The basis of our research interest spans from the conventional wet chemical synthesis of metal, ceramic, or organic nanoparticles to the development of novel synthetic pathways for MXenes, emerging 2-dimensional transition metal carbides.

Looking at those pretty and interesting nanoparticles, I recall a Korean proverb that goes: "It takes more than pearls to make a necklace (the pearls have to be strung and assembled)." Even if there are plenty of nanoparticles of potentially useful features, when we get to bring them to our desired use, the nanoparticles have to be set on designated positions or assembled by themselves. Our lab is intended to develop physical and chemical strategies to assemble nanomaterials and massive molecules, spanning from inorganic nanoparticles to polymers, lipids, or proteins, into periodic superstructures. How exciting to see the novel optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the superstructures coming from the collective and synergistic effects of individual building blocks!