Research Areas
The development of SAMs and the resulting capability of fine-tuning surface interactions initiated decades of exploration and modification of material surface properties. These principles have directed much of our past research, and continue to influence the types of fundamental questions we investigate today.
Whether it is through physical analysis of nanoparticles on activated surfaces, studying anisotropies of lithium insertion into nanofabricated devices, or investigating biocompatibility studies of actuatable polymers, the complexity and importance of material surface interactions remain at the core of our research group. For a more detailed look at our current research projects and interests, select a sub-group from the links below.
Catalysis
The catalysis subgroup uses advanced imaging techniques, modeling, and physical analysis to analyze how nanoparticle catalyst bond lengths change under different reaction conditions in order to answer fundamental physicochemical questions.
Electrochemistry
The electrochemical subgroup uses microfabrication and advanced imaging techniques to characterize structures of cycled materials, with focus on fundamental attributes of anode materials for use in fuel cells.
3D Printing/ Soft Materials
The soft materials subgroup uses precision 3D printing to prepare micro-scaffolds for biological and actuation applications. We optimize polymer and nanocomposite blends for multiple printing functions.
Micro-Solar Cells
The solar subgroup uses microfabrication techniques to develop and optimize micro-solar cell arrays that are prepared via transfer printing as well as polymer-based light guides for efficiency improvements.