Our research leverages metal-ligand interactions for the synthesis of new photo- and electroactive coordination-based materials. Students gain a broad set of skills ranging from organic and inorganic synthesis to device fabrication and testing.
Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity
Nano-scale porosity has the potential to address diverse challenges in thin-film device applications. However, few porous materials are solution-processable; those that are generally lack the conductivity needed for such devices. In this project, we develop methods to synthesize porous, solution-processable polymers having functional electronic and optical properties. We leverage metal-ligand and cluster-ligand interactions that support long-range electro/optical interaction along the polymer chain. Our work will be applied towards photon energy upconversion and electronic sensing schemes.
Synthesis of New 2D Materials
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have properties unique to their dimensionality. The isolation and study of graphene and subsequent exploration of a multitude of inorganic 2D materials has revealed electronic, optical, and mechanical characteristics unavailable in 3D counterparts. We are exploring new ways to synthesize 2D materials using coordination chemistry, focusing on those materials whose chemical bonding precludes the exfoliation processes typically associated with van der Waals-bound, layered materials. Newly synthesized materials will be deployed to solve challenges in areas as diverse as kinetic separations and high-performance transistor devices.
Nanomaterial Ligand Discovery
The characteristics of nanomaterials exhibit a strong dependence on surface chemistry. We are discovering new ways to use surface-bound ligands to stabilize 2D and nanoparticulate materials, improving their air-stability and electronic and optical characteristics.
