Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials

My main research interest is nanomaterials, and in particular the relationship between their structure and their electronic and optical properties, for applications in photovoltaics, photocatalysis and optoelectronics. We investigate nanomaterials, nanocomposites and devices at a range length scales using the advanced imaging and analytical techniques available at the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite.

One of the key challenges in this area is to study how single particles, interfaces and junctions can support chemical and physical processes at the nanoscale. We are interested in quantifying morphology, crystallography and composition when nanomaterials are activated using external stimuli such as electrical bias, heat, photon illumination, liquid flow. To achieve these goals, we develop tools and methods for in situ TEM analysis of nanomaterials and devices, and have most recently focused on light emitting diodes, hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructured solar cells, and electrochemical cells.

Having worked on nucleation and growth of nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes,  semiconductor nanowires, and metal oxide nanoparticles, since the beginning of my Ph.D., I am also deeply interested in understanding the processes that govern growth at the nanoscale. Most recently I have been involved in research on the self-assembly of polymeric raspberry particles in the liquid phase, in particular with the aim to monitor their evolution in the TEM coupled in continuous flow to a synthesis reactor.