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nanotimes News in Brief

11-02/03 :: February / March 2011

Nanomaterial // Carbon Nanotache with 3D Symmetry

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esearchers at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, show the controlled synthesis of

nanomaterials by subjecting pure organic molecu- lar gas to high temperatures and pressures that allow symmetry breaking events to create the dif- ferent carbon nanostructures. Spheres, nanotubes and mirrored spirals can be created under the appro- priate isovolumetric conditions that show the versati- lity of this unique growth system.

Self-organisation of matter is essential for natural pattern formation, chemical synthesis, as well as mo- dern material science. Mechanisms governing natural formation of symmetric patterns have long intrigued scientists and remain central to modern science from attempts to understand spirals and twists of climbing plants to the studies of bacterial macrofibers and DNA. Self-assembly of atoms and molecules is the key to understanding the natural shape formation and is elemental to the production of modern mate- rials, such as silicon, synthetic polymers, and various nano- and microstructures.

Dr Hidetsugu Shiozawa, of the Advanced Tech- nology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey, said: “The work represents a concept to experiment with self-assembly process and demonstrates how morphological symmetry of nano- and microstruc- tures can be controlled. The study of such physical phenomena helps us understand why certain sym-

metry of structure emerges amongst others, and how this is correlated with physical quantities of ther- modynamic equilibrium such as temperature and pressure.”

Professor Ravi Silva FREng, Director of the ATI and co-author, indicated: “The creation of new technolo- gies and businesses are highly dependent on this abi- lity to create designer materials of the highest qua- lity. The UK is renowned for its highly creative and innovative research force, for which this is a prime example. To create a strong manufacturing base, we must back high quality research that has potential to create new markets and novel products such as those enabled by these symmetric carbon nanostructures. It will lead to transformative technologies.”

Hidetsugu Shiozawa, Anne C. Skeldon, David J. B. Lloyd, Vlad Stolojan, David C. Cox, and S. Ravi P. Silva: Spon- taneous Emergence of Long-Range Shape Symmetry, In: NANO Letters, Volume 11(2011), Issue 1, January 12, 2011, Pages 160-163, DOI:10.1021/nl1032793: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/nl1032793

http://www.surrey.ac.uk