Nanoscience
Nanoparticle self-assembly
We are developing new strategies for nanoparticle self-assembly. We treat nanoparticles as "colloidal molecules" and utilize the analogy between self-assembling nanoparticles and molecules undergoing chemical reactions. We synthesize nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, design and synthesize ligands (in most cases, polymers), conduct self-assembly experiments and explore properties of self-assembled nanostructures
Representative publications
Yi, C. et al. Self-limiting directional nanoparticle bonding governed by reaction stoichiometry. Science 369, 1369 (2020).
Rossner, C. et al. Staged surface patterning and self-assembly of nanoparticles functionalized with end-grafted block copolymer ligands. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 58, 27, 9269 (2019)
Galati, E. et al. Helicoidal patterning of nanorods with polymer ligands. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 58, 93123 (2019)
Choueiri, R. M. et al. Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches. Nature 538, 79 (2016)
Self-driving labs for nanoparticle synthesis: integration of machine learning and microfluidics
In collaboration with Prof. Alan Aspuru-Guzik, we are developing self-driving labs for nanoparticle synthesis. We integrate microfluidic reactors and artificial intelligence (machine learning) to explore and optimize reaction conditions for the synthesis of nanoparticles with targeted characteristics and gain understanding of the relationship between reaction conditions and nanoparticle properties.
Representative publications
Tao, H. et al. Self-driving platform for metal nanoparticle synthesis: combining microfluidics and machine learning. Adv. Funct. Mater. 31, 2106725 (2021)
Tao, H. et. al. Nanoparticle synthesis assisted by machine learning. Nat. Rev. Mater. 6, 701 (2021)
Nature-derived nanoparticles
We are interested in biosourced nanoparticles: phytoglycogen nanoparticles and cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers. We explore their fundamental properties, e.g., the organization of nanoparticles in cholesteric liquid crystals and their applications for biolubrication, drug delivery and cell culture.
Representative publications
Adibnia, V. et al. Phytoglycogen nanoparticles: nature-derived superlubricants. ACS Nano 15, 8953-8964 (2021)
Ackroyd, A. J. et al. Self-organization of nanoparticles and molecules in periodic Liesegang-type structures. Sci. Adv. 7, eabe3801 (2021)
Li, Y.; Periodic assembly of nanoparticle arrays in disclinations of cholesteric liquid crystals. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 114, 2137-2142 (2017)
Li, Y. et al. Colloidal cholesteric liquid crystal in spherical confinement. Nat. Commun. 7, 12520 (2016)