Materials Nanotechnology Research Articles

Tailoring Ga‐Doped ZnO Thin Film Properties for Enhanced Optoelectric Device Performance: Argon Flow Rate Modulation and Dynamic Sputtering Geometry Analysis

The impact of dynamic sputtering geometry on the properties of ZnO: Ga (GZO) thin film nanomaterials is investigated by systematically varying Ar flow rates and substrate positions during the film growth. The structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of GZO layers, deposited from a ZnO: Ga (5.7 wt%) ceramic‐type sputtering target, are comprehensively evaluated to reveal the relationship between the sputtering geometry and material properties. The obtained electrical properties, comparatively high carrier mobility 11.3 × 101 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the lowest resistivity 1.13 × 10−3 Ω‐cm, together with a moderately high optoelectric figure of merit with the films prepared using around 6 sccm Ar‐flow rate (corresponding to around 4.92 mTorr Ar partial pressure) reveal distinct correlations between the sputtering conditions and thin film properties, providing insights into the optimization of sputtering parameters for tailored material synthesis required for advanced and emerging applications. The GZO thin film (prepared with the optimal setting of 6 sccm Ar flow rate) exhibits remarkable optoelectronic capabilities as a transport layer in solar cells, reaching peak efficiencies of 26.34% for CIGS, 14.142% for CdTe, and 24.289% for Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite in SCAPS‐1D simulated models. This study advances sputtering techniques for precise engineering of functional nanomaterials with enhanced performance and versatility, contributing to material synthesis optimization for emerging applications.

Eco Breakthroughs: Sustainable Materials Transforming the Future of Our Planet

Interest in the sustainable materials sector is growing and accelerated. These materials are designed to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and be recyclable or biodegradable, making them highly attractive to both academia and industry. Constantly updating on innovations in this field is essential to speed up the transition to a circular economy and significantly reduce environmental impact. The paper analyzes the current status and future trends of the scientific literature for seven sustainability-related materials categories, such as sustainable materials, green materials, biomaterials, eco-friendly materials, alternative materials, material recycling and material recovery from complex products, and sustainable applied materials. Next, it assesses the impacts, benefits, and challenges associated with sustainable materials from the scientific literature according to six research fields (impact on the environment, performance and durability, economic efficiency, health and safety, social sustainability, and implementation and use). Furthermore, the paper outlines recent advances in sustainable material design, including biomimicry, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and sustainable composite materials. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of 545 studies on sustainable materials published between 1999 and 2023 was conducted based on eight criteria, namely trend, source, author, country, keywords, thematic, co-citation, and content. The findings show that the sustainability-related materials categories have a particular distribution among the domains. Also, the thematic map analysis outlines that biopolymers, nanocellulose, and biocomposites are critical research areas for developing sustainable materials.

Analysis of Interaction Features of Cyclo[13]carbon with Small Molecules and Formation Mechanism of Its Dimer.

The newly discovered cyclo[13]carbon, the first artificially synthesized odd-numbered carbon ring, is an intriguing carbon isomer that provides a valuable subject for studying low-symmetry carbon materials. In this work, we employed first-principles calculations to explore the geometric structure and electronic properties of cyclo[13]carbon through various techniques such as vibrational mode analysis, bond order analysis, spin density analysis, electron localization analysis, electrostatic potential and van der Waals potential analysis, visualization of weak interactions, and energy decomposition analysis. We investigated the interaction characteristics of cyclo[13]carbon with small molecules and examined its dimer formation mechanism and dynamics features using ab initio molecular dynamics. Our study reveals the unique physicochemical properties of this novel carbon ring system. The antiaromaticity of the low-symmetry cyclo[13]carbon sets it apart from previously synthesized even-numbered carbon rings, with van der Waals interactions playing a crucial role in its binding with small molecules and in the formation of C13 dimers. This research provides theoretical insights that complement experimental observations and theoretical studies, aiding further investigation into the diverse properties of fresh carbon material isomers and promoting the synthesis and application of novel molecular materials in molecular electronics and nanotechnology.

