Project Description
Precise structural control is critical for scientists to harness the optical, magnetic, chemical and biological properties of nanomaterials and nanomedicines. In nanoscience, precise bottom-up synthesis bridging the microscopic and macroscopic world is an ultimate goal. To this end, identifying precise building blocks and understanding how their functionalization are fundamental. Fullerenes and their close relatives, endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) reside at the boundary between inorganic and organic worlds, and between small-molecules and nanomaterials. They have defined molecular structures, and can be functionalized with robust C-C bonds. Our group focuses on the chemistry of these molecules, and the application of them as functional materials.
Qualifications
GPA > 3.50
Willing to commit to a long-term research project, and take research credits.
Current Undergraduate Researchers
Mark John Siringan
Joshua Steif
Dylan Durand
Publications with Undergraduate Co-authors
Siringan, M. J.; Dawar A.; Zhang J.* Interactions between fullerene derivatives and biological systems. Mater. Chem. Front. 2023, advanced article.
Biswas, R.; Yang, S.; Crichton, R. A.; Adly-Gendi, P.; Chen, T. K.; Kopcha W. P.; Zhang, S.; Zhang, J. C60-β-cyclodextrin conjugates for enhanced nucleus delivery of doxorubicin. Nanoscale 2022, 14, 4456.