Nanotechnology studio coach

"Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture" studio by Dr. Ryan Wartena 9/29/10 Day 7 of the NuVu NANOGA studio was focused on the first cycle experiments of growth of copper crystal structures on fundamental geometric shapes. The NANOGA carefully took notes on the preparation of their copper electrodes and resulting geometries and on the preparation of the copper sulfate electrolyte solution. We collectively wired the electrochemical cells and prepared the power supplies. The NANOGA learned how to use a digital multimeter to measure Voltage and current and calculate power. Understandings of the relationships between current flows and relative spacings of electrode geometries were discussed and understood. The Voltage space was explored and an upper-limit was discovered and discussed. Electrodeposition of copper dendritic architectures was successful on a number of electrode sets and it was noticed that the growth locations were correlated with the relative proximity of the two electrodes, electrolysis time and amount of copper source material on the electrode being dissolved. Tomorrow, we will critically discuss the factors resulting growth, and as in the optimization through cyclic repetition, we will apply lessons learned to new electrode geometric sets and operation parameters to further direct our intentional growth and crystallization.