Energy: An Overview of Type, Form, Storage, Advantages, Efficiency, and Their Impact

ABSTRACTRecently, energy has been a research area due to increasing awareness of its advantages. Energy is essential for all daily activities and helps the mind and body grows; it has the ability to determine the growth of an economy and the development of a country. However, energy has its disadvantages. Nonrenewable energy is energy such as fossil fuel, which is the main cause of air pollutant emissions, such as carbon dioxide, synthetic fluorinated gases, water vapor, and methane gases; and nuclear energy, its wastes are the main cause of air pollutant. They are also the main cause of global warming, human health, climate change, and environmental degradation from the extraction up to use. Nowadays, fossil fuel energy is used in production and use of energy in all sectors of the world. Nuclear energy is the most powerful energy source. Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, tidal, wave, and hydrogen energy, produces zero greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, reducing air pollution and combating climate change, improving public health, mitigating smog and acid rain, and long‐term sustainability. The production and use of this renewable energy has been increasing, but it is not sufficient to meet the demand of all sectors in the world. Hydrogen energy is the future of fossil fuels and nuclear energy, free of CO2 emissions, and radioactive waste. The hydrogen economy envisions using hydrogen as a clean, versatile, and sustainable energy carrier to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We must control the impacts of energy first by knowing the types of energy and their impact, and then totally replace nonrenewable energy with renewable energy in the future by increasing the efficiency of renewable energy. To increase the efficiency of energy production, energy storage (storing high amount of energy in a small space) uses nanomaterials and green nanomaterial technologies. International cooperation and policy alignment will be essential for driving global transition to a sustainable energy future. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the energy sector becomes more sustainable, efficient, and resilient, supporting the transition toward a low‐carbon future. Harmonizing energy policies, sharing best practices, and aligning climate commitments can facilitate the development of a coordinated approach to addressing energy challenges on a global scale. By incorporating these considerations into energy planning and decision‐making, stakeholders can work toward building a future energy system that is sustainable, resilient, and capable of meeting the energy needs of a rapidly changing world. In this study, a critical review of the type, form, storage, advantages, efficiency, respective, and their impact are reviewed. The amounts of energy produced by each type in different years are discussed.

Nanostructured Ceria‐Niobia Catalyst for Selective Synthesis of N‐benzylideneanilines

The shape and structure engineering of metal oxide nanomaterials are the potential strategies to optimize surface‐active sites with tunable selectivity for heterogeneous catalysis. This work reports the synthesis of two types of nanostructured CeO2‐Nb2O5 catalysts: (i) one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis of CeO2‐Nb2O5 (CeNb2O5‐HTS) and (ii) CeO2 impregnation on hydrothermally synthesized Nb2O5 nanorods (CeNb2O5‐WI) to elucidate the role of particle shape and CeO2 addition in the structure‐activity efficacy of Nb2O5 nanocatalyst for the selective oxidative C‐N coupling of benzyl alcohol with aniline to produce N‐benzylideneaniline (NBA). The characterization studies showed nanorod morphology of Nb2O5 and high dispersion of CeO2 on Nb2O5 nanorods in the CeNb2O5‐WI catalyst with strong acidic sites and more oxygen vacancies. Consequently, a significantly enhanced catalytic activity was achieved with CeNb2O5‐WI nanocatalyst in the coupling of benzyl alcohol and aniline with 96% yield to NBA, whereas 62% conversion of aniline with 92% selectivity to NBA was obtained with pure Nb2O5 nanorods. In contrast, the CeNb2O5‐HTS catalyst gave 37% conversion of aniline only. The versatile efficiency of the CeNb2O5‐WI nanocatalyst is showcased by synthesizing various functional NBA products. The CeNb2O5‐WI catalyst can be recycled 5 times without much variation in NBA selectivity by achieving reasonably good conversion of aniline.

Nanomaterials in Solid-State Batteries: Enhancing Safety and Performance

Solid-state batteries (SSBs), utilizing solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, represent a promising advancement in energy storage technology due to their higher energy density and enhanced safety. Despite their potential, SSBs face significant challenges such as high interfacial resistance, low ionic conductivity, and high production costs. Recent advancements in nanomaterial technology have offered innovative solutions to these issues. Nanomaterials with high specific surface areas and controllable morphologies optimize interfacial contact, reduce resistance, and enhance ionic conductivity through efficient ion transport channels. Additionally, surface modifications and doping improve the chemical and thermal stability of SSB components, extending battery life and preventing adverse reactions. Although initial preparation costs are high, advancements in production technology and large-scale manufacturing are expected to lower these costs, facilitating commercialization. Future research should focus on new nanostructure designs, nanocomposites, and interfacial engineering to further enhance battery performance and safety. Understanding the influence of nanomaterials on safety performance and improving thermal and mechanical shock resistance are crucial for the reliable implementation of solid-state batteries in practical applications.

