Published: 12.05.11

Nanotechnology

Micro- and nanosystems are part and parcel of today’s technology. No bigger than a few ten-thousandths of a millimetre, the semi-conductors, photonic devices, quick high-frequency transistors and quantum devices are produced under cleanroom conditions in special labs that contain hardly any particles in the air so as not to contaminate the mini-components.

However, it’s not just electronics that nanomaterials are revolutionising, but also the energy and consumer goods industries. And medicine and medical technology would be unthinkable nowadays without the tiny little helpers. Nevertheless, producing, processing and using nanomaterials is not without its risks for humans and the environment. These need to be explored. The dossier Nanotechnology provides information on all nano-related projects currently underway at ETH Zurich and their contribution to risk management.

 
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Bringing printing to the nanoscale
ETH-Zurich researchers have developed an economic, fast and reproducible method for printing tiny structures in a way similar to printing art by an ink-jet printer. Now they are planning a spin-off. Maja Schaffner, 12.06.12
New plaster enhances wound healing
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a plaster that accelerates wound healing and is easily removed from the wound at any time. Burn victims in particular may profit from this invention in the future. Maja Schaffner, 25.05.12
Synthetic nano-waste does not disappear
Synthetic nano-particles in products that end up in waste incineration plants might harm the environment and jeopardise the health of animals and humans. Researchers from ETH Zurich have thus been studying how the tiny particles behave in actual incineration plants. Simone Ulmer, 21.05.12
A new paper made of graphene and protein fibrils
Researchers led by Raffaele Mezzenga, a professor in Food and Soft Materials Science, have created a new nanocomposite made of graphene and protein fibrils: a special paper, which combines the best features of both components. Peter Rüegg, 04.05.12
Breakthrough in semiconductor structuring
ETH Zurich physicists, in collaboration with colleagues at universities in Switzerland and abroad, have made a breakthrough in the manufacture of monolithic semiconductor structures on silicon. The new structures are nearly perfect, and likely to revolutionise not only X-ray technology. Peter Rüegg, 21.03.12
Mobile microvortex holds on to bacteria
Researchers at ETH Zurich have used nanowires to create minuscule vortices with which they were able to capture individual microscopic objects such as bacteria and move them precisely across a surface. The new method ends a 90-year search. Peter Rüegg, 20.12.11
Faster, smaller and more economical
Researchers under ETH-Zurich professor Colombo Bolognesi are working on a new gallium nitride transistor technology using silicon(110) as a substrate. As the new combination of materials has many advantages, gallium nitride is poised to conquer the electronics market. Peter Rüegg, 16.09.11
«Amazing opportunities»
Vanessa Wood is one of those scientists who can easily be described as a high-flyer. She graduated from Yale at 22, finished her doctorate at 26 and became a professor at 27. In this interview, the friendly nanoresearcher tells us what enticed her away from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to join ETH Zurich. Christine Heidemann, 03.08.11
“My fascination comes from the technology’s unimagined possibilities”
Nanotechnology lays the foundation for enormous advances in technology. But how “safe” is nanotechnology? ETH Zurich Professor Christofer Hierold says that its manifestations are so versatile that across-the-board statements about risks and dangers are not permissible. Simone Ulmer, 20.06.11
Nanosilver for therapy and diagnostics
Silver nanoparticles have superior optical properties that make them attractive for therapy and diagnostics. One hurdle up to now has been their toxicity. Researchers from ETH Zurich, however, have now found a solution by making and in-situ silica coated silver nanoparticles. Simone Ulmer, 11.05.11
Ultrathin coating generates current more efficiently from nanowire
Electrical energy can be generated from a temperature difference in a circuit with suitable materials. In simulations, ETH Zurich scientists show which materials are most likely to succeed in a thermoelectric process. Peter Rüegg, 25.02.11
Atomic structure of nanoparticles measured
For the first time, scientists have managed to measure the atomic structure of individual nanoparticles. The technique could help better understand the properties of nanoparticles in future. Simone Ulmer, 16.02.11
Caught in a nano-trap
Using a comparatively simple method, ETH Zurich scientists have succeeded in creating a contact-free trap for nano-particles so their properties can be studied at leisure. Simone Ulmer, 13.10.10
Nanomagnets purify blood
Using special nanomagnets, scientists have succeeded in clearing a specific toxin from blood in just a few minutes. The procedure could one day be used quickly and efficiently to save people who have suffered potentially deadly blood poisoning. Simone Ulmer, 16.08.10
Fast Transistors Could Save Energy
Conventional transistors are inefficient and consume energy. Research groups from the ETH Zürich and EPF Lausanne have developed new transistors that allow higher efficiencies. With such devices mobile phone operators could halve their energy consumption. Simone Ulmer, 16.04.10
Raising awareness instead of banning
Nanoparticles have caused a sensation in the past few months. The reason for this is that the properties of the materials, especially the way they act on the living body, are often unknown. In Switzerland, a precautionary matrix is now being planned to make the risks understandable. Simone Ulmer, 23.03.10
The world’s smallest automated syringe
The group led by Janos Vörös has developed a nanometer-sized syringe. It can be used to inject medicines, DNA and RNA into individual cells without damaging them. Samuel Schläfli, 25.06.09
Tracking down the effect of nanoparticles
What happens when nanoparticles are inhaled and deposited on the lung surface? A team of researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Bern studied this question and reached an unexpected conclusion. Simone Ulmer, 23.03.09
Coated film as a bacteria killer
A novel plastic film coated with nanoparticles of silver and calcium phosphate is lethal to bacteria. It can be used to abolish germs in hospitals and in the food industry. Simone Ulmer, 23.07.08
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