Engineering of Functional and Structural Materials

Functional materials possess native physiochemical properties and are found in all classes of materials, including ceramics, metals, polymers, and organic molecules. Examples include materials that possess catalytic activity, energy storage capability, photovoltaic properties, and a host of materials used in smart coating and thin film technologies.

The overarching theme of research in this area is rational design and development of materials with unique structures, properties, and functions. Topics include nano-scale self-assembly and organization (Guo, Khomami, Kilbey, Stein), nanoparticle and thin film synthesis (Mukherjee, Edwards, Dalhaimer, Guo, Laursen, Khomami), catalyst synthesis and characterization (Laursen, Khomami, Mukherjee, Zawodzinski), development of materials including bio-hybrid for a variety of energy applications (Advincula, Laursen, Khomami, Kilbey, Mukherjee, Stein, Zawodzinski), nanothermite designs for composite joining (Mukherjee). Areas of application include next generation electronics, printed electronics, renewable energy, drug delivery, clean water, and agro-chemicals.