Visualisierung aktiver Zentren in elektrogesponnenen photoaktiven Membranen mittels Fluoreszenz‐Lebensdauer‐Bildgebung

AbstractDas Interesse an antibakteriellen Nanomaterialien ist in den letzten Jahren aufgrund der zunehmenden Antibiotikaresistenz von Mikroben stark gestiegen. Ihre praktische Anwendung bleibt derzeit jedoch begrenzt, da viele essenzielle Eigenschaften noch eingehend untersucht werden müssen. In dieser Studie wurden neuartige Nanofasermembranen auf der Basis von hydrophilem Polyacrylnitril (PAN) sowie hydrophobem Polycaprolacton (PCL) mit eingebetteten hydrophilen oder hydrophoben Zink(II)phthalocyaninen (ZnPc) als Photosensibilisatoren entwickelt und ihre Wasserdesinfektionseigenschaften untersucht. Um einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Aktivität des Materials und der Zusammensetzung bzw. Struktur herzustellen, wurden mehrere Schlüsseleigenschaften untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der UV/Vis‐Reflexionsspektroskopie zeigen, dass der Aggregationszustand der Farbstoffe innerhalb des Polymerträgers erheblich variiert. Zur Visualisierung der „aktiven Zentren“ wurde die Fluoreszenzlebensdauer‐Mikroskopie (FLIM) verwendet und validiert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie liefern nützliche Erkenntnisse für die Entwicklung photoaktiver Nanomaterialien mit maßgeschneiderten Eigenschaften und verdeutlichen den entscheidenden Einfluss der Polymereigenschaften auf die Materialaktivität.

Optimization of a rapid, sensitive, and high throughput molecular sensor to measure canola protoplast respiratory metabolism as a means of screening nanomaterial cytotoxicity

Nanomaterial-mediated plant genetic engineering holds promise for developing new crop cultivars but can be hindered by nanomaterial toxicity to protoplasts. We present a fast, high-throughput method for assessing protoplast viability using resazurin, a non-toxic dye converted to highly fluorescent resorufin during respiration. Protoplasts isolated from hypocotyl canola (Brassica napus L.) were evaluated at varying temperatures (4, 10, 20, 30 ˚C) and time intervals (1–24 h). Optimal conditions for detecting protoplast viability were identified as 20,000 cells incubated with 40 µM resazurin at room temperature for 3 h. The assay was applied to evaluate the cytotoxicity of silver nanospheres, silica nanospheres, cholesteryl-butyrate nanoemulsion, and lipid nanoparticles. The cholesteryl-butyrate nanoemulsion and lipid nanoparticles exhibited toxicity across all tested concentrations (5-500 ng/ml), except at 5 ng/ml. Silver nanospheres were toxic across all tested concentrations (5-500 ng/ml) and sizes (20–100 nm), except for the larger size (100 nm) at 5 ng/ml. Silica nanospheres showed no toxicity at 5 ng/ml across all tested sizes (12–230 nm). Our results highlight that nanoparticle size and concentration significantly impact protoplast toxicity. Overall, the results showed that the resazurin assay is a precise, rapid, and scalable tool for screening nanomaterial cytotoxicity, enabling more accurate evaluations before using nanomaterials in genetic engineering.

Unveiling the Potential of Halloysite Nanotubes: Insights into Their Synthesis, Properties, and Applications in Nanocomposites

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties and wide range of applications. This review explores HNT‐based nanocomposites, focusing on their preparation methods and improvements in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Various synthesis techniques, including solution mixing, melt compounding, in situ polymerization, and surface modification, are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations. The role of HNT characteristics such as aspect ratio, dispersion, and surface chemistry in enhancing nanocomposite properties is examined. HNTs significantly boost mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness, due to their reinforcement effects. Improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion between HNTs and the polymer matrix enhance these properties. HNTs also act as thermal barriers, improving heat resistance and dimensional stability, while enhancing barrier properties against gases and moisture. These synergistic effects allow for the customization of nanocomposites for specific applications in packaging, automotive, electronics, and biomedical fields. Future research should focus on optimizing synthesis methods and processing techniques to further improve HNT‐based nanocomposites’ performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HNT‐based nanocomposites, offering valuable insights for advancing nanomaterials science and engineering.

