CAREER: Synthesis, Characterization and Discovery of Frontier Carbon Materials

1. CAREER: Synthesis, Characterization and Discovery of Frontier Carbon Materials Yoke Khin Yap, Michigan Technological University,DMR 0447555 Fig. 1. The in-situ SPM-TEM stage. Fig. 2. A resilient BNNT after bending. Fig. 3. Decomposition of a BNNT. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have outstanding properties but can be grown only by a few research groups in the world. After our success in growing high-quality BNNTs by a simple chemical vapor deposition technique [1, 2, 3], we have initiated a series of investigation on the mechanical properties of individual BNNTs by in-situ scanning probe microscopy inside a transmission electron microscopy system (SPM-TEM, Fig. 1). We found that individual BNNTs have Young’s modulus of 0.5 TPa and remained resilient after numerous bending cycles (Fig. 2) [4]. In addition, unique fracture breakdowns [4] and deformation-induced current flows were also discovered [5]. Finally, we detected a novel decomposition process of BNNTs under Joule heating. Boron clusters are segregated from point defects at the exterior of BNNTs (Fig. 3) [6]. All these discoveries are important for future applications of BNNTs.

2. CAREER: Synthesis, Characterization and Discovery of Frontier Carbon Materials Yoke Khin Yap, Michigan Technological University,DMR 0447555 Education and Outreach to the Younger Generation and the Community High school teachers in the lab tour. Undergraduate students in the demo lab. • A total of one postdoctoral researcher, nine graduate students, and four undergraduate students were trained in Yoke Khin Yap research group during the past funding period. • Professor Yap taught UN2600 (Fundamental of Nanoscale Science & Engineering), one of the required coursework for our minor in Nanoscale Science and Engineering. For the first time, all the lectures and lab tours were recorded and will be used for future online offers (tentative, Spring 2011). • Professor Yap served as the task force member of the Material Research Society (MRS) to provide input to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for the development of a revised Strategic Plan for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Yap was served as the sub-group leader of the “Investment” category of the task force. • Professor Yap actively participated in the NUE: Michigan Tech Nanotechnology Enterprise project including developing education kits, animation, and offering lab tours to high school teachers.