Manufacturing with Nanoparticle Sprays and Beams

Technologies that integrate the synthesis of nanoparticles and their controlled deposition onto surfaces will likely play an important role in the development of nanoparticle-based manufacturing. This NIRT project involves an integrated program of research and education that will lead to a fundamental toolkit for manufacturing with nanoparticle sprays and focused beams, illustrated in Figure 1. Nanoparticle sprays, in tandem with a high-rate nanoparticle synthesis process, can be used to coat relatively large areas with nanoparticles. Focused nanoparticle beams, in concert with standard microfabrication techniques, can be used to deposit lines or patterns, or to build three-dimensional objects, made out of nanoparticles.