Wednesday, 25th May 2005 (4462 views)

Chemistry professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are trying to create nanowires using gold, a key move needed to make nanotechnology a reality.

According to Phys Org, scientists need to still produce the most basic components such as nano-sized wire so that nanotechnology can help to produce molecular-sized machines and super-charged computer chips.

Dennis Bennett, one of the professors, said: "People have been talking for a long time about molecular wires.

"In fact, scientists have already been able to construct such wires, but they are relatively short and must be isolated from their neighbours by immersing them in a sea of other, non-conducting molecules."

However, a set of molecules Mr Bennett has developed are unique since they have the potential to yield insulated nano-scale wires.

The project with researchers at Northwestern and Iowa State universities has seen one side designing molecules and one side producing the right metal surface and they are now hoping to connect the two.

Testing involves a small gold tip being brought into contact with the surface, then a voltage is applied. Scientists then measure the current through a mix of nanowires.

If successful the findings would be a significant step forward in successful implementation of nanotechnology.

 

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