Our research interest is to develop advanced materials for their applications in societal need areas including those in flexible electronics, industrial textiles, energy, environment, healthcare, and safety. Research in our laboratory encompasses at the interface between polymer chemistry, nanoscience, interfacial phenomena, and manufacturing engineering utilizing the principles of polymer synthesis and nanotechnology. Current research focuses on (i) synthesis of functional polymers through rational and sustainable approaches, (ii) development of flexible carbon-based nanodevices for the liquid–solid interfaces, and (iii) engineering smart nanocomposites. 

High-Performance Polymers

High-temperature polymers represent a specialized and rapidly growing segment of the plastic market. They are used in specialized applications that require a combination of extraordinary properties. Along with semiconductors and flexible displays, aerospace and defense are estimated to be the largest segment of the high-temperature polymer market. This larger market share is attributed to the growing demand for advanced polymeric materials for the manufacturing of various components, such as engine parts, interiors, and outer structures of aircrafts, missiles, and satellites.

• High-performance polyimides

• Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)

• Self-healing & shape memory polymers 

• Porous polymers for adsorption, separation, and insulation

Multi-Scale Structuring & Programmable Nano/Micro Architectures

Lasers can deliver spatially and temporally coherent light at high energy density. This unique form of directed energy can drive photo-thermally activated chemical reactions based on a rapid localized temperature spike with high spatial and temporal precision. These laser-induced temperature transients can uniquely drive the chemical synthesis of nanomaterials in both gas and liquid environments as well as drive physical transformations via melting or vaporization, like laser sintering and ablation. Hence, harnessing laser-matter interactions can enable unprecedented control of the hierarchical morphology of nanomaterials by leveraging far from equilibrium conditions in picoseconds-to-milliseconds time-scales with submicron spatial resolution.

• Laser direct writing and bottom-up growth of nanocarbon from polymers

• Transfer-free, lithography-free, and precision patterning of nanocarbon

• Bio-inspired programmable wettability arrays for droplet manipulation, pick-and-place applications, and localized control of reactions

• Wearable and implantable nano-scale biosensors for neurotransmitter detection and stimulation