Research

My research interest lies in the field of analytical chemistry, especially in the areas of surface chemistry and nanomaterial analysis. Nanomaterials, with high surface-to-volume ratio, often have drastically different properties than their bulk counterparts, which lead to intriguing new applications in areas of catalysis, energy, and biology.

Another aspect of my research is in exploring environmentally-responsible chemistry. Several projects in my lab highlights various aspects of the principles of Green Chemistry, ranging from nanomaterial applications in environmental remediation to using flow chemistry to improve efficiency in reactions.

Publications: Google Scholar

Sustainable Nanotechnology

As nanomaterials become ubiquitous in consumer products, they are also intentionally or unintentionally introduced into the environment. The impacts of these materials to the ecosystem are important to understand. This project, in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, explores the environmental impact of both model and technologically relevant nanomaterials using environmentally relevant bacteria models. We aim to investigate the interactions at the nano-bio interface at the molecular level, develop an understanding of the mechanism of toxicity of various nanomaterials, hence formulate design rules for nanomaterials with minimal adverse impact to the ecosystem.

Check out our most recent publication in this area!

For some educational background on this research area, check out our exciting CSN blog!

Nanomaterials and Their Applications

• Dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) Dendrimer-encapsulation provides an effective method to produce highly monodispersive, stable and surface active metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in solution. We have routinely produced 1~2 nm, zero-valent Cu-, Pd-, and Pt-DENs using this method. Currently, a major application we are exploring is to use Pd-DENs to catalyze the dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in solution.
• Silica Nanofibers (SNFs) Electrospun silica nanofibers are a unique class of biocompatible, highly porous, inorganic nanomaterial that feature high structural integrity, versatile surface characters, and potentials for loading. This project, in collaborations with biologists at Concordia University-St Paul and material scientists at Chun-Yuan Christian University in Taiwan explores the applications of SNFs as scaffold materials for model cells and primary neuron growth. Our interests lie primarily in surface modifications, characterizations, and better understanding the cell-nanomaterial interactions.

This work was recently published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine

Green Chemistry

• Flow chemistry Flow chemistry demonstrates the advantages of higher atom-efficiency, reduced wastes, better thermal and pressure control, and ease for scale-up in comparison to batch (beaker and flasks) process. Students in my lab has built, optimized and used a bench-size flow reactor with fixed solid catalyst to develop new methods in esterifications and amidization reactions.
• Surfactants from Natural Ingredients (proprietary) This project is in collaboration with, and is supported by, the Aveda Company. The goal of the project is to synthesize and characterize novel surfactants from all naturally derived ingredients for potential use in hair products.