VINSE Colloquium Series: “Manufacturing and applications of carbon nanotube surfaces” Dr. John Hart; MIT 2/26/16
February 26, 2016.
John Hart
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mitsui Career Development
Professor in Contemporary Technology
“Manufacturing and applications of carbon nanotube surfaces”
4:10 PM, 5326 Stevenson Center
Refreshments served at 3:45
Abstract: For more than two decades, widespread research has been devoted to the synthesis, characterization, and integration of carbon nanotube (CNTs), leading to commercial applications including thin-film electrodes, filtration membranes, and enhanced composites. Although CNTs no longer populate the headlines of nanotechnology, unprecedented potential remains for the use of highly organized CNTs as the building blocks for advanced surfaces, interfaces, and fibers. In our work, advanced metrology of the population-based nature of aligned CNT growth has enabled protocols for highly consistent CNT forest synthesis, along with the development of lab-scale automation and benchtop roll-to-roll CVD systems. To leverage the scalable nature of CNT synthesis as a platform for surface engineering, we have invented a strain-engineered technique for shaping CNTs into freeform three-dimensional microstructures. Conformal coating of the CNTs enables wide-range tuning of structural mechanics from those of resilient foams to high-strength solids. These combined capabilities have enabled us to engineer CNT microstructures as stamps for high-resolution flexoprinting, and as surfaces with unique biomimetic wetting behavior.
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John Hart is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mitsui Career Development Chair at MIT. Prior to joining the MIT faculty in 2013 he was Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Art/Design, at the University of Michigan. He has Ph.D. (2006) and S.M. (2002) degrees from MIT, and a B.S.E. (2000) degree from Michigan, all in Mechanical Engineering. At MIT, John leads the Mechanosynthesis Group (http://mechanosynthesis.mit.edu), which creates new machines, materials, and design principles for advanced manufacturing.