The Fabrication of Devices with Functional Nanomaterials

Abstract

Historically, the discovery of materials and the development of their processing methods have enabled the creation of better devices. Indeed, the advancement of nanoscience has enabled the synthesis of various nanomaterials that can be tailored to serve as the functional components of a device. This dissertation explores the processing and assembling of various nanomaterials to fabricate novel devices that capture their unique properties. First, the microfabrication of biosensing arrays that could enable a rapid diagnosis of complex diseases is considered. Second, the additive manufacturing of active electronic devices with nanomaterials on and within a three dimensional construct is developed. Third, a study of the deposition of functional nanomaterials in a confined construct via convective self-assembly is proposed. Lastly, a method to characterize the drying induced stress during the deposition of colloidal nanomaterials is studied. In general, these results suggest the synergistic integration of functional nanomaterials with the understanding of complex fluids to fabricate novel devices with a diverse range of potential applications.