Department of Materials Science & Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT6720
Module Title: Nanostructures,
Nanopatterning and Nanomechanics
Module Convenor: Dr G Moebus
Module Links: MAT6721, MAT6700
Credits: 15
Semester: 2
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This course introduces nanostructures (free-standing nanoobjects or assemblies of these, or
nanopores in porous materials), and methods of nanopatterning and nanocharacterisation
(nanometrology, nanomechanical testing). There is particular emphasis on non-carbonbased nanotubes, composite nanotubes, nanowires and belts. Also considered are 3-D
framework nanostructures, including zeolitic nanoporous and mesoporous materials, and
opal and inverse opal structures, and composite nanomaterials generated from these porous
materials. The nanopatterning methods introduced concentrate on focused ion beam and,
focused electron beam technology. Mechanical imprint methods are also covered.
Mechanical Properties on the Nanoscale are introduced along with instrumentation for its
measurement.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
 Demonstrate the ability to reproduce a more advanced classification of low-dimensional
objects;
 Demonstrate knowledge of types of nanoobjects from basic to more complex and rarer
objects;
 Demonstrate an understanding of how the existence of unusual nanoobjects can be
linked to their applications in nanoengineering;
 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of methods for influencing nanostructures by
top-down patterning approaches.
 Demonstrate an understanding of how mechanical performance is important for lifetime
assessment of e.g. MEMS.
Assessment:
Essay: 50%
Oral Presentation: 25%
Problem Sheets: 25%
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology, Bharat Bhushan (ed.), Springer, Heidelberg, 1st ed
2004.
Library holdings: Sheffield
The Chemistry of Nanostructured Materials, Peidong Yang (ed.), World Scientific,
Singapore, 1st ed 2003. Library holdings: Sheffield
Ordered Porous Nanostructures and Applications, Ralf B. Wehrspohn, Springer, New York,
2005.
Library holdings: Sheffield
Carbon Nanotubes, Science and Applications, M Meyyappan, CRC Press, Boca Raton,
2005.
Library holdings: Leeds
Introduction to Focused Ion Beams, L.A. Giannuzzi et al., Springer, New York, 2005.
Library holdings: Sheffield
Piezoelectric Actuators and Ultrasonic Motors, Kenji Uchino, Kluwer, Boston, 1997.
Library holdings: Sheffield
Scanning Probe Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Roland Wiesendanger, Cambridge
University Press, 1994. Library holdings: Leeds |