Applied Technology

Ultrasensitive SiNW-based DNA Sensor Developed

Recently，Wang Yuelin/Li Tie group of the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology ( SIMIT ) and Fan Chunhai group of the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SIAP) published their work of ultrasensitive SiNW (Silicon Nanowire) -based DNA sensor in Nano Letters (2011, 11 (9), pp 3974–3978, DOI:10.1021/nl202303y). Employing the high selective process in traditional semiconductor technology, they developed a top-down fabrication method to precisely control the SiNW’s size. Not only the narrow width down to 20nm, but the triangle cross section benefit the high surface-to-volume-ratios and cause the high performance of the sensors, which path a way for the ultrasensitive and mass producible SiNW sensor array in the future. After SiNWs were covalently modified with single-molecular-layer and DNA probes, the nano-sensor showed ultrahigh sensitivity for rapid and reliable detection of 1 fM of target DNA, which is the highest reported sensitivity for DNA detection in SiNW-FET sensor. The SiNWs demonstrate also high specificity to single-nucleotide polymorphism discrimination and multiplex DNA detection ability.

Nano-composite Coatings Stand for Longer Time

Reliability for corrosion prevention of equipments in electrical networks is one of the important factors that have effect on long-term and safe operation of transmission lines of electrical power. Recently, China State Grids investigated the situation of transmission lines and transformer substation, and found that the facilities prevented by nanocomposite coatings which are still in good conditions after 8 years service. Before the application of nano-composite coatings in the electrical facilities, the technology of which was granted a Second Grade Award of the National Technical Invention and that was applied in corrosion prevention of aircrafts. In 2003, the Nano-composite Coating Group headed by Prof. Han Enhou and Prof. Liu Fuchun of the Institute of Metal Research, CAS, transferred the anti-ultraviolet and anti-corrosion nano-composite coating technique to the Dingda Engineering Co. in Shandong Province. Oriented to problems in corrosion phenomena and characteristics of electrical poles and towers, this research group successfully developed a series of special nano-composite coating products and a full set of supporting system. The weather ability and permeability against corrosive ions of the coatings were improved by adding nano-particles for electrical poles and towers. Related scientific articles have been published in Journal of Coating and Technology Research, 2010, 7 (3): 301-313；Chinese Science Bulletin, 2010, 55 (7): 650-655 and 2009, 54 (19): 3464-3472；Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters), 2009, 22 (1): 27-34；Progress in Organic Coatings, 2008, 62: 359-368 and 2005, 53: 91-98.

Green Energy Helps Automobiles

Recently, a new generation of fuel cell modules have finished performance test as a sample product. The sample was developed independently by a R & D team led by Dr. Ming Pingwen, General Manager and Dr. Hou Zhongjun, Vice President of the Sunrise Power Co., which was invested by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS. The rated output power of the module was 45kW, and the rated operating point was 0.66V @ 1A.cm-2. The actual operating power density reached 1.3kW/L with excellent stack consistency. Comparing with this kind of technology developed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the new generation module doubled the rated operating current without efficiency loss. So the cell number of module could be reduced from 520 to 220, which lead to cost reduction significantly. Meanwhile，the size and weight of the module was reduced by half. These will be easily used in automotive vehicle design as a part and helpful to improve the vehicle performance. The achievement is a substantial step to improve the reliability and durability of the fuel cell system for automobiles.