Research

Development of Programmable, Smart, Multifunctional Nanomaterials

 The primary objective of my research is to develop novel materials through inorganic synthesis and hybridization with organic and polymeric systems. These materials are designed for the fabrication of soft microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, with an emphasis on understanding their electrical, photonic, and mechanical properties. In parallel, I explore and develop smart materials with advanced optical, acoustic, and mechanical functionalities, aiming to expand their applications in healthcare devices and biomedical robotics. Ultimately, my research goal is to engineer intelligent materials that exhibit novel electrical, photonic, mechanical, and acoustic properties and seamlessly integrate them into human-friendly electronic devices. 

Materials for Next-Generation Microelectronic and Optoelectronic Devices 

 My research focuses on developing advanced electronic and photonic materials, along with device fabrication processes, for direct applications in the semiconductor and electronics industries. This includes the development of functional nanomaterial deposition techniques−such as lithography, coating, evaporation, and printing−for integrating circuit interconnects, micro-transistors, and light-emitting unit devices into high-density configurations over large areas. Additionally, I explore novel 2D carbon materials, which provide high but anisotropic electrical conductivity, superior transparency, and stability under mechanical strain, moisture, and heat, key requirements for next-generation soft and wearable electronic devices.

My research in this area focuses on the following topics, with publications [ ] indicating my lead-authored papers.

• Development and integration of 0D, 1D, and 2D electrical and photonic nanomaterials for highly-integrated, large-area, transparent, deformable (soft) electronic and optoelectronic devices

[ACS Nano (2020), Nano Lett. (2021), Adv. Sci. (2021), ACS Nano (2022), Light-Sci. Appl. (2023)]  

• 2D carbon materials to enhance the environmental stability of devices against mechanical strain, humidity, and heat

[ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces (2020), Adv. Sci. (2024)]

• Soft dielectric materials for wearable self-powered tactile sensors

[Nano Energy (2018), Adv. Mater. (2018), Nano Energy (2022)]

Optically and Acoustically Smart Materials for Wireless Manipulation

 My research also delves into the optical, acoustic, and mechanical properties of materials at the quantum, atomic, nano-, micro-, and interfacial levels. I have investigated a variety of photonic nanomaterials, such as metal halide perovskites, upconversion nanoparticles, MXene, and covalent organic frameworks, focusing on their quantum, energy, and luminescent characteristics and exploring how these properties can be harnessed and converted into other forms of energy, such as acoustic, thermal, and mechanical.

 Recently, my research has extended to the relatively unexplored acoustic responses of nanostructured materials, particularly for particle trapping and manipulation in in vivo environments. Additionally, I am investigating methods to achieve unprecedented mechanical strength by combining crystalline and amorphous phases. Given the ability of acoustic waves to penetrate tissue non-invasively and the importance of mechanical properties in ceramic-based biomaterial components, my research aims to translate these material-level insights into biomedical applications.

 My research in this field can be summarized as follows, with publications [ ] indicating my lead-authored papers related to each domain.

• Optical properties of photonic materials and their energy conversion into other forms

[ACS Nano (2022), Adv. Funct. Mater. (2023), Adv. Opt. Mater. (2024), Adv. Mater. (2025)]

• Development of ultrasound wave-responsive smart materials and their application in biomedical engineering [Adv. Mater. (2024)]