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ResearchResearch in our lab has three thrusts: 1. Multifunctional Nanomaterials. We develop synthetic methods for the preparation of nanomaterials with well-defined structures. Our focus is on the synthesis and functionalization of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes and size-/shape-controlled graphene sheets and nanodiamonds for various applications, ranging from multifunctional nanocomposites to energy-/bio-related devices. 2. Optoelectronic Macromolecules. We synthesize conjugated macromolecules of well-controlled optoelectronic properties for light-emitting diodes, field-effect transistors, batteries, supercapacitors, and photovoltaic cells. Functional nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and DNA thin films, are used as the photon/electron/hole mediators, while a combined experimental and theoretical approach is used to understand and optimize the materials structure and device performance. 3. Biomaterials and Bioinspiration. To ascertain the potential hazards of nanomaterials to humans, particularly in bio-related systems such as biosensing and biomedical imaging devices, we investigate the surface and size effects on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nanomaterials with and without surface functionalization. We also undertake bioinspired approaches for designing and synthesizing materials with functional structures and smart features (e.g. DNA-directed self-assembling, Gecko-foot-mimetic dry adhesion).
Selected PublicationsK. Gong, F. Du, Z. Xia, M. Dustock, and L. Dai, “Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube arrays with high electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction”, Science 323, 760 (2009). Q. Sun, G. Subramanyam, L. Dai, M. Check, A. Campbell, R. Naik, J. Grote, and Y. Wang, “Highly efficient quantum-dot light-emitting diodes with DNA-CTMA as the hole-transporting/electron-blocking layer”, ACS Nano 3, 737 (2009). L. Qu, L. Dai, M. Stone, Z. Xia, and Z.L. Wang, “Carbon nanotube arrays with strong shear binding-on and easy normal lifting-off”, Science 322, 238, (2008). L. Qu, F. Du, and L. Dai, “Preferential syntheses of semiconducting vertically-aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes for direct use in FETs”, Nano Lett. 8, 2682 (2008). K. Gong, S. Chakrabarti, and L. Dai, "Electrochemistry at carbon nanotube electrodes: Is the nanotube tip more active than the sidewall?", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 47, 5446 (2008). L. Zhu, D.W. Chang, L. Dai, and Y. Hong, “DNA damage induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes in mouse embryonic stem cells”, Nano Lett. 7, 3592 (2007). Y. Yang, L. Qu, L. Dai, T.S. Kang, and M. Durstock, “Electrophoresis coating of titanium oxide onto aligned carbon nanotubes for controlled syntheses of photoelectronic nanomaterials”, Adv. Mater. 19, 1239 (2007). L. Qu, L. Dai, and E. Osawa, “Shape/size-controlled syntheses of metal nanoparticles for site-selective modification of carbon nanotubes”, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128, 5523 (2006). C. Wei, L. Dai, A. Roy, and T. Benson-Tolle, “Multifunctional chemical vapor sensors of aligned carbon nanotube and polymer composites”, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128, 1412 (2006). K. Lee, L. Li, and L. Dai, “Asymmetric end-functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes”, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 127, 4122 (2005). |
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