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Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) play an important role in advancing high-precision sensing and high-speed computational applications due to their exceptional sensitivity and reduced size. This thesis explores the dynamic behaviors and vibrational properties of NEMS, focusing on coupled systems of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) membrane and silicon nitride (SiNx) drumhead, and the effects of gas pressure on an MoS2 membrane resonator. Employing finite element simulations alongside theoretical modeling, the study thoroughly analyzes the coupling dynamics between MoS2 and SiNx resonators and investigates the vibrational responses of MoS2 membranes under pressure. Key achievements include the identification of vibrational modes, calculation of coupling constants, and comprehensive understanding of pressurized MoS2 membrane resonator behavior. These insights pave the way for enhancing NEMS applications in sensitive detection and resonant frequency modulation, significantly contributing to the field of nanotechnology and the development of advanced NEMS devices.

Major challenges in maintaining quality and reliability in today’s microelectronics devices come from the ever increasing level of integration in the device fabrication, as well as the high level of current densities that are carried through the microchip during operation. In order to have a framework for design and reliability assessment, it is imperative to develop a predictive capability for the thermal response of micro-electronic components. A computationally efficient and accurate multi-scale transient thermal methodology was developed using a combination of two different approaches: “Progressive Zoom-in” method and “Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD)” technique. The proposed technique has the capability of handling several decades of length scale from tens of millimeter at “package” level to several nanometers at “interconnects” level at a considerably lower computational cost, while maintaining satisfactory accuracy. This ability also applies for time scales from seconds to microseconds corresponding to various transient thermal events. The proposed method also provides the ability to rapidly predict thermal responses under different power input patterns, based on only a few representative detailed simulations, without compromising the desired spatial and temporal resolutions. It is demonstrated that utilizing the proposed model, the computational time is reduced by at least two orders of magnitude at every step of modeling. Additionally, a novel experimental platform was developed to evaluate rapid transient Joule heating in embedded nanoscale metallic films representing buried on-chip interconnects that are not directly accessible. Utilizing the state-of-the-art sub-micron embedded resistance thermometry the effect of rapid transient power input profiles with different amplitudes and frequencies were studied. It is also demonstrated that a spatial resolution of 6 µm and thermal time constant of below 1 µs can be achieved using this technique. Ultimately, the size effects on the thermal and material properties of embedded metallic films were studied. A state-of-the-art technique to extract thermal conductivity of embedded nanoscale interconnects was developed. The proposed structure is the first device that has enabled the conductivity measurement of embedded metallic films on a substrate. It accounts for the effect of the substrate and interface without compromising the sensitivity of the device to the thermal conductivity of the metallic film. Another advantage of the proposed technique is that it can be integrated within the structure and be used for measurements of embedded or buried structures such as nanoscale on chip interconnects, without requiring extensive micro-fabrication. The dependence of the thermal conductivity on temperature was also investigated. The experimentally measured values for thermal conductivity and its dependence on temperature agree well with previous studies on free-standing nanoscale metallic bridges.

This thesis describes a comprehensive study of understanding the mechanism of rigidity sensing by quantitative analysis using submicron pillar array substrates. From mechanobiology perspective, we explore and study molecular pathways involved in rigidity and force sensing at cell-matrix adhesions with regard to cancer, regeneration, and development by quantification methods. In Chapter 2 and 3, we developed fabrication and imaging techniques to enhance the performance of a submicron pillar device in terms of spatial and temporal measurement ability, and we discovered a correlation of rigidity sensing forces and corresponding proteins involved in the early rigidity sensing events. In Chapter 2, we introduced optical effect arising from submicron structure imaging, and we described a technique to identify the correct focal plane of pillar tip by fabricating a substrate with designed-offset pillars. From calibration result, we identified the correct focal plane that was previously overlooked, and verified our findings by other imaging techniques. In Chapter 3, we described several techniques to selectively functionalize elastomeric pillars top and compared these techniques in terms of purposes and fabrication complexity. Techniques introduced in this chapter included direct labeling, such as stamping of fluorescent substances (organic dye, nano-diamond, q-dot) to pillars top, as well as indirect labeling that selectively modify the surface of molds with either metal or fluorescent substances. In Chapter 4, we examined the characteristics of local contractility forces and identified the components formed a sarcomere like contractile unit (CU) that cells use to sense rigidity. CUs were found to be assembled at cell edge, contain myosin II, α-actinin, tropomodulin and tropomyosin (Tm), and resemble sarcomeres in size (~2 μm) and function. Then we performed quantitative analysis of CUs to evaluate rigidity sensing activity over ~8 hours time course and found that density of CUs decrease with time after spreading on stiff substrate. However addition of EGF dramatically increased local contraction activity such that about 30% of the total contractility was in the contraction units. This stimulatory effect was only observed on stiff substrate not on soft. Moreover, we find that in the early interactions of cells with rigid substrates that EGFR activity is needed for normal spreading and the assembly of local contraction units in media lacking serum and any soluble EGF. In Chapter 5, we performed high temporal- and spatial-resolution tracking of contractile forces exerted by cells on sub-micron elastomeric pillars. We found that actomyosin-based sarcomere-like CUs simultaneously moved opposing pillars in net steps of ~2.5 nm, independent of rigidity. What correlated with rigidity was the number of steps taken to reach a force level that activated recruitment of α-actinin to the CUs. When we removed actomyosin restriction by depleting tropomyosin 2.1, we observed larger steps and higher forces that resulted in aberrant rigidity sensing and growth of non-transformed cells on soft matrices. Thus, we conclude that tropomyosin 2.1 acts as a suppressor of growth on soft matrices by supporting proper rigidity sensing.

