DAY 10 The Adventure Ends

Today we spent the day at the library preparing for our presentation.

After that, we went to the E-learning studio to partake in the Innovation Challenge presentation. The atmosphere was incredibly tense. Yet we managed to successfully put on a humorous presentation.

 Free food for refreshment after the presentations

A prize presentation followed after that. We're 2nd. Yay!!!

This last paragraph is dedicated to our mentor, Dr. Nathan. Despite his busy schedules, he always try his best to mentor us and provide guidance. Thank you for everything! Also thank you Dr Xian Hong for the research papers. 

The End

DAY 9 The Final Countdown

Preparation for presentation. The most productive day so far.

We spent most of our day in the library conducting research for our top secret project. After which, we made our way to the e-learning studio where we consulted with Dr. Nathan for our project. He gave us much valuable insight and wisdom that is very beneficial for our project.

Meanwhile, here are the pictures for today:

Hardly working ... again 

A sneak peak of DAY 10's presentation. Seems irrelevant now, but...

DAY 8 Dragonfly

A dead dragonfly found in the library

Today, we started preparations for the final presentation. We have made great progress, one of which was where we identified our problem for the project. Dr Nathan was very helpful and generous in sharing his knowledge and gave us useful input for our project. Tune in Friday to find out more about our project.

Meanwhile here are the pictures for today.

A thought-provoking artpiece found in the library

Hardly working in the learning pod

An Endless Path

End of DAY 8

DAY 7 Spring Cleaning

Today, Dr. Nathan, our mentor, was busy with tidying up his laboratory for inspection. Hence, we partook in our own research. 

In the vast field of materials science knowledge, there is a multitude of ways to manufacture nanoparticles, using various high-technology instruments.

One interesting way is called Microwave-Assisted Synthesis, which uses, you guessed it, a microwave oven! It is so simplistic that you can even carry it out with your consumer microwave oven at home (but please don't).


Finally, we will leave you with some fascinating photos of nanoparticles, found in the F.A.C.T.S. yesterday.

DAY 6 Fundamentals

We started our day in the laboratory, learning about the various methods to determine the thermal stability of nanomaterials. These methods include thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).  

TGA Instrument - Used for finding thermal stability of substances

Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Chart of thermal analysis processes

Besides thermoanalytical processes, one other form of analysis that can be carried out in the laboratory is Fourier transform spectroscopy, which is used to determine the types of bonds and functional groups present in various organic substances.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR Instrument)

Dr. Nathan, our mentor, stressed the importance of mastering the fundamentals, sharing with us based on his personal experience. It all comes down to the fundamentals, without which, we cannot progress in the world of science. 

~ Embrace the FUN in the FUNdamentals ~

After lunch, Dr. Nathan brought us to explore the Facility for Analysis, Characterization and Testing  (F.A.C.T.S.). 

In this laboratory, he showed and explained the functions of the high-technology instruments. Such as:

The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The X-Ray Diffraction Instrument

The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

As interesting wallpaper on one of the computers

End of DAY 6

DAY 5 Safety Issues

Due to some safety issues, our mentor was busy today so we went on a culinary escapade.

And later did some self-reading on synthesis of nanomaterials for electrodes from which we gained much valuable insight.

Nanomaterials sometimes come in interesting shapes such as an urchin or flowers.

End of WEEK 1 DAY 5.

Stay tuned for the epic continuation of the two-week saga at MSE. 

DAY 4 Charging Up

Today we learnt more about making batteries.

Our mentor used the membrane produced on DAY 3 for the separator of the battery, which serves a dual purpose that will be explained later. Here you can see him cutting it to fit the shape of the electrodes.

This is the glove box, which our mentor used to prepare the separator cum electrolyte. The electrolyte used consists of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) mixed with equal ratios of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate. In the glove box, the separator membrane is soaked in the electrolyte. This prevents unwanted leakage of electrolyte under normal physical pressure. All this takes place in a glove box, which contains very little moisture and oxygen, to prevent unwanted reactions.

Vacuum Indication Mini Antechamber - used for transfering items into and out of the glovebox.

Tank of argon gas connected to the glove box. The glove box is filled with argon gas, to provide an inert atmosphere for safe handling of reactive materials within the box.

The final product is this flat battery.