Engineering New Molecular Materials

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My research group and I are broadly interested in the science and technology of molecular materials. We are learning how the structures and properties of such materials depend on the individual molecules from which they are built, and we are using this understanding to create valuable new materials by design. This work is important because the materials used in future technology must have structures and properties controlled with nanometric precision. Advances in this area require a multidisciplinary approach, using tools and understanding taken from many areas of science. Our group has developed such skills in the course of its work during recent years, and we are well positioned to undertake a series of ambitious new projects, summarized below: 1) Polymorphism: Rational control of crystallization to produce new polymorphs, based on crystal-crystal transformations and crystallization induced on specifically engineered surfaces using molecular mimicry 2) Crystalline polymers: Covalently-bonded molecular materials analogous to diamond and graphite 3) Porosity: New ways to make molecular solids and liquids with high intrinsic porosity 4) Amorphous materials: Designed inhibition of crystallization, based on the use of additives and specific structural modifications 5) Molecular nanoparticles and nanocrystals: Rational methods for controlling the size, shape, and structure of nanoscale molecular objects 6) Nanopatterned surfaces: Programmed molecular adsorption on flat and curved surfaces 7) Thin-film devices: Methods for controlling the molecular organization and properties of thin films, using such films to fabricate photovoltaic cells and other devices, and characterizing the performance of the resulting devices 8) Defects by design: Systematic studies of how defects can be introduced in molecular crystals These projects promise to lead to fundamental scientific discoveries and to valuable new technology, and they will help the group maintain a position of international leadership in the field of molecular materials. By allowing students to engage in multidisciplinary work in a dynamic field with many opportunities to make advances in basic and applied science, the projects will help train highly skilled young researchers.