PhD Project by Sara Talebi Deylamani

Project Title: Structural Characterization of Self-Assembly of Organic Nanomaterials and Biomaterials
Group: Nano-Micro-Macro. Structure in Materials
Supervisor: Joerg Jinschek
 
Project description
Multicomponent nanomaterials and biomaterials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have shown considerable potential in biomedical, biological, gas storage, separation, and sensor applications. The synthesis of such nanomaterials is often governed by molecular assembly processes that form various structures from preformed building blocks. In this regard, understanding nanomaterial growth is essential not only for controlling property-related structural characteristics, such as size, morphology, and atomic arrangements of nanomaterials, but also for providing guidelines for designing novel materials with specific functionalities. 

However, bottom-up assembly of synthetic nanomaterials with predefined structures and properties still seems challenging due to limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and how to precisely control particle growth and morphology. For example, mesostructured materials with well-defined properties can be designed through multiscale assembly, combining the self-assembly of predefined building blocks (e.g., molecules) with subsequent organization and functionalization. In addition, morphology can influence several aspects of the interaction between synthetic nanomaterials and biological systems.

This project aims to unravel the mysteries of such self-assembly at the molecular level, a phenomenon that holds the key to unlocking unprecedented possibilities. We will advance our fundamental understanding of how structurally complex systems and hierarchical functional nanomaterials form. In our study, we specially focus on in situ monitoring of the synthesis processes using various electron microscopy (EM) techniques to visualize individual building blocks as well as to observe dynamics during synthesis. To resolve potential heterogeneities in the structures, this research will focus on developing real-space imaging techniques, e.g., to resolve surface sites as anchor points of attaching building blocks during assembly. 

The overall objective is to provide insights for designing functional nanomaterials through self-assembly with desired properties and specific functionalities.