Nano Material Innovation in Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of Offshore Structures

Offshore structures are constantly exposed to the corrosive marine environment, causing significant material degradation and potentially jeopardizing structural integrity. This research explores recent innovations in nanomaterial technology to improve the corrosion resistance of offshore structures. The main focus is given to the development of nano-composite coatings incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. An electrophoretic deposition method was used to apply the coatings on steel substrates, followed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed a significant improvement in corrosion resistance, with the nano-composite coatings exhibiting a reduction in corrosion rate of up to 85% compared to conventional coatings. In addition, these coatings exhibited superior adhesion and abrasion resistance in simulated extreme marine conditions. These findings highlight the great potential of nanomaterials in extending the service life and improving the reliability of offshore structures, with important implications for the oil and gas and offshore renewable energy industries.

Unlocking theoretical strength and ductility in sapphire nanopillars: Insights into size-dependent deformation mechanisms

Developing engineering structures that blend exceptional strength with superior ductility poses a formidable task, given that these attributes typically oppose each other. This is notably evident in brittle materials such as sapphire, where balancing strength and ductility becomes particularly challenging. In our investigation, we illustrate that single-crystal sapphire nanopillars can concurrently achieve both theoretical strength and notable ductility. Through meticulous experimental scrutiny, we have determined that these sapphire pillars exhibit compressive strength levels of up to 22 GPa, in line with the theoretical strength cap of E/10, where E denotes the elastic modulus. This discovery challenges the longstanding belief that ceramics cannot attain their E/10 ideal strength. Furthermore, our research unveils exceptional deformability in these structures, with observed strains reaching up to 20 %. Analyses using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) have unveiled the deformation mechanisms, characterized by dislocation generation and substantial lattice distortions. Additionally, we delve into mechanical modeling to delineate the critical dimensions required to achieve maximum strength and facilitate a transition from brittle to ductile behavior. These revelations demonstrate the feasibility of combining significant strength with remarkable ductility in sapphire at the nanoscale, thereby paving the way for novel applications of brittle materials in precision engineering and nanotechnology.

Gastroretentive Swellable and Floating Systems: An Innovative and Promising Strategy for Drug Delivery-A Comprehensive Review

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDs) have emerged as an innovative and promising approach for enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs with narrow absorption windows in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Among various GRDDs, swellable and floating systems have garnered significant attention due to their ability to prolong gastric residence time, improve drug dissolution, and facilitate sustained drug release (SDR). This comprehensive review provides a detailed exploration of the principles, mechanisms, and advancements in swellable and floating Gastroretentive systems. The key strategies, such as the use of hydrophilic polymers, gas-generating agents, and superporous hydrogels, are discussed. These systems offer benefits in treating conditions like peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and infections, where prolonged localized drug action is desirable. A critical assessment of recent preclinical and clinical studies highlights the therapeutic potential of GRDDs in optimizing drug delivery for poorly soluble drugs and drugs with short half-lives. Challenges such as variability in gastric retention, potential toxicity of excipients, and patient-specific factors are also examined. It includes the outlining future trends in GRDDs, focusing on the incorporation of nanotechnology, 3D printing, and biocompatible materials to overcome existing limitations and further enhance therapeutic outcomes. This highlight of review article is initially introduction of GRDDs and their significance, mechanism and their classification of GRDDs, intermediately describe brief on swelling and floating GRDDs system with their application, lastly it describes the recent advances in patent, clinical trials and marketed products for GRDDs swellable and floating system. Keywords: Drug delivery; GRDDs; floating; swellable; gastroretentive; system; advance approach

Exploring magnetic behavior and compensation temperatures in spherical and hemispherical lattices: A Monte Carlo study

The magnetic behavior of spherical and hemispherical lattices under various conditions was insufficiently understood prior to this study, particularly about the influence of ferrimagnetic coupling parameters, external magnetic and crystal fields on the compensation and blocking temperatures. In current study Monte Carlo simulations provide new insight into how these factors affect the magnetic properties of spherical and hemispherical lattices, revealing critical size-related effects and dependencies. This study offers key insights into the magnetic properties of spherical and hemispherical lattices, critical for advancing magnetic materials in future nanotechnologies. The ferrimagnetic system studied, hold promise for applications such as MRI, cancer therapy, and next-generation memories, enhancing nanoscale sensor precision and driving progress in data storage and device miniaturization.

