Research interests of my group lie in the development of new and programmable matter based on the self-assembly of colloidal nanocrystals. These self-assembled nanocrystal superlattices, or supracrystals, serve as fundamentally important platforms for various applications, including optics, mechanics, and energy conversion and storage. The primary goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms governing particle assembly, shedding light on how to rationally design targeted superstructures for specific applications.

 

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1. Synthesis of monodisperse colloidal nanocrystals

Low-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanocrystals, are intensively studied for their unique size- and shape-dependent physiochemical properties. Beyond their standalone significance, these structures act as essential building blocks for the bottom-up construction of mesoscopic and macroscopic superlattices. The realization of these superlattices, therefore, hinges on the synthesis of high-quality, monodisperse nanostructures.

2. Self-assembly of nanocrystal superlattices

The ability to assemble higher-order superlattices from colloidal nanocrystals with precisely controlled structures, symmetries, and morphologies is crucial for developing nanocrystal-based functional devices. Furthermore, nanocrystal superlattices serve as a fundamentally important platform for exploring electronic coupling, charge transport, and energy transfer within particle ensembles.

3. Nanocrystal superlattices and their derivatives for targeted applications

Self-assembled nanocrystal superlattices and their derivatives are of both fundamental and technological importance for applications in optics, mechanics, energy conversion (electrocatalysis), and energy storage, the performance of which can be optimized by engineering the structure of nanocrystal assemblies.