Find out more about subscribing to add all events.
Nanotechnology offers a full palette of tools for solving engineering problems. Nobel metal nanoparticles stand out in this toolkit for being as multifunctional as a Swiss army knife. They exhibit strong interaction with light (plasmon resonance), catalytic behaviour and even anti-microbial properties. The first challenge concerning their use in microsystems is to control their manipulation. In this talk I will introduce the use of lithographic nanocomposites, where the metallic nanoparticles are synthesized “in-situ” in a patternable polymer thanks to a synergistic reaction. A maximal resolution of 120 nm has been achieved while nanofabricating with these materials. Next, I will speak about their use as optical sensors. By exploiting their localized surface plasmon resonance, the nanoparticles can be used for colorimetric sensing. With this technique it has been possible to detect important organic molecules, not only in low dilution but even in vapour. I will go on to speak about the added value that metallic nanoparticles can bring in the field of additive manufacturing. Finally, I will resume the use of biomimetic strategies to speed up the nanoparticle synthesis, such as the use of plant extracts, which constitutes the core of the EPSRC project PhotobioformII (Marc Desmulliez and Jose Marques-Hueso)
Jose Marques-Hueso is a Research Fellow in the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems at Heriot-Watt University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Valencia (Spain) and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz (Germany), and received his MSc in Physics from the former institution. He went on to obtain a Post-Graduate Certificate in Photonics and completed his PhD in Applied Physics in the Optoelectronic Materials and Devices Group. He has worked on the development of active and passive micro-structured devices and new nanocomposite materials, focusing mainly on microfabrication processes. In 2011, he joined Heriot Watt University as a Research Associate to develop photon-managing technologies and optical conversion materials for third-generation solar cells. In 2014, he joined the ISSS to work on the implementation of nanotechnology concepts in the field of biomimetic additive manufacturing. His interests are micro/nanofabrication, micro-devices (optoelectronic, sensors and actuators), optical conversion technologies and biomimetic additive manufacturing.