PhD Project by Joakim Lajer

Project Title: Uncovering Nanocrystal Secrets – Nanofluidic 3D Electron Diffraction
Group: Molecular Windows
Supervisor: Kristian Speranza Mølhave

Project description
Nanoscale crystals are present and essential in a wide range of applications in drugs, organic semiconductors, and porous structures with many uses in chemistry and catalysis. When complex molecules crystallize, many different crystal structures can be created, called polymorphs, and it is often essential to obtain a specific polymorph to achieve the desired effect of a compound. Drug molecules notoriously form many polymorphs, with varying solubility hampering drug loading and controlled release. Understanding the polymorph nanocrystal structure can provide detailed atomic structure information of the molecules.  

This PhD project will use crystal structural analysis by 3D electron diffraction (ED) which is better than traditional X-ray-based methods for nanoscale crystals and combine it with in-situ liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) to create an EDLPTEM platform. This will provide new opportunities for determining atomic structure and understanding crystal structural dynamics in water or other solvents under controlled conditions. The platform is based on our unique nanofluidic LPTEM systems allowing us to flow samples and mix reagents inside a TEM. 

Perspective 
In close collaboration with one of the world’s leading ED groups at Stockholm University, we will find the optimal ways to perform ED on nanocrystals to study structural changes as temperature and chemical conditions vary. We aim to help increase control of drug loading in nanomedicine development with leading researchers at DTU Healthtech. The platform will complement and expand beyond the capabilities of existing X-ray, neutron, and dry or cryo-electron microscopy methods.