Research summary:

Our group studies nanomaterials at all stages of their lifecycle, from design to application to environmental impact. These nanomaterials possess properties intermediate between bulk materials and molecules. The tunability of their properties, including optical and electrical, allow for a range of potential applications. The applications our group focuses on are catalysis and solar energy conversion from nanomaterial composite systems. As catalysts, nanomaterials could improve product selectivity, thereby reducing chemical waste and produce cleaner fuels. As energy conversion materials, they could lower the final cost per kWh to the end user. From precursor design to impact on the environment, we examine the possible contributions nanomaterials could have on our world.

Selected research topics:

-- Developing novel approaches to synthesize nanostructures -- Synthesis of metal, metal-oxide and semiconductor nanoparticles -- Shape and composition control of nanostructures -- Synthesis of nanowires and other structures using gas phase techniques -- Synthesis of multi-component nanostructures and assembly -- Nanostructure-based composites for solar energy applications -- Hybrid nanocatalysis -- Studying the impact of nanocrystals on the environment -- Structural, chemical, optical and electrical characterization of inorganic        nanostructures

See images from our research on the gallery page!