NAMUR+ infrastructure

The central goal of the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object “Center of nanomaterials technologies and research (NAMUR+)”, is to develop a cutting-edge infrastructure for the fabrication, research and implementation of nanomaterials and to merge it with the high-level research capability of the partners into an attractive multifunctional center providing R&D services in nanotechnology and nano-safety.

The Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object NAMUR+ is based on the expertise of research teams of the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology and National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics in the fields of material science, nanotechnology, nanotoxicology, and novel energy conversion and storage systems. The center offers high-level research services in nanotechnology and nanosafety to a wide range of partners.

The first phase of building up of the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object „Center of nanomaterials technologies and research (NAMUR+)” was carried out within the frame of the project „Nanomaterials – research and applications“ (01.02.2012-31.12.2015, 3.2.0304.12-0397). In total, 4 940 370 euros were invested into three high level setups, i.e. Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (ToF-SIMS), Ultra-high Resolution Transmission Electron microscope (UHR-TEM) and High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM) complexes, which all are in fully operational status and provide various services.

The second phase of building up of the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object „Center of nanomaterials technologies and research (NAMUR+)” is being carried out within the frame of the project „Center of nanomaterials technologies and research” (01.01.2017-30.06.2022, 2014-2020.4.01.16-0123, total budget 1 782 135 euros). Within NAMUR+, lithography (including electron-beam lithography) infrastructure, lithography-related competences and corresponding services will be developed. Also, atomic layer deposition reactor (ALD) suitable for the production of solar cells will be procured and corresponding services will be developed. To improve the capabilities of the FIB-TOF-SIMS analysis, the C-60 ion source will be purchased and installed. This tool enables analysis of surfaces coated with organic compounds (polymers). For HR-SEM, additional micro-/nano-manipulators allowing in-situ electrical measurements and mechanical manipulations will be purchased. For further development of nano-scale characterization and related services, a micromechanical testing device will be procured within NAMUR+. To investigate the biological effects of nanomaterials together with interactions between cells and organisms, a nano-safety research complex will be developed.