Different physical phenomena arising from material confinement at the nanoscale are explored through a variety of experimental and theoretical tools in order to unravel the basic aspects in the interplay between the spatial confinement and the relevant physical and chemical properties. We aim at understanding fundamental interaction at surfaces from the early stages of interface formation to the assembly of low dimensional systems including metal/metal and metal/oxide layers and multilayers, regular arrays of dots and wires and from molecule functionalization to the preparation of hybrid systems. In addition, this research line includes specific activities devoted to fabrication of nanostructures with focused ion and electron beam techniques and to their structural characterization by transmission electron microscopy. Submicron patterning on magnetic materials and nanoelectrodes fabrication are the main research topics in this fields.

Understanding the tribological processes (in terms of friction, adhesion, wear, and lubrication) occurring at the interface of a sliding contact is also a central issue along this scientific research activity. Due to constant component miniaturization, friction imposes serious constraints and limitations on the performance and lifetime of high-performance technological microdevices; durable low-friction surfaces and hard coatings, suitable liquid or solid lubricants are increasingly in demand in hi-tech applications. In order to form a predictive understanding of frictional phenomena and to envisage alternative innovative solutions towards better mechanical performances, the research involves strategically both theoretical and experimental approaches.

- Nanofabrication and high resolution microscopy by ion and electron beams
- Spatially confined metal/oxide systems
- Hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces
- Nanotribology and coatings
 

Nanofabrication and high resolution microscopy by ion and electron beams.
Research on nanostructures fabrication and structural characterization using electron and ion beams, and management of the Joint Experimental Facility FEI Dual Beam STRATA 235M

• Mission & Tools
• Techniques
• Example
 

Spatially confined metal/oxide systems.
This activity targets the fundamental understanding of spatially confined systems including metal/metal and metal/oxide layers and multilayers, and regular arrays of dots and wires. The general goal is to unravel the relevant aspects in the interplay between the spatial confinement and the relevant physical and chemical properties. The activity take advantage of the on-campus existing instrumentation and theoretical and experimental know-how, and of the strong links with national and international qualified laboratories and Universities, including a number of synchrotron light facilities.

• Magnetic properties of layered and nanopatterned systems
• Nanostructured metal and oxide layers
• Nucleation, self organization and properties of metal clusters on metals and oxides
• Instruments, techniques and and methods

 
 

Hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces.
Study of the growth, structure and electronic properties of (bio)organic-inorganic interfaces

• Thiolate-based self-assembled monolayers
• Organic-on-organic heterostructures

 

Nanotribology and coatings.

This research activity aims at further improving the scientific knowledge in the emerging fields of nanotribology and of the physics of coating and novel materials, especially used in advanced micro- and nano-mechanical applications.

This activity benefits from the recently founded Regional Research Center on "Surfaces & Coatings for Advanced Mechanics and Nanomechanics" (Net-Lab SUP&RMAN).

• Experiments
• Theory

 

Contact: Sergio Valeri

 

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