This is the building in which we will be visiting for the two weeks, where a fresh learning experience awaits us. Scientific research is a process which we have not gone through before, thus the subsequent sessions will certainly provide us with insights on what attitude or resource does one need to have, under the close supervision of our mentor.
NTU-MSE Building
Our day began with an introductory session by our mentor, JING FENG, on his research.
We then proceeded with a tour around the different areas in NTU. Who knew NTU was this big! With two main "spines", the whole campus is somewhat shaped like a fishbone, with many bones sticking out from the spine~ Such a brilliant architect design~ We proceeded for lunch, and ended up at the Student Lounge.
Photo with Mentor~
At the Student Lounge, there was an area called U-ROC ( U Relax in One Corner), where students get to relax via the different types of entertainment provided, namely Nintendo Wii, PS3, X-Box Kinect, and even a pool table! These entertainments are rented out at very cheap prices! ($1/hr)
U-ROC
After so, we proceeded back to the labs, where we had short tours to different labs, where different machinery and facilities were introduced.
Outside FACTS
Inside FACTS, there are many different machines that is both PRICEY and essential in conducting experiments. We got to know how each machine worked, and what it could do. With these machines available, research can be done much smoothly~
Inside FACTS
Results from the SEM
SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!
~DANGEROUS~
We toured around the facility, and even had hands-on experience with LIQUID NITROGEN!
Finally we see the power of LIQUID NITROGEN!
LIQUID NITROGEN TANK~
SUIT UP~
ALL READY~
AWESOME~
CHECK OUT THE POWER OF LIQUID NITROGEN!
Imagine that's your hand~ OUCH!
How INTERESTING is the life of a researcher? ITS AMAZING!
We then got to have a simple overview of what JING FENG'S research was all about. It was then we learnt about the existence of GRAPHENE.
What is Graphene?
- A substance made of pure carbon.
- Similar hexagonal pattern as Graphite.
- Only one-atom thick(sheet).
- Invisible to the naked eye!
Introduction to Graphene
To obtain Graphene, a simple method would be to get a pencil lead and scotch-tape, and simply stick and peel the tape from the lead. On the tape, there will be Graphene!!!
However, a different method is used to obtain Graphene here. Below is a simple diagram showing how we can get Graphene from pure Graphite.
Simple summary of obtaining Graphene
To find out more, stay tuned to our blog for the next update!!!
There's such a thing called GRAPHENE!?
ReplyDeleteAnd LIQUID NITROGEN!!! Thats damn cool! Why doesn't the glove that is worn freeze???
The inner layer of the glove is coated with a thick wool-like material which acts as a good insulator. Therefore, only the external surface of the glove will seem to freeze as crystalline substance can be seen on it
DeleteHow does that blue coat you guys are wearing protect you?
ReplyDeleteLiquid nitrogen, being very cold, boils at about -196 degree Celcius. Should it contact on skin or flesh, it will freeze the flesh very quickly, causing cold burns.
DeleteThe apron acts as an additional layer to minimize contact on the skin should the liquid nitrogen spill.
Liquid nitrogen is added into a ring in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) so contaminants in the microscope chamber can condense on it, resulting in low noise images. The heart-shaped image is imaged using this SEM machine.
ReplyDelete