1. Nanoscale Science and Engineering

2. Nanoscale Science and Engineering embodies fundamental research and technology development of materials, structures, devices, processes, and systems where at least one physical dimension is on the length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometers. At these length scales many new phenomena arise due to quantum size effects and the dominant role played by interfaces. This is a current area of strength and a future area of growth at Purdue. In the department of Chemical Engineering there are 11 faculty involved with federally funded research programs in the area. Within the department, most of the research may be divided into three subsections: (1) Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures, (2) Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes, and (3) Devices and Nanotechnology.

3. Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Structures Traditionally, small structures and patterns are created from the top- down by techniques such as lithography. However, increasingly chemical and biological routes are being discovered to assemble nanoscale structures from the bottom-up by exploiting the robust process of self- assembly.

4. The resulting materials may be nanoscale structures such as monodisperse nanoclusters or extended self-organized nanostructured materials. New materials and structures with novel properties emerge on a weekly basis as this field rapidly evolves and provides the foundation for many of the most exciting developments in nanotechnology.

5. This is an active area of research in the department, and some of the efforts directed towards synthesizing novel nanomaterials are listed below: Metallic nanoclusters Nanostructured catalysts Langmuir-Blodgett films Nanoparticle synthesis Nanoporous and nanostructured thin films Computer-aided design of nanoporous materials Nanostructured polymers

6. Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes The goal of research in this area focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of phenomena observed in nanoscale materials and the processes needed to engineer these phenomena into technology. Critical in this effort is an understanding of the synthesis of nanomaterials.

7. Interfacial phenomena play a dominant role in the assembly processes since the ratio of surface atoms to interior atoms in nanoscale materials is much larger than traditional materials. As a result, the faculty’s expertise in interfacial phenomena has led to many new advances in our understanding of the formation of nanomaterials. Once synthesized, nanomaterials display many new phenomena that enable the development of new processes and systems.

8. For instance, the transport properties of a material may be altered significantly when the material is patterned on the nanometer length scale and may result in unique electron, ion, and mass transport properties. For example, the mass transport properties of nanoporous materials may change abruptly when the pore diameter becomes comparable to the size of molecules in the system. In addition to transport properties, novel catalytic properties and molecular recognition events are being studied to develop a fundamental understanding of nanoscale phenomena.

9. Devices and Nanotechnology As our understanding of nanoscale phenomena and our ability to rationally synthesize nanomaterials evolves, the challenge for researchers is to apply this understanding along with our creativity to invent, develop, and engineer novel devices. Departmental research in this area has led to many breakthroughs and patents and involves novel types of sensors, cancer treatments, and the promise of cleaner cheaper energy.

10. Purdue Nanotechnology Initiative In addition to these departmental strengths, Chemical Engineering faculty are playing an instrumental role in a university wide nanotechnology initiative that includes the construction of the Birck Nanotechnology Center (BNC). The BNC is an interdisciplinary research center at Purdue University that will be housed in a $54 million state-of-the-art building to be constructed in Discovery Park on the western portion of campus.

11. This building will be one of the most advanced facilities in the world, with specialized laboratories for nanoscale chemistry, physics, and biology; semiconductor-grade cleanrooms; and office space for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students from various disciplines across campus. Construction is now beginning and the building is due to open in spring 2005. Research by Purdue faculty in this area is funded by a National Nanotechnology Initiative that is supported by over 16 federal agencies including the National Science Foundation.