SEM (very cool), Lecture, Current Research and Wrinkling

The day started off with Dian, one of the PhD candidates, showed us how to use the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In the morning, we went to one of the microscopy rooms. This room held the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Dian first showed us around the room. She then started setting up the sample to be coated with gold. Samples must be coated with either gold or platinum so that they conduct electrons and so the SEM doesn't destroy it during the analysis. The sample is set up on a metal base and carbon tape. This way the sample is set up to conduct during its use on the SEM.

Once coated, the sample is ready to be placed in the SEM (pictures of the sputter coater are in Sabra's pictures link Dian placed the sample in the SEM and we were able to see the sample and zoom in on it to see the nanotubes.

Dian showed us how to use the SEM and then each one of us had a chance to use it on a new part of the sample. Dian is trying to determine the thickness of the nanotubes and the roughness the exterior.


After working with the SEM, we went to another lecture by Dr. T. Hashimoto. In this lecture, he talked about how carbon black affects polymerization. The research was using the same scattering techniques that he talked about yesterday. And that is about all I really understood. :-) Just a bit over my head on these discussions. After that, it was time for the Friday Talks/Lunch. The talks were given by two PhD candidates and it was about their current research.

Chris talked about his work in photovoltaic cells (solar cells) but using organic substances. Since its organic, it would make the cells much less expensive which is one of the problems with solar cells. Since they are nanostructures, it may make them more efficient which is another problem for solar cells. Andrew talked his attempts of getting polymers to self heal. Just like when we cut ourselves, our skin repairs itself. The group Andrew is in is trying to figure a set up where polymers can repair themselves. There are quite a few ideas on how polymers could do this.

In the afternoon, we set up more slides. One for X-ray analysis and the others for wrinkling practice. We need quite a bit of practice doing this; it is very precise work. Practice makes perfect.