Nanocrystals (from 0D nanosize particles and1D nanorods to 2D nanosheets) are prepared with a target functionality in mind and by working closely with physicists who provide feedback on the desired targeted properties to guide the synthetic work.

Lab researchers strive to understand effects of reaction conditions on particle size, morphology, surface structure, and functionalization. In turn, these characteristics get optimized for a needed application.

Research is focused on the preparation of new compositions (nanosize metal alloys, intermetallics, and various 2D materials) and new morphologies and shapes (from compact and isotropic cores and core/shells to highly anisotropic nanorods/nanowires, 2D nanoflakes) to target properties as:

• UV to visible to infrared absorbers/emitters
• metallic/semiconductor/magnetic/electrochemically-active 2D materials
• catalytically-active intermetallics
• bio-compatible/bio-modelled inorganic nanoparticles (water-soluble and functionalized for binding to various biomolecules; model nanoparticles to study some element activity in nature)
• self- and directed-assembly of films and composite structures

To tackle all these challenges, nanocrystal chemical precursor development and ligand/surfactant development are pursued when necessary.

Contact: Sergei Ivanov

Research Highlight:
2D nanocrystalline ternary selenides Cu₂MSe₄ (M = Mo/W
Li, M. M.; Ivanov, S. A. Dalton Transactions 2019, 48 (42), 15795-15801. doi.org/10.1039/C9DT03282G