Scanning probe microscopy of nanostructure directed process and mechanisms at surfaces

Nano-structuring of materials allows for the development of novel physical properties due to changes in electronic structure, unusual interactions with the environment due to molecular confinement effects in nanopores and the ability to direct processes and mechanisms in desired directions by combining these effects. In this project we will use soft templating to create metal nanostructures which will be deployed in sensing, catalysis and bio-medical fields. Key techniques involved include electrochemistry, self-assembly, quartz crystal microbalance, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopies and lab and synchrotron based x-ray spectroscopies.