Public Lecture at Nanosummit to Feature Nanocars, Molecular Computers and Carbon Nanotubes

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James Tour

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — At the inaugural nanosummit hosted by the University of Arkansas on August 8, the items of interest will be very small -- so small, in fact, that they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

However, the science of the small — nanotechnology — will be the topic of this statewide summit that culminates in a public lecture by James Tour, the Chao professor of chemistry and professor of computer science, mechanical engineering and materials science at Rice University. Tour will speak from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, in the Arkansas Union Theater, located on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union. The event is open to the public, and the media is invited to attend.

General parking for the lecture is available in lot 44, located at the corner of Maple Street and Stadium Drive. Media parking is available in the parking deck next to the Arkansas Union, located off Stadium Drive.

Before Tour’s talk, U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor will make introductory comments about the potential impact of nanotechnology research on the economy of Arkansas. The nanosummit is the first in a series of summits to be conducted throughout the state to increase understanding of and build support for nanotechnology research and infrastructure in the state of Arkansas.

Nanotechnology remains a cutting-edge science, and little is known about its potential, said Dennis Brewer, associate vice provost for research at the University of Arkansas and organizer of the event.

“There’s a lot of buzz about nanotechnology, but there hasn’t been a lot of money made yet,” he said.

Tour will talk about the challenges of nanotechnology, including the quest to explore directed movement, which would drive future nanomachines. He has created “nanocars,” nanometer-sized vehicles, each a single molecule consisting of four “wheels” (carbon nanotubes), atomic axles and a chassis, which combine together to allow directed “rolling” of the machine, a step forward in beginning to implement tools at the nanoscale. He will address the progress made with building nanoscale components such as nanoscale alligator clips and wires for what may some day become a molecular computer. He also will discuss the latest developments in the realm of carbon nanotubes, tiny structures with incredible strength and conducting properties. Scientists currently are exploring ways to control the growth and properties of these tubes using hybridized materials and other methods.

Tour holds 17 patents in the area of nanotechnology and is the co-founder of two nanotechnology-based companies -- Molecular Electronics Corp. and NanoComposites Inc. He also developed NanoKidsT, an educational outreach program designed to help teach students of all ages the underlying principles of nanotechnology.

The nanotechnology summit will include a National Science Foundation update in the morning, followed by a luncheon featuring remarks by Phillip Stafford, president of the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation.

After lunch, several University of Arkansas researchers will speak about the future direction of their nanotechnology research, including Greg Salamo, Distinguished Professor of physics; Xiaogang Peng, the Scharlau Professor of chemistry and biochemistry; Ajay Malshe, professor of mechanical engineering; and Vijay Varadan, who holds Graduate Research Faculty Endowed Chair in Microelectronics and High Density Electronics.

There is no charge for attending the summit, but registration is required for those who plan to attend the luncheon. To register online for the conference, please see http://www.uark.edu/~epscor/nano_meeting.html and click on pre-registration link.