This article was originally published on 13/07/2020 and has been updated to reflect the latest industry research.
Nanotechnology represents a new frontier in research and development (R&D) across a broad spectrum of human endeavours, from bulk materials to advanced thin films and substrate surfaces. Though concerned with the minuscule, the scope of nanotechnology is undeniably vast. While much of the truly exciting nanoscience research remains in developmental stages, numerous nanotechnology innovations have already transitioned from research to practical implementation and commercialization across diverse fields, including medicine, biotechnology, electronics, materials science, and environmental remediation.
Understanding Nanoscale Engineering
Consider graphene: A monomolecular allotrope of carbon that was first isolated from graphite via physical exfoliation over a decade ago. Since then, graphene has transitioned from being a purely academic marvel to a commercially viable material, finding applications in flexible electronics, composites, and energy storage solutions. Recent advancements have focused on overcoming challenges related to large-scale production and integration into existing technologies. Though remarkable as the first atomically thick substance ever engineered, media hyperbole regarding next-generation applications of graphene initially outpaced its practical use, but recent advancements are steadily enabling wider commercialization. Yet, although graphene has been successfully functionalised, the realm of nanotechnology still has a fair way to go before the likes of magnetic medicine and quantum computing become our new reality.
One of the few functional successes of nanoscience to date is the thin film. Though there is no singular definition of thickness that constitutes a thin film, they typically deal with coatings that are no thicker than a few micrometres (μm). Manufacturers are increasingly able to deposit precise thin coatings of just a few nanometres (nm) due to improvements in thin film deposition processes, deposition process sophistication, and quality. This advanced method of surface engineering has proven essential to the ongoing ingenuity of manufacturers and researchers in a range of fields.
How are Thin Film Surfaces Engineered?
Select coating processes, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), have pushed the boundaries of thin-film nanotechnology by enabling the production of conformal films with tight control of both composition and thickness at the atomic range, involving precise manipulation of atoms and molecules. By selectively and sequentially introducing precursor gases into an ALD vacuum chamber, complex substrates are exposed to individual gas phases in a series of alternating cycles. Gas molecules precipitate on the target surface in a self-limiting manner, which means reactions cease as soon as all reaction sites are occupied. Theoretically, this yields a precisely uniform, extremely thin coating of precipitate which acts as the new reaction surface for subsequent gas phase molecules.
ALD is envisaged as one of the greatest processes for electronic device miniaturization, next-level integrated circuit (IC) density, and novel energy storage systems. Recent innovations in ALD have also extended its applicability to a wide range of fields such as catalysts, biomedical devices, and renewable energy systems, highlighting breakthroughs that support scaling beyond microelectronics and emphasize its versatility for broader nanotechnological applications. However, it is not a singular process and is instead used as an umbrella term to encompass a broad framework of systems that operate on these basic surface engineering principles, including molecular beam epitaxy, which is used to create thin films with unique properties and applications.
Nanomaterials in Cutting-Edge Thin Films
Yet, even as our chemical surface engineering efforts continue to push towards the atomic scale, research at the nano-, micro- and even macroscales are continuing to pay dividends in terms of nanotechnological progress, contributing to applications including energy efficiency, wear resistance, and sustainability. There is also an increasing emphasis on sustainable materials and environmentally friendly nanofabrication methods to ensure that advancements in nanotechnology align with global sustainability goals, addressing both efficiency and the responsible management of potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials.
Vacuum-rated crystal growth furnaces are increasingly used to develop high-purity semiconducting alloys such as gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, or zinc oxide, all of which are critical contenders for high bandgap multijunction photovoltaics – also known as tandem solar cells. These thin films are deposited using a variety of sophisticated deposition processes to ensure the desired mechanical and optical properties. These are generated epitaxially, much like conventional silicon, but offer dramatically improved quantum efficiency and performance.
We are also beginning to see the increased application of nanocrystals in the form of quantum dots (QDs); electro- and photoluminescent materials that are mainly used in display applications due to their outstanding spectral characteristics, unique properties, and optical properties. Beyond displays, quantum dots are also finding applications in solar cells, contributing to improved energy efficiency, and are being explored for biomedical imaging and drug delivery, thanks to their unique optical and size-dependent properties. Beyond displays, QDs are being explored for use in solar cells, offering the potential for improved energy efficiency, as well as in biomedical imaging and drug delivery due to their unique optical properties. Materials like QDs are expected to form part of the backbone of the display and lighting market in the coming years, even as scientists continue to explore novel uses of synthesised nanocrystals such as energy generation and nanomedicine.
Carefully engineered micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based on thin films on the order of micrometres are similarly pushing the technological letter in the field of telecommunications, as ultrafast 5G networks continue to roll out across the world. MEMS are also poised to be critical components in the future development of more advanced 6G infrastructure, playing a foundational role in IoT connectivity and next-generation telecommunications systems. These systems utilize thin films with solid-state characteristics to enhance performance and reliability in a wide range of applications. MEMS are also playing a critical role in the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling advanced sensor networks and communication systems. Looking ahead, MEMS are expected to contribute significantly to the potential rollout of 6G infrastructure.
Surface Engineering of Thin Film Materials
At Hiden Analytical, we develop and deliver high-performance quadrupole mass spectrometry solutions for a broad range of application areas, including, real-time gas analysis, vacuum process monitoring, plasma ion and radical analysis and thin film surface analysis at the nanometre scale, encompassing thin film applications, mechanical properties, and substrate surface interactions. Our mass spectrometry tools provide an understanding of the processes involved in nano-material science enabling the next generation of discovery. Our experience with nanoscience and technology is unprecedented, as we routinely offer systems for quality assurance and control (QA/QC), gas analysis, vacuum diagnostics, and much more. If you have any questions about our mass spectrometry systems for nanotechnology applications, simply contact a member of the team today.
