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Research in the Mechanosynthesis Group focuses on synthesis, properties, and applications of nanostructures and nanomaterials. Our work encompasses fundamental studies of synthesis and structure, development of novel material and device applications, and creation of machines and processes for scalable and precise nanomanufacturing. Many of our current projects utilize carbon nanotubes, which are long molecular structures having exceptional mechanical stiffness and strength, high electrical and thermal conductivities, and unique chemical and optical functionalities.
Nanostructures are building blocks for many important technological advances, including high-performance solar cells and batteries, new methods of diagnosing and treating disease, next-generation computer processors and memory, and lightweight composite materials. Public awareness and understanding of the widespread benefits, implications, and potential risks of nanotechnology will be essential for its commercial success. To this end, we also seek to communicate our work to broad audiences through our nanobliss gallery of small-scale visualizations; through our blog; and through frequent courses, workshops, and presentations at conferences spanning across disciplines of science, engineering, architecture, and art.
We aim to foster a highly creative, energetic, and focused research environment. We utilize skills and insights from many disciplines, and we apply these tools to build elegant solutions to our research questions.
The Mechanosynthesis Group is led by Prof. John Hart.
October 2009: John Hart will receive the 2010 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, recognizing exceptional contributions and accomplishments in the manufacturing industry.
September 2009: Jinjing Li, Megan Roberts, and Aaron Schmidt join the Mechanosynthesis Group - people
May 2009: John Hart will receive the 2009 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal, recognizing outstanding achievement within ten years of the baccalaureate degree.
March 2009: Erik Polsen is awarded a prestigious NDSEG Felllowship!
March 2009: Anne Juggernauth joins the Mechanosynthesis Group - people
January 2009: Mostafa Bedewy returns from Egypt to begin his Ph.D. ...welcome back! - people
Nanomanufacturing course notes and lecture videos - see teaching section
Segment on carbon nanotubes in BBC Documentary "Visions of the Future", featuring John Hart - clip on youtube (start at 2:20) - BBC series page
Overview of carbon nanotube manufacturing and applications, presented at NSTI Nanotech, May 2007 - view slides