Nanorods (IMAGE)
Caption
The new 3D printing technology can be used to produce a wide variety of extremely small metal objects. A solution of positively charged copper ions emerges from the tip of a tiny pipette through a print nozzle. When the liquid comes into contact with the negatively charged electrode, the metal ions combine with the electrons in the electrode to form neutral metal atoms which are then deposited on the electrode and gradually form a solid metal layer. To prevent the print nozzle from getting clogged, the nozzle approaches the negative electrode only for a very short time and is retracted as soon as the metal layer had exceeded a certain thickness. The team developed a technique for monitoring this process automatically.
Credit
Julian Hengsteler, ETH Zürich
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted.
License
CC BY-NC-ND