Can semiconductors be made by mimicking biological processes?
Our research shows that semiconductors need not be made using expensive, high-temperature processes. We have been able to make a wide variety of semiconductors in the form of nanostructured thin-films and nanoparticles – many with forms or structures that could not be achieved by conventional high-temperature methods. Nanostructured thin films have high surface area and other properties advantageous for energy applications. We can control the growth of these nanostructures kinetically by using regulated catalysis instead of heat. This is what happens in biology, and this process allows us to make materials that could not be made using conventional manufacturing. What other technologies besides semiconductors could potentially benefit from these low-temperature biologically inspired techniques? We envision a number of products that could be significantly improved by using these processes. We could create safe, energy-dense batteries for hybrid vehicles, more efficient and less costly so
