Tags: Materials Chemistry and Nanoscience Seminar


Synthesis and Structure-Property Characterization of Lignin-Derived Thermoplastic Poly(ether ester)s

Semi-aromatic polyesters derived from petroleum are an important class of polymers that encompass a wide variety of thermal and mechanical properties. Unfortunately, replacing the aromatic component with cost-competitive bioderived monomers is an ongoing challenge. In this presentation, we describe the synthesis of nine different polyesters made from AB monomers that can be derived from lignin, and include full characterization of their thermal,…


Recent Approaches to 2D and 3D Materials for Second Harmonic Generation

The second harmonic generation (SHG) is a nonlinear coherent second-order scattering process that causes frequency doubling of incident light. It is widely used in laser technology, spectroscopy, microscopy, wireless communication technology and fiber-optic communication systems. The main requirement for the SHG process is the noncentrosymmetry of the material, since the second-order susceptibility coefficient, which is responsible for the…


Multifunctional Hydrogels for Wound Healing

Zoom link for seminar: https://zoom.us/j/92955070680 Wound healing has always been a clinical challenge. Traditional wound dressings, such as gauze and bandages, provide only limited support for the healing process. These conventional solutions lack the ability to address complex wound care needs. In response to increasing clinical demands, multifunctional hydrogels have emerged as a revolutionary advancement in wound healing. These hydrogels…


Through Thick and Thin: Chemical Strategies Towards Unique Electronic and Optical Landscapes in Atomically Precise One-Dimensional Solids

The physical properties of solids are inherently coupled to their structure and dimensionality. As such, the discovery of nascent physical phenomena and the realization of complex miniaturized devices in the solid state have incessantly relied upon the creation of stable low-dimensional crystals that approach the atomic limit. Towards this end, us in the Maxx Lab are focused towards the discovery and chemical understanding of several classes of…


Microneedles for Drug Delivery: Technology and Applications

Transdermal drug delivery offers an alternative to traditional oral and intravenous methods, addressing challenges like poor bioavailability and patient discomfort. However, this approach is limited to molecules with specific physicochemical properties (such as low molecular weight, high potency, and moderate lipophilicity) due to the skin’s stratum corneum barrier. Among various enhancement techniques, microneedle (MN) technology has emerged as…


3D Fiber Scaffolds for use in Cultivated Seafood

With a growing population comes an increase in demand for food. However, these food sources are limited by the supply and sustainability of natural resources currently available on the planet. This study introduces edible, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and consumer appealing alternative seafood production platforms. The value of 3D scaffolding over traditional 2D cell culture is explored as well as the structural optimization and…


Formulation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Aqueous Dispersions for Paperboard Food Packaging

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been explored for use in paperboard food and beverage packaging as an environmentally friendly replacement to petroleum-based coatings like polyethylene. Paperboard coatings are primarily extrusion coated; however, extrusion coating requires the material to be processed above its melting point. The PHB homopolymer has a polymer melting transition peak around 175° C, which also coincides with the onset of thermal…


The Power of Precision – Antibody Drug Conjugates in Modern Oncology

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) provide a powerful approach for cancer treatment. Their precise targeting and potent cell-killing effects make them a hot topic in the development of anticancer drugs. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first ADC drug Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) in 2000, 14 ADCs have been approved for marketing worldwide. Currently, more than 100 ADC candidates are in clinical trials. The chemistry…


Application of MoS2 in Lithium Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on intercalation chemistry have been widely used in the past few decades. However, the overall energy density is approaching the ceiling due to the restriction of theoretical specific capacity of insertion-type oxide cathodes and graphite anodes. Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have great potential for applications in next-generation energy storage systems due to their higher theoretical capacity and energy…


Defect Management in Halide Perovskites: Enhancing γ-Ray Detector Performance through Structural, Surface, and Point Defect Control

Developing efficient, room-temperature gamma-ray detectors is crucial for medical imaging, homeland security, and nuclear safety applications. Halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for radiation detection due to their high stopping power, defect tolerance, and cost-effective fabrication. However, the performance of perovskite-based detectors is often limited by the presence of various defects, which degrade charge collection…
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