Porous Nanocrystalline Silicon Membranes

The Nanomembrane Research Group (NRG) focuses on the development and application of a novel nanomaterial called porous nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si). The membranes are mass produced on silicon wafers in a variety of form factors at low cost. The thinness, strength, pore size characteristics, and economics of pnc-Si membranes are enabling a variety new devices in microfluidics, precision biomolecule separation, and cell culture.

TEMA transmission electron micrograph showing the pores (white spaces) and nanocrystals (dark spaces) that define the 15 nm thick nanoporous membrane.

Researcher: James L. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cell Motility and Quantitative light microscopy