Nanofluidic Ion Transport, Beam Lithography, and Nanopore Sensing
This research community investigates the movement of ions and water through nanoscale channels and pores, the fabrication of these structures using focused ion and electron beams, and the use of these nanoscale features for sensing and energy conversion.
The work centers on three interconnected technical domains. First, the manipulation of ion transport and osmotic energy harvesting within nanochannels, often utilizing materials like vermiculite, MXenes, and metal-organic frameworks. Second, the application of focused ion beams (particularly helium and gallium) and electron beams for high-resolution lithography, deposition, and microscopy, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography techniques. Third, the development of nanopore-based sensors for single-molecule detection, such as DNA sequencing and protein analysis, frequently employing silicon nitride, glass, or carbon nanotube substrates. These strands reflect a shared methodological foundation in nanoscale fabrication and characterization, linking the physical creation of nanoscale structures with their functional use in sensing and energy systems.
The largest share of this community’s output is found in helium research, accounting for 0.6% of all helium research, and 538 papers here. Carbon research contributes the highest absolute number of papers within this group, with 876 entries, representing 0.1% of all carbon research.
The community comprises 5,752 papers, publishing most frequently in Microscopy and Microanalysis, Nanotechnology, and the Japanese Journal of Applied Physics.
Recent work continues to focus on enhancing osmotic energy harvesting through engineered nanofluidic channels and improving the resolution and sensitivity of EUV lithography using novel photoresists. Current research also includes the development of nanopore-based sensors for biomarker detection and the study of ion transport mechanisms in confined environments, such as beta-barrel nanopores and vermiculite membranes.