Hybrid Cleanroom for Nanotechnology

Research and Education

University of Puerto Rico at Humacao

Support: Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO)

Dr. Josee Vedrine, Dr. Luis G. Rosa and Dr. Rogerio Furlan

This project has as main objectives: implement a cleanroom class 100,000 for micro- and nanotechnology research, training, and education; establish an infrastructure to improve research in nanotechnology at the University level; increase research programs in micro-nanotechnology; increase the number of collaborations and consultations with local industry that demand technical expertise and research tools in product, production, and fabrication techniques; implement a capstone semester in micro-nanotechnology training and education; and develop a two-year associate degree program in nanotechnology.

The research areas encompass the capability to direct-write and pattern polymeric materials with interesting electronic and electro-optical properties at the nanoscale; the control of interface dipoles to obtain an asymmetric “switchable” tunnel barrier for tunnel junction devices using organic ferroelectrics; self-assembled diblock copolymer systems for nanolithography; in air fabrication of p-n diodes using electrospun nanoribbons, and nanofibers for low power consumption diodes and sensors fabrication; and the electrospining of isolated camphor sulfonic acid-doped polyaniline nanofiber gas sensors.