CAREER: Understanding Biomolecular Manufacturing and Assembly of Nanocrystals - Fundamentals and Novel Properties for Solar Energy Harvesting

该学院早期职业发展 (CAREER) 项目的研究目标是创建新的基于 DNA 的制造技术，生产能够有效收集太阳能的纳米结构。这项研究将阐明与基于寡核苷酸的纳米晶体合成和分子识别过程相关的基础物理和化学。将开发理论模型来指导实验实现，为大规模纳米晶体生产创造最佳条件。对 DNA 编程制造和组装的基本理解将能够形成动态纳米结构，该结构可以通过连续的系统再生来转换太阳能，类似于自然光系统中所看到的。制造的纳米结构还将作为研究纳米尺度电子和能量转移机制的新平台。如果成功，这项研究的成果将带来改变太阳能利用的新制造技术。基于核酸的制造和系统再生的生物启发概念将开发一种收集太阳能的新范例，并对光伏行业产生影响。该项目的总体目标是整合尖端研究和教育，对替代能源纳米制造领域产生持续影响，同时培训下一代工程师。该项目活动将 (1) 为研究生和本科生提供在多学科环境中学习和开展开创性科学与工程的机会，(2) 增加女性和代表性不足的少数族裔学生的参与，以及 (3) 通过积极的外展计划对 K-12 学生产生重大影响。

The research objective of this Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) project is to create new DNA-based manufacturing technologies that produce nanostructures capable of efficiently harvesting solar energy. This research will elucidate the underlying physics and chemistry that are pertinent to the oligonucleotide-based nanocrystal synthesis and molecular recognition processes. Theoretical modeling will be developed to guide experimental realization, generating optimal conditions for large-scale nanocrystal production. The fundamental understanding of DNA-programmed manufacturing and assembly will enable the formation of dynamic nanostructures that can convert solar energy through successive system regenerations, similar to what is seen in natural photosystems. The manufactured nanostructures will also serve as a novel platform to study electron and energy transfer mechanisms at the nanoscale. If successful, the outcome of this research will lead to new manufacturing technologies that transform solar energy utilization. The nucleic acid-based manufacturing and bio-inspirational concept of system regeneration will develop a new paradigm for harvesting solar energy with impacts on the photovoltaic industry. The overall goal of this project is to integrate cutting-edge research and education for sustained impacts on the nanomanufacturing field for alternative energy, while training the next generation of engineers. The project activities will (1) provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to learn and conduct pioneering science and engineering in a multidisciplinary environment, (2) increase participation of women and underrepresented minority students, and (3) make strong impacts on K-12 students through active outreach programs.