Failure Mechanics of Functional Nanostructures in Advanced Technologies

Examples of such functional nanostructures include organic/inorganic multi-layer thin films in flexible electronics and nano-sized silicon/tin-based anodes in lithium/sodium ion batteries. Widespread implementation of these advanced technologies with novel functional nanostructures in the future will broadly impact human's daily life.

However, grand challenges for developing robust novel functional nanostructures still exist. During operating cycles, these functional nanostructures undergo large deformation and high stresses, which may cause fracture and pulverization of the nanostructures, thereby leading to degradation and mechanical failure of the flexible devices or battery cells. Therefore, enhancing mechanical durability of the novel functional nanostructures in a mechanically demanding environment remains a significant challenge to the nanostructure design.