Program Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Nanoscale Characterization

• Overview of the importance of nanoscale materials in modern technology and research.
• Principles of characterization: how understanding materials at the nanoscale drives innovation.
• Key applications: electronics, materials science, biotechnology, and energy systems.

Module 2: Microscopy Techniques

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Imaging, resolution, and sample preparation.
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Advanced imaging techniques for atomic-level resolution.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Characterizing surface properties, roughness, and mechanical properties.
• Case studies: How these microscopy techniques contribute to advancements in materials science.

Module 3: Spectroscopy and X-ray Techniques

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD): Identifying crystalline structures and materials' phase information.
• Raman Spectroscopy: Characterizing molecular vibrations and chemical bonding at the nanoscale.
• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS): Investigating elemental composition and chemical states.
• Applications: How these techniques are used in material characterization, from nanoparticles to thin films.

Module 4: Nanomaterial Synthesis and Fabrication

• Methods for fabricating nanoscale materials: chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processes, and electrochemical techniques.
• Manipulating properties of materials: size, shape, and composition at the nanoscale.
• Application of fabricated nanomaterials in nanodevices, sensors, and medical applications.

Module 5: Nanomanipulation Techniques

• Principles of manipulating nanomaterials: tips and techniques for positioning and assembling nanoscale materials.
• Techniques like nanowelding, nanografting, and nanopatterning.
• Applications: Nanomanipulation in nanofabrication, drug delivery, and the creation of nanoscale devices.

Module 6: Nanomechanics and Mechanical Testing at the Nanoscale

• Principles of nanomechanics: measuring mechanical properties of nanomaterials.
• Methods for assessing the strength, elasticity, and other mechanical properties at the nanoscale.
• Applications in material design for nanostructures used in electronics and biomedical devices.

Module 7: Nanotoxicology and Environmental Considerations

• Understanding the environmental and biological impact of nanomaterials.
• Techniques for assessing the toxicity and biocompatibility of nanomaterials in living organisms.
• Ethical, health, and safety considerations in nanotechnology research and product development.

Module 8: Advanced Topics and Future Directions in Nanoscale Characterization

• Emerging tools and techniques in nanomaterials characterization and manipulation.
• Future challenges and opportunities in nanotechnology research and applications.
• Integrating nanomaterial characterization and manipulation into real-world applications like nanomedicine and energy systems.

Final Project

• Design a nanoscale material for a specific application (e.g., nanodevices, sensors, drug delivery systems).
• Apply characterization techniques to assess the material's properties and performance.
• Example projects: Development of a nanoscale biosensor or the creation of a nanostructure for energy storage applications.