Interfacial Phenomena in NanoStructured Materials and Devices
Interfaces often play the determining role in macroscopic behaviors of biological systems, devices or complex material systems. Interfaces mediate mass and energy transfer as well as establish the form and strength of the chemical potential gradient between two materials. Thus, they ultimately control not only the performance of the system, but in most cases the ultimate failure point. Due to the refined spatial dimensions of nanostructures, where the interfacial area per mass can exceed 500 m2/g, their characteristics are even more influential in controlling (and subsequently predicting) the behavior of materials and devices comprised of nanostructures. Moreover, new functionalities can be achieved by careful engineering at the interfaces.
The objective of this workshop is to bring together leading experts from diverse fields, including soft matter, self assembly, nanomaterial synthesis, and nanoscale device design. The topics for discussion include the commonality, the challenges and the opportunities afforded by (1) developing more precise modification approaches, (2) establishing refined characterization tools for, and (3) theoretical understanding of, the structure and dynamics of interfaces in nanostructured materials and associated devices.
The goals of the workshop are:
1. To provide a multi-disciplinary forum to discuss the underlying principles that govern modification, characterization and performance impact of interfaces in organic-inorganic nanostructured materials and devices.
2. To identify future directions for investigation in these materials, such as control of structure and function of nanoparticle surfaces, necessary theoretical constructs to understand electrical and optical response of the interface, and the impact of interfacial modification on devices.
3. To encourage new collaborations and strengthen on-going collaborations between experimental and/or theoretical programs and between universities and national laboratories.
Format
The format of the workshop is designed to maximize discussion, facilitate the exchange of information, and encourage the development of new research directions. The schedule will consist of morning and evening sessions consisting of 45-minute presentation and 15-min discussion or 60-minute discussion on selective topics, followed by free afternoons and informal evening discussion periods. Each participant will highlight the central themes and the critical challenges of their research area(s). This format will allow intensive discussion of each presentation, as well as for broader topical discussions.