Research Interests:

Dr. Englander’s research interests include the controlled synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional nanostructures and particularly chemical synthesis techniques for semiconducting and metal oxide nanowires. Localized, oriented and low temperature synthesis methods are of particular interest. Due to the geometrical likeness of biological nanomaterials (protein nanofibers), recent efforts have begun to study these materials as well. The overall goal is the integration of 1-D nanostructures into higher order systems, composites and eventually devices. To this end, Dr. Englander has focused on developing techniques for the integration and guided self-assembly of these nanostructures into larger scale systems. Nano-to-micro integration techniques utilizing simple MEMS structures to facilitate the integration process are actively pursued. Findings from these assembled systems have fostered an effort focused at developing a better understanding for nano-micro interfaces (abruptly changing geometries) and specifically the study of electrical and thermal transport and mechanical properties. The inorganic–inorganic interface presents a specific set of attributes, while hybrid (bio-inorganic) interfaces present a new set of challenges. MEMS devices have been designed to assist not only in the directed assembly of nano-micro systems but further leveraged in the interrogation of nanoscale and nano-micro interfacial properties. This approach permits the shift from single nanostructure characterization to system-level studies. Current efforts are focused on developing new techniques and adapting existing techniques for the study of nanostructured surfaces and interfaces.