Final Report Summary - MINATRAN (Probing the Micro-Nano Transition: Theoretical and Experimental Foundations, Simulations and Applications) Over the past fifteen years the fabrication and commercialization of nanomaterials has been studied extensively, from an experimental point of view, as they have promising applications in numerous areas, ranging from energy and electronics, to biology. A significant factor, however, that limits their optimization (in some cases) is the lack of understanding of their mechanical behavior and its relationship to the underlying microstructure. MINATRAN took a unique step in overcoming these difficulties, as it successfully combined novel theoretical and experimental approaches in order to understand the micro-to-nano scale transition, and relate microstructure to electrochemical performance and biocompatibility. It was possible to develop theoretical frameworks that allowed for the first time the interpretation of the mechanical behavior of novel micro and nano structures, such as micropillars, nanopillars, and nanocrystals; all of which play a key role in the components of micro and nano electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). In continuing, high resolution electron microscopy experiments provided input to the theoretical models allowing for the development of design criteria that allowed for the fabrication of promising next-generation nanostructured anodes for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. In concluding, the experimental techniques for studying the nanoscale were used for understanding the interactions between nanomaterials and cells, resulting in the development of nanoparticles for cancer detection in MRI, and also the development of nanostructured polymer blends for heart patches. MINATRAN, therefore, was a highly interdisciplinary project which allowed the use of nanomechanics not only for understanding the mechanical behavior of nanomaterials, but also for developing next generation nanostructured anodes, and heart patches.