In today's nanoscale era, scaling down to even smaller feature sizes poses a significant challenge in the device fabrication, the circuit, and the system design and integration. On the other hand, nanoscale technology has also led to novel materials and devices with unique properties. The memristor is one such emergent nanoscale device that exhibits non-linear current-voltage characteristics and has an inherent memory property, i.e., its current state depends on the past. Both the non-linear and the memory property of memristors have the potential to enable solving spatial and temporal pattern recognition tasks in radically different ways from traditional binary transistor-based technology. The goal of this thesis is to explore the use of memristors in a novel computing paradigm called "Reservoir Computing" (RC). RC is a new paradigm that belongs to the class of artificial recurrent neural networks (RNN). However, it architecturally differs from the traditional RNN techniques in that the pre-processor (i.e., the reservoir) is made up of random recurrently connected non-linear elements. Learning is only implemented at the readout (i.e., the output) layer, which reduces the learning complexity significantly. To the best of our knowledge, memristors have never been used as reservoir components. We use pattern recognition and classification tasks as benchmark problems. Real world applications associated with these tasks include process control, speech recognition, and signal processing. We have built a software framework, RCspice (Reservoir Computing Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis), for this purpose. The framework allows to create random memristor networks, to simulate and evaluate them in Ngspice, and to train the readout layer by means of Genetic Algorithms (GA). We have explored reservoir-related parameters, such as the network connectivity and the reservoir size along with the GA parameters. Our results show that we are able to efficiently and robustly classify time-series patterns using memristor-based dynamical reservoirs. This presents an important step towards computing with memristor-based nanoscale systems.

Thesis (M.Sc (Chemistry)) --University of Limpopo, 2013 / Since their discovery in 1991, CNTs have shown extraordinary properties and as result, these materials are being investigated for several different applications. Synthesis and electrochemical application of CNTs for hydrogen storage provide new possibilities for replacement of gasoline use in vehicles due to its cost and negative environmental impact. The study investigated the metal nanoparticles modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes as possible storage material for hydrogen. Herein, carbon nanotubes were successfully synthesized by pyrolysis of iron (II) phthalocyanine under Ar/H2 reducing atmosphere at 900 oC for 30 min. The micro-structural information of the as-prepared carbon nanotubes was examined by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the prepared CNTs were multi-walled with iron particles impurities present on the surface. Synthesized MWCNTs were found to have open tips as shown by TEM images. These materials were purified and functionalized with acid groups as confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). A successful decoration of MWCNTs by Cu, CuO, Fe, Fe2O3, Ni and NiO nanoparticles was confirmed by Scanning electron miscroscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images showed that metal nanoparticles and metal oxides were well dispersed on the surface of the MWCNTs. The chemical composition of the as-prepared MWCNTs was confirmed by XRD (showing the presence of metal impurities and amorphous carbon). Synthesized materials were applied in electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and controlled potential electrolysis. These techniques have shown that modification of glassy carbon bare electrode (GCE) with carbon nanotubes decorated with metal nanoparticles (Cu, Ni and Fe), improves the current density, charge-discharge voltages and discharge capacity for hydrogen storage (in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte). It was shown that MWCNTs exhibit high conductivity, porosity and high surface area for hydrogen storage. The increase in discharge capacity was as follows: GCE < GCE-MWCNT < GCE-MWCNT-M (M = Cu, Ni, Fe and/or metal oxides). This confirmed a successful modification of GCE with MWCNTs and MWCNT-M (M = Cu, Ni, Fe and/or metal oxides). The maximum discharge capacity of 8 nAh/g was obtained by GCE-MWCNTs-Ni electrode, corresponding to an H/C value of 28.32 x 10 It was confirmed that both Ni loading and MWCNTs loading have an impact on the current response, charge-discharge voltages and discharge capacity. A maximum current density and discharge current was reached when a 4wt% nickel was loaded. A decrease in current density and discharge current was observed for nickel loading of higher than 4wt%. Thus suggests a possible decrease in surface area of the adsorbed material on the surface of the electrode for hydrogen storage. As more MWCNTs were added, a decrease in current density was observed. A 2wt% MWCNTs gave higher discharge current and this was possibly due to less hindrance on the surface of the electrode for hydrogen to diffuse. It was shown that calcining the metal nanoparticles result in particles agglomeration, as confirmed by Transmision electron microscopy (TEM). This resulted in a decrease in surface area of the working electrode. A low current response was observed compared to the uncalcined Ni nanoparticles. The highest exchange current density was obtained while using a GCE-MWCNT-Nical as compared to the GCE-MWCNT-Niuncal electrode. The applied discharge current in CPE was also shown to have influence on the discharge capacity. An increase in discharge capacity for the GCE-MWCNT-Ni (2wt% MWCNTs and 4wt% Ni) electrode was observed as more discharge current was applied. A decrease in discharge capacity for hydrogen was observed as more content of the MWCNT-Niuncal nanocomposite are added on the active surface area of the glassy carbon electrode.

