Our research is focused on the synthesis and characterization of functional organic-inorganic nanostructures.  We are mainly interested in self-assembly of these hybrid structures, which may result in emergence of previously unseen physical and chemical properties. Unraveling the mechanisms of molecular self-assembly and establishing its dependence on the chemical structure is the long-term goal of our research.  Specifically, there are four ongoing projects in our group:

Synthesis of well-defined gold nanorods with various aspect ratios, their covalent functionalization with polymer chains, and the self-organization of nanocrystals into ring-like superstructures using the “breath figures” effect.
Synthesis of taxol-functionalized gold nanoparticles, their self-assembly in aqueous solutions, and study of their anticancer activity.
Amphiphilic gold, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles, formation of their well-defined aggregates in solution, and their ability to catalyze organic reactions.
Preparation of CdS quantum wires and nanorods, study of their optical properties, fluorescence, and gelation of organic solvents.