OUR VISION
OUR VISION
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We are a group of molecular engineers, broadly interested in soft functional materials for critical energy, environmental and human health challenges!
We are a group of molecular engineers, broadly interested in soft functional materials for critical energy, environmental and human health challenges!
Research Interests
Creating functional organic materials whose macroscopic properties can be precisely programmed through molecular-level design is a central goal of modern chemistry and materials science. However, a fundamental challenge remains in bridging molecular structure and dynamics at the Å–nm scale with collective behavior and function across the nm–mm scale, particularly in condensed phases where molecular motion, intermolecular interactions, electronic states, and nanoscale organization are strongly coupled. To address this challenge, our group develops functional organic molecules and π-conjugated polymers by integrating molecular design, synthetic organic and polymer chemistry, and advanced spectroscopy. We seek to uncover structure–dynamics–property–function relationships and translate molecular-level events into controllable optical, electronic, mechanical, and biological responses. Our interdisciplinary research spans stimuli-responsive molecular systems, molecular machines and switches, conjugated and zwitterionic polymers, and single-molecule devices (via collaboration), with the broader goal of developing next-generation functional materials for optoelectronics, bioelectronics, and quantum technologies.
Twisted Conjugated π-Molecules: Molecular Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Functions
Compared with planar counterparts, distorted π-conjugated molecules have inherent features: interesting chiroptical properties, good solubility, electronic acceptability, unique packing behavior in a helically slipped fashion, dynamic conformational changes upon external stimuli, and beyond. In our lab, we are exploaring: (a) stimuli-responsive helically-twisted ladder-shaped macromolecules (from cyclic dimers to oligomers); (b) room-temperature columnar liquid crystalline materials with ambipolar charge-carrier mobility; (c) Redox-active molecules for single-molecule devices; (d) three-dimensional helically-twisted monomers and polymers with helicity; (e) heteroatom-bridged molecular bowls; (f) stimuli-controlled supramolecular soft actuators. The overall goal is to innovate new functional organic materials for the next generation of electronics.
Chem. Sci. 2026
ACS Org. Inorg. Au, 2026
ACS Materials, 2023
We also investigate stimuli-responsive molecular systems, such as azobenzene derivatives, whose structures and functions can be dynamically controlled by external stimuli, including photo-irradiation and thermal stimulation, even in the single-crystal state. The highly ordered molecular arrangement within single crystals provides a unique platform for translating molecular-scale structural changes into collective responses, offering opportunities for developing optical, switching, and memory devices with nanoscale precision. Ongoing projects include:
Dynamic Crystals: Photoinduced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation; polymorphism and mechanofluorochromism; light-controlled macrocyclic chiral switch.
In collaboration with spectroscopists, we are also investigating the excited-state / exciton dynamics of our twisted π-conjugated systems using various optical spectroscopic tools that can monitor the evolution of excitonic states by probing both the electronic transitions (transient absorption and time-resolved photoluminescence) and vibrational signals (Raman).
ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 2025
Mater. Adv., 2024
J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2026
Functional Polymeric Materials for Next-generation Optoelectronics, Thermoelectric, and Biomedical Applications
π-Conjugated polymers are an important class of organic functional materials characterized by delocalized π-electron systems that enable tunable electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Their electronic structures and macroscopic properties can be precisely engineered through molecular design, backbone modification, side-chain functionalization, doping, and morphological control. Our research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel π-conjugated polymers and on establishing structure–property–performance relationships that reveal how molecular architecture governs nanoscale organization, charge transport, and ultimately materials and device performance. By integrating advances in molecular design, doping strategies, and morphology control, we aim to establish π-conjugated polymers as versatile platforms for flexible, lightweight, and solution-processable technologies, with particular emphasis on optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. We are also extending π-conjugated polymers toward bioelectronic and biomedical applications by developing smart zwitterionic conjugated polymers and functional surface coatings that combine tunable hydrophilicity, morphology, conductivity, and flexibility with resistance to biofouling. These multifunctional materials provide promising platforms for biosensing, bioelectronics, and implantable biomedical devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 29262
Langumir, 2024, 40, 44, 23125
Given the interdisciplinary nature of our work, students and researchers in the Xu Lab will receive broad-based training that starts from molecular design, multi-step organic synthesis, polymerization methodologies and extends to molecular electronics, electrochemistry, microscopy, nanoparticle preparation, chemical biology, photophysical characterization, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, physical organic chemistry techniques, molecular imaging, device fabrication, and evaluation (biosensors and bioelectronics) and cell culture, depending on each project’s needs.
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