Development of Canva-Based E-Modules on Nanotechnology Materials for Class X High School Students

The development of e-modules aims to be an effective learning resource for students. This research focuses on assessing the validity and student response to Canva-based e-modules on Nanotechnology material at the high school level. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D), using the Planning, Production, and Evaluation (PPE) development model. Data analysis was done quantitatively using descriptive techniques. The results showed that the e-module had been successfully made using the Canva application and had been validated by material experts, media experts, and educational practitioners, the validity of the product reached an average value of 94.4%, categorized as very good and declared feasible to be tested. Student response trials were conducted in two classes, namely small class trials reaching a score of 92.5 and large class trials with a score of 91.3. Both results fall into the very good category.

Biological self-protection inspired engineering of nanomaterials to construct a robust bio-nano system for environmental applications.

Nanomaterials can empower microbial-based chemical production or pollutant removal, e.g., nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) as an electron source to enhance microbial reducing pollutants. Constructing bio-nano interfaces is critical for bio-nano system operation, but low interfacial compatibility due to nanotoxicity challenges the system performance. Inspired by microorganisms' resistance to nanotoxicity by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which can act as electron shuttling media, we design a highly compatible bio-nano interface by modifying nZVI with EPS, markedly improving the performance of a bio-nano system consisting of nZVI and bacteria. EPS modification reduced membrane damage and oxidative stress induced by nZVI. Moreover, EPS alleviated nZVI agglomeration and probably reduced bacterial rejection of nZVI by wrapping camouflage, contributing to the bio-nano interface formation, thereby facilitating nZVI to provide electrons for bacterial reducing pollutant via membrane-anchoring cytochrome c. This work provides a strategy for designing a highly biocompatible interface to construct robust and efficient bio-nano systems for environmental implication.

Microstructure Design and Dimensional Engineering of Nanomaterials for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Thermal Insulation.

Multifunctional materials integrated with electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA), thermal insulation, and lightweight properties are urgently indispensable for the flourishing advancement of space technology, which can simultaneously prevent electromagnetic detection and resist aerodynamic heating. To achieve excellent synergistic EWA and thermal insulation performance, the elaborate regulate the microstructure and dimension of nanomaterials has emerged as a captivating research direction. However, comprehending the structure-property relationships between microstructure, electromagnetic response, and thermal insulation mechanisms remains a significant challenge. Herein, a comprehensive perspective focuses on the microstructure design encompassing various dimensions of nanomaterials, providing a comprehensive understanding of correlations among structure, EWA, and thermal insulation. First, the cutting-edge mechanisms of EWA and thermal insulation are elaborated, followed by the relationship between the dimensions of nanomaterials. Moreover, the synergistic design methods of EWA and thermal insulation are explored. Lastly, this review summarizes the corresponding shortcomings and issues of current EWA-integrated thermal insulation materials and proposes breakthrough directions for the creation of materials with superior performance.

Innovative design and experimental research on the world's first pilot plant for continuous supercritical hydrothermal synthesis nano copper

Supercritical hydrothermal synthesis (SCHS) is a promising nanomaterial preparation technology. We have successfully constructed the world's first continuous supercritical hydrothermal synthesis of nano copper pilot plant, with a yield of 100 kg/d and a grain size of nano copper products between 48–90 nm. In this work, the progressiveness of the supercritical hydrothermal synthesis pilot plant is systematically introduced, including rapid and uniform mixing, high Reynolds number, precise control of reaction time, avoidance of blockage and corrosion, and automation and safety control of the pilot plant. In addition, the synthesis mechanism and experimental results of supercritical hydrothermal synthesis of nano copper are further introduced. Finally, we analyze the economy of the pilot plant. The experimental research on the continuous hydrothermal synthesis of nano copper on a pilot scale may provide some guidance for future commercialization.

