NANOMATERIALS CENTER

Nanomaterials are defined as particles or crystals no larger than 100 nanometers – with 1 nanometer equalling 1 millionth of a millimeter.  Science has discovered that at this miniature scale, materials exhibit a range of unique properties – optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, or chemical – that are quite different from properties of the same materials at the more familiar larger scale. Nanomaterials and their special qualities serve as the basis for the modern field of nanotechnology, providing innovative solutions to numerous problems and challenges – from novel medical applications, through high-capacity computer memories, to clean energy production and storage, and many more. 

The Laboratory for Synthesis and Investigation of Nanomaterials at HIT specializes in studying and synthesizing nanotubes comprised of WS2 (Tungsten Disulfide) or MoS2 (Molybdenum Disulfide), only 20-120nm in diameter. These unique nanomaterials conserve the semi-conductivity of bulk materials, while also contributing special new properties – like great mechanical strength and opto-electronic behaviour – to dozens of innovations in many different fields, discovered by the Lab’s research partners all over the world, to address some of humanity’s major challenges.

Below is a sample of novel applications enhanced by nanotubes from HIT’s Nanomaterials Laboratory:

Medical applications

Stents for cardiovascular diseases: Bioresorbable (naturally absorbed) scaffolds that support the regeneration of blood vessels and are then absorbed by the body. The scaffolds are made of a composite material consisting of a biodegradable polymer mixed with WS2 nanotubes for enhanced strength and better radio-opacity (visualization during surgery). 

Artificial bones and joints (bone tissue engineering): Biomaterials mixed with nontoxic nanotubes for enhanced mechanical properties – strength, pressure resistance, density, and flexibility.  

AI

High-capacity memory for devices running AI applications, based on unique properties discovered in nanotubes: bulk photovoltaic effect, piezoelectricity and sliding ferroelectricity.

Renewable Energy

Electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction – nanotubes serve as catalysts in this green process, which produces hydrogen gas, a clean-burning fuel, directly from water. 

Substrate for hydrogen storage – nanotubes have plenty of surface area for adsorption of hydrogen – on the surface, in their hollow cores, and in-between their layers.

Electrodes for rechargeable batteries – enabled by the nanotubes’ semiconductor nature, layered structure, and nano-size.

Photovoltaic cells – enabled by the nanotubes’ semiconductor nature and tubular structure, for environment-friendly energy harvesting.

Satellites, aircraft, ships, EVs & UAVs made of strong, lightweight composite materials enhanced by strong nanofillers.

Military 

Lightweight bulletproof vests – made of polymer composites, with nanotubes added to enhance mechanical properties and reduce weight.

Wearable solar cells – made with nanotubes that demonstrate a bulk photovoltaic effect, producing electricity directly from sunlight – for troops in the field. 

Industry

Lightweight low-friction sliding bearings – made of spherical WS2 nanoparticles mixed with graphite or added to oils and greases, to improve the operation of industrial machines.

Effective piezoresistive strain sensors – made of WS2 nanotubes that change their conductivity under deformation, to detect mechanical defects in manufactured products.

For more information please contact:

Prof. Alla Zak, alzak@hit.ac.il