Nanovation comes to an end. In a fitting farewell, Charlie Bennett returns to interview Mike. They talk about what Mike originally set out to do, what worked, what didn't work, what surprised him along the way, and what may be on the horizon. Thank you to the show’s listeners for their curiosity and kindness. Thank you to the show’s guests for their selflessness and passion for science and engineering. And a special thank you to the show’s editor, Andrew Cannon, without whom the podcast would not have been possible. Until next time … Show details: • Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfill ..read more

The ability to coat large quantities of small particles — powders — via atomic layer deposition (ALD) has opened new vistas for battery materials, chemical catalysis, 3-D printing, and more. On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Ruud van Ommen from TU Delft talks everything powder ALD. In this context, Ruud and Mike focus on the why and how of process scale-up. Listeners of the show won’t be surprised to learn that there’s much more to scale-up than increasing the size of the tank! Ruud also shares the motivation behind founding the company Delft IMP and how, in the early days, he wa ..read more

Malancha Gupta from the University of Southern California gives a primer on initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). iCVD is a relatively new processing technique for the deposition of functional polymer thin films. Because polymer properties are readily tunable, iCVD can impart a nearly limitless number of surface functionalities. Perhaps most importantly, the mild nature of iCVD makes it compatible with delicate substrates such as paper, cells, and even liquids! In addition to talking shop, Malancha recounts her journey from curious undergrad to professor. She also shares several of the l ..read more

Sang Han from the University of New Mexico has spent his career developing advanced electronic and photonic materials. In this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Sang and Mike discuss radiative cooling technology, which promises to cool surfaces, such as the exteriors of homes and buildings, even in direct sunlight. They talk about the physics of radiative cooling, different methods for its implementation, and the challenge of developing a manufacturing process suitable for coating entire cities. A potpourri of related topics come up along the way, including the ups and downs of global technol ..read more

Nazanin Bassiri-Gharb, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, joins Mike to talk about complex oxides. Complex oxides are multi-component materials that yield a bevy of exotic properties. Much of the podcast centers on ferroelectricity, the ability of certain materials to exhibit an internal polarization that can be switched with an external electric field. Nazanin and Mike talk about the current use of ferroelectrics in technologies from ultrasound imaging to data storage, as well as their potential future use in brain-like or neuromorphic computers. Throughout the episode, Na ..read more

What if every seed you planted could include a sensor to monitor moisture and nutrients? What if every tissue had nanoscale electronics to check for viruses when you blew your nose? In this bonus episode from the Sustainable Nano podcast (an outstanding production of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison), Mike talks with host Miriam Krause about his lab's push toward ‘hyper-scalable’ electronics and what technologies might be enabled by such a manufacturing capability. Show details: • Hosted/edited by Miriam Krause (@mirk47) • Sustainable Nan ..read more

If you’ve ever thought about starting a nanotech company, this is the episode for you! Andrew Hunt tells the story of Engi-Mat (formerly nGimat), the nanomaterials company he founded in 1993. Andrew and Mike discuss Engi-Mat’s core manufacturing technology, what motivated Andrew to start the company, the pros and cons of the U.S. patent system, and how the nanotechnology landscape has changed in the past two and half decades. Andrew has seen it all: from the early optimism to the stock market drops that sunk many of his rivals to the increasing prevalence of nanomaterials in everyday life. He ..read more

What do you get when you combine politics and nanotechnology? NanoBama, a carbon nanotube based picture of the 44th President of the United States. John Hart, the leader of the Mechanosynthesis Group at MIT, joins the podcast to talk about his love of nanomanufacturing and science communication. We talk about the challenge of developing “code” for nanomanufacturing processes and how nanomanufacturing is in a (sometimes frustrating) adolescent phase. John also shares his experience preparing for and presenting a TEDx talk. Show details: • Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller) • E ..read more

Bob Sutor, the Vice President of IBM Q Strategy and Ecosystem, talks about IBM's unique approach to quantum computing. With the IBM Q Experience, they allow anyone on the Internet to access and program a quantum computer. Bob and Mike also discuss how to build a quantum computer, when quantum computers might be better than classical computers, where nanotechnology plays a role, and what we can expect further in the future. Bob is very clear about two things: quantum computers are coming and you should take one out for a spin. Show details: • Hosted by Michael Filler (@michaelfiller) •&nb ..read more

The modern story of technological innovation is usually told as a story of scientific discovery followed by translation and commercialization. What if there is a broad class of technological innovations that do not follow this narrative? What if, despite being frequently overlooked or misunderstood, these innovations have revolutionized society in domains as diverse as materials, energy, electronics, and healthcare? On this episode of the Nanovation podcast, Matthew Realff returns to the show to talk with Mike about ‘fundamental process innovations’ -- technological innovations that emerge fro ..read more