2H‐Au Nanosheet‐Templated Growth of PdFe for Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation

AbstractPd‐based alloy nanomaterials normally crystallize in the conventional face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal phase. Here, 2H‐Au nanosheets (NSs), possessing 2H crystal phase (2H: hexagonal close‐packed with a stacking sequence of “AB”), are used as templates for the growth of PdFe, during which the 2H‐to‐fcc phase transformation in Au NSs happens, leading to the formation of 2H/fcc Au@PdFe core–shell NSs. By changing the Pd/Fe atomic ratio, the 2H/fcc phase ratio in 2H/fcc Au@PdFe NSs can be tuned accordingly. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the as‐synthesized 2H/fcc Au@Pd0.66Fe0.34 NSs are used as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media, exhibiting a remarkable mass activity of 4.39 A mg−1Pd, which is 1.7, 5.4 and 12.9 times that of 2H/fcc Au@Pd0.56Fe0.44 NSs (2.57 A mg−1Pd), 2H/fcc Au@Pd0.40Fe0.60 NSs (0.81 A mg−1Pd), and Pd black (0.34 A mg−1Pd), respectively, placing it among the best of reported Pd‐based MOR electrocatalysts. This strategy, based on phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN), paves an efficient way to the rational design and controlled synthesis of noble multimetallic nanostructures with unconventional phases for exploring the phase‐dependent properties and applications.

Energetic Calcium Phosphate Nanominerals for Osteoporosis Treatment

AbstractEnergy metabolism disorders leading to tissue destruction are major causes of osteoporosis. While efficacious, bone repair strategies that modulate energy metabolism pose considerable challenges. Herein, an energetic calcium phosphate nanominerals (ECPN) is developed using polyphosphate as an energy source for osteoporosis treatment. ECPN promotes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in the physiological environment, providing energy to attain metabolic homeostasis. It significantly enhances rBMSCs’ autophagy capacity by activating the AMPK‐related pathway, promoting osteogenic differentiation, and rebuilding the bone regeneration microenvironment. ECPN's unique nanostructure can fully mineralize collagen fibers, enhancing the bone matrix's mechanical properties. In vivo, ECPN rapidly infiltrates osteoporotic bones, fills defects, mineralizes the matrix, and promotes new‐bone formation. The repaired bone exhibits mechanical properties comparable to those of normal bones. ECPN balances the time‐sensitive need for immediate bone matrix mineralization and long‐term construction of an osteogenic microenvironment during osteoporosis treatment. The potential of this metabolic fuel for generating functional nanomaterials for tissue engineering has been underestimated in the past. The concept of an energetic nanomineral for tissue regeneration may elicit new trends in tissue engineering.

Design and Modeling of a Long Range Motion Compliant Nanopositioning Stage Driven by a Normal Stressed Electromagnetic Actuator

Compliant nanopositioning stages with built-in ultra-precision actuators are frequently integrated into production and analysis instruments comprising ultra-high precision motion generation systems. These stages are essential nanotechnology and advanced material analysis components, providing precise positioning capabilities for various applications. However, in the practical engineering field, there is a lack of compliant nanopositioning stages that can achieve a long-range motion while maintaining accuracy, reliability, and compact size, which is the inspiration for this research. This paper investigates the design, modeling, and experimental testing of a long-range motion-compliant nanopositioning stage driven by a normal stressed electromagnetic actuator (NSEA). The nanopositioning stage components’ structural framework and working principle, including NSEA, bridge type distributed compliant (BTDC) mechanism, and the guiding mechanism, are fully examined to derive an analytical model. The analytical model is utilized in the sections that follow. Factors affecting the stroke and natural frequency of the nanopositioning stage are also illustrated. The optimization process of the nanopositioning stage is conducted in pursuit of a high-precision stage by specifically looking into the electromagnetic, BTDC mechanism, and guiding mechanism parameters. This optimization procedure also takes into account various design constraints, including stiffness, saturation flux density, and stress. Furthermore, the finite element analysis is used to verify the analytical model, and the results are discussed. The prototype is fabricated with reference to the analytical and finite element analysis results, and the experimental tests are conducted, including motion and natural frequency tests. In addition, a control system, which adopts both a proportional-integral-derivative controller and a damping controller, is designed to create a closed-loop system. Finally, the tracking performance of the stage was investigated, and a very minimal tracking error was observed. Overall, the comprehensive models and experimental tests proved the stage to be a good model which achieved the objective of the research.