Colorado State University NSF-REU Summer
Program in Materials Chemistry Research:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Device Fabrication
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Ellen R. Fisher
For more information, visit our group webpage…
A major focus of Fisher group
research is exploring the chemistry of low temperature plasmas used to deposit
thin film materials or nanostructured materials. Plasma enhanced chemical vapor
deposition, surface modification, and polymerization are used in several fields
including the biomedical and semiconductor industries as well as for production
or modification of materials used in renewable energy devices. REU projects have concentrated on
plasma polymerization of organic thin films, modification of porous polymeric
materials, and production of metal oxide films for energy-related applications. Two project goals are to explore the
gas-phase chemistry of the plasma as a function of process parameters and to
produce films with particular properties (i.e., good biocompatability, energy
conversion, or high wettability).
Students characterize film properties using analytical tools including
FTIR spectroscopy, and surface analysis techniques. Students also utilize gas-phase diagnostics to explore
plasma chemistry. Film composition
is explored by varying plasma conditions such as applied rf power, plasma
pressure, starting materials, and substrate temperature. A recent REU project focused on
creating patterned surfaces using two sequential plasma treatments to create a
grid of alternating hydrophobic (fluorocarbon) and hydrophilic (poly acrylic
acid) areas. Another project
focused on modifying hydrophobic polymeric membranes to create hydrophilic
surfaces using H2O2 plasmas. The REU student also tested modified materials for protein
fouling using model protein solutions, finding that the membranes had lower fouling
and were easier to clean.