Nanomaterial Ink Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory
Recent infrastructure award from the Department of Energy and State of Idaho have allowed Dr. Estrada to purchase a suite of instruments for nanomaterials ink/fluid development. This suite of instruments includes tools for creating nanoparticles and 2D nanoflakes using top-down physical methods, which complement the bottom-up wet chemical nanoparticle synthesis capabilities of the ANML. The addition of a density gradient former/fractionator and an ultracentrifuge further amplify monodisperse nanoparticle ink synthesis capabilities. A suite of characterization tools allows for particle size analysis through dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermophysical properties characterization through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A state-of-the-art tensiometer also allows for characterization of solid-fluid interactions, e.g. wettability and surface tension. A suite of rheometers allow for tuning fluid properties to specific requirements for aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, microsdispense printing, screen printing, electrohydrodynamic jet printing, and plasma jet printing.
Access this facility
Interested users and collaborators may contact Prof. David Estrada to learn about accessing equipment and/or requesting samples.