M. Tech. Engineering: Chemical / Researches the usability and efficiency of the synthesized PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite as adsorbent in Cr(VI) remediation from contaminated wastewaters.The specific objectives of the study are:to synthesise and characterize the PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite ; to characterize the prepared nanocomposite using several sophisticated instruments such as, SEM, BET, XRD, et cetera ; to carryout batch adsorption equilibrium and kinetics studies for evaluating the performance of the nanosorbent and to gain insight into the underlying adsorption mechanisms.; to apply adsorption equilibrium and kinetic models.; to assess the breakthrough performance of the PPy/Al2O3 nanocomposite for Cr(VI) adsorption by varying operating parameters, in fixed bed column mode and to apply existing mathematical models to predict the performance of fixed bed adsorption systems and to obtain column design parameters.

An experimental study was conducted to explore the possible application of dynamically actuated nanowires to effectively disturb the wall layer in fully developed, turbulent channel flow. Actuated nanowires have the potential to be used for the mixing and filtering of chemicals, enhancing convective heat transfer and reducing drag. The first experimental evidence is presented suggesting it is possible to manipulate and subsequently control turbulent flow structures with active nanowires. An array of rigid, ultra-long (40 μm) TiO2 nanowires was fabricated and installed in the bounding wall of turbulent channel flow then oscillated using an attached piezoelectric actuator. Flow velocity and variance measurements were taken using a single sensor hot-wire with results indicating the nanowire array significantly influenced the flow by increasing the turbulent kinetic energy through the entire wall layer.

The absorption of the sun's radiation and its efficient conversion to useful work by a photovoltaic solar cell is of interest to the community at large. Scientists and engineers are particularly interested in approaches that exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit of photovoltaic solar-energy conversion. The abstract notion of increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells by constructing a three-transition solar cell via an absorber with intermediate levels is well-established. Until now, proposed approaches to realize the three-transition solar cell do not render the efficiency gains that are theorized; therefore, researchers are experimenting to ascertain where the faults lie. In my opinion, it is unclear if the abstract efficiency gains are obtainable. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine whether three-transition absorbers are even incorporated in the existing three-transition solar cell prototypes. I assert that there are material systems derived from the technologically important compound semiconductors and their ternary alloys that more clearly determine the suitability of employing nanostructured absorbers to realize a three-transition solar cell. The author reports on a nanostructured absorber composed of InAs quantum dots completely enveloped in a GaAsSb matrix that is grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The material system, InAs/GaAs$_{0.88}$Sb$_{0.12}$, is identified as an absorber for a three transition solar cell. This material system will more easily determine the suitability of employing nanostructured absorbers because its quantum-dot heterojunctions have negligible valence-band discontinuities, which abate the difficulty of interpreting optical experimental results. A key tool used to identify the GaAs$_{1-x}$Sb$_{x}$ ($xapprox 0.12$) is a maximum-power iso-efficiency contour plot. This contour plot is only obtainable by first having analyzed the impact of both finite intermediate-band width and spectral selectivity on the optimized detailed-balance conversion efficiencies of the three-transition solar cell. Obtaining the contour plot is facilitated by employing a rapid and precise method to calculate particle flux (Appendix~ ef{ch:Rapid-Precise}). The author largely determines the electronic structure of the InAs/GaAs$_{1-x}$Sb$_{x}$ ($xapprox 0.12$) absorber that is grown by molecular beam epitaxy from optical experimental methods and in particular, from photoluminescent spectroscopy. The interpretation of the experimental photoluminescent spectrum is facilitated by having first studied the theoretical photoluminescent spectra of idealized three-transition absorbers.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.