Chemistry Research

My doctoral and postdoctoral research focused on the synthesis of functional inorganic and hybrid nanomaterials for applications in defense, medicine and energy storage. My research interests lie in the interface of nanoscience and inorganic chemistry, and I enjoy incorporating research publications and small-scale experiments and demonstrations in my course curricula.

Metal fluoride nanosheets

We report 1–2 unit-cell-thick CaF₂ nanosheets, which can be converted topochemically into ∼20 × 5 nm scroll-like tubes of LaF_3–2xO_x nanosheets. These results demonstrate novel metal fluoride nanochemistry and a new scrolling mechanism.

Boron oxide nanoparticles

A sonochemical approach in the presence of a capping agent was employed to produce approximately 4–5-nm-sized B₂O₃ NPs, including the ¹⁰B isotopically enriched form. The B₂O₃ NPs can be further modified through a facile, one-step ligand-exchange process. The NPs were nontoxic in Chinese hamster ovarian cells up to 1.7 mM.

Cross-linked porous polyurethane

We report the discovery that a perhydroxylated dodecaborate cluster ([B₁₂(OH)₁₂]²⁻) can act as an inorganic polyol, serving as a molecular cross-linker in the synthesis of polyurethane-based materials. We further demonstrate how the inherent robustness of the utilized boron cluster can effectively enhance the thermal stability of the produced polyurethane materials incorporating [B₁₂(OH)₁₂]²⁻ building blocks compared to analogous polymers made from carbon-based polyols.

Nanoflowers of boron oxide

Our research was featured on ‘c&en’ magazine in their Chemistry in Pictures photo gallery. We directed nanosheets of boron oxide to form these nanoroses using a solvothermal reaction with a capping agent. Such images remind us that science is a great architect, and the nanoworld can be controlled to resemble the natural world!

Nanoscale metal borides

We describe the top-down nanostructuring of a metal boride using SrB₆ as an example. Our methodology leads to the formation of <100 nm SrB₆ nanoparticles. This chemistry opens new solution-based modification and processing options for metal borides.

Cross-linked metal oxides

In this perspective article, we highlight several recent developments in cross-linked hybrid metal oxides, focusing on chemical cross-linking techniques to enrich their properties. We discuss future directions of this cross-linking approach that could enable further manipulation of these materials.

Enhancing Cycling Stability of Tungsten Oxide Supercapacitor Electrodes via a Boron Cluster-Based Molecular Cross-Linking Approach

We report our discovery of utilizing perhydroxylated dodecaborate clusters ([B₁₂(OH)₁₂]^2-) as a molecular cross-linker to generate a hybrid tungsten oxide material. We further demonstrate how these robust B₁₂-based clusters in the resulting hybrid tungsten oxide material can effectively preserve specific capacitance and reduce charge transfer resistance and response time compared to pristine WO₃.