Welcome to the Functional Organic Materials Lab

We conduct systematic investigations into the design and optimization of liquid crystalline (LC) materials for advanced applications such as solar thermal fuels (STFs), charge transfer etc. Employing various photoactive components, we explore the synthesis and characterization of novel LC architectures with diverse molecular cores to modulate material properties. 

Utilizing techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and infrared (IR) thermal imaging, the lab systematically investigates structure-property relationships, correlating molecular design with photophysical and thermal performance. These techniques collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the materials' LC behavior, photoisomerization kinetics, thermal energy storage and release capabilities, enabling the development of advanced functional materials for diverse applications. The research aims to establish a fundamental understanding of the interplay between molecular architecture, LC self-assembly, and energy storage/release mechanisms, ultimately facilitating the development of high-performance STFs for sustainable energy solutions, with potential applications in thermal management, drug delivery, and other light-triggered systems.