Material Nanotechnology

1. Material Synthesis and nanofabrication:

This lab can give an insight into the different synthetic routes of nanomaterials. Different types of nanomaterials (metal nanostructures, metal oxides, 2D materials, and polymer composites) can be prepared.

2. Material characterization:

The material characterization area offers a variety of techniques for studying the crystal structure, chemical, and optical properties, etc. related to materials applicable in nanomedicine, energy, and semiconductor devices etc.

3. Thermal characterization:

This lab is used for thermal analysis and measures the properties of the nanomaterial as function of temperature or time over a wide temperature range.

4. Electrical and electrochemical characterizations/battery testing:

This lab provides fabrication of electrode materials, battery assembly, and electrochemical testing of battery cells. The equipment of the laboratory allows for a variety of electrical and electrochemical characterization for investigation of cell components and cell properties of next-generation batteries.

5. Magnetic hyperthermia:

This lab enables the localized heating of magnetic nanoparticles (for example iron oxide, cobalt oxide) via the application of time varying magnetic fields, a process known as magnetic hyperthermia. In medicine, this type of temperature elevation has certain advantages which enables localized and selective killing of cells.

1. Material synthesis

This will introduce trainees to the most common synthetic procedures to obtain nanomaterials and understand the advantages and drawbacks of different synthetic procedures. This includes handling with hands on training through various synthesis of metal, metal oxides nanoparticles, 2D materials, and polymer composites. Get exposed to the commonly used synthesis methods which includes chemical synthesis routes, microwave digestion system, and milling.

2. Laboratory Instrumentation and Equipment training

Provides theoretical and hands-on training to enable independent use. Training is offered to all AU students, staff, and external collaborators.

Helps get the information of the designed nanomaterials that can be obtained from each of the most common characterization techniques:

Structural studies:  Software and user training for XRD.

Molecular Spectroscopy: Software and user training for FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy.

Optical characterization: Software and user training for UV/Vis spectroscopy.

Thermal characterization: Software and user training for TGA and DSC.

3. Fabrication of electrode materials, Battery assembly, and electrochemical testing

Get hands on experience on battery research.  This includes fabrication of battery electrodes, assembly of a battery cell, and studying the cell properties. Software and user training for electrochemical characterization systems: 8-channel battery analyzer and potentiostat.

4. Semiconductor testing system

This offers training on the characterization system for analyzing various kind of semiconductor devices.

5. Magnetic hyperthermia

An understanding of induction heating system. Give an insight on how subjecting magnetic nanoparticles to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) induces heat and its application in nanomedicine.