results:

• The shells were created successfully in both substrates.

Future uses for the nanoshells:

• The shells created could be utilized as: ▫ chemical sensors

▫ biochips

▫ for the development of new biomedical devices

References:• Panda J., Parveen S., Sahoo. The present and future of nanotechnology in

human health care. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine.2007 Vol.3 Issue 1 Page 30-31. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S154996340600342X

• Nahar R.K. Study of the performance degradation of thin film aluminum oxide sensor at high humidity.Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical.2000 Vol.63 Issue 1-2. Pages 49-54.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925400599005110

• Lakhtakia A., Barllet R.V., Murphy P., Munshi D. Nanotechnology, Society, and Environment. Comprehensive Nanoscience and Technology.2010. Volume 5. Pages 443-476.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123743961001458

• Chronakis I., Frenot A. Polymer nanofibers assembled by electrospinning. April 8, 2003.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359029403000049

Aknowledgments

• Dr. Otaño

• Bryan Velez

• Sheydanis Díaz

• Dr. Nelson Granda

• RISE

Any Questions ?