by Dan Moser | Research and Economic Development
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientist is exploring new ways to build three-dimensional molecular structures that could have far-reaching impacts in electronics, medicine and more.
Siamak Nejati, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, has received a five-year, $593,240 Faculty Early Career Development Program grant from the National Science Foundation to build on his previous research.
The technological advances made to control the synthesis and growth of molecular materials have been the cornerstone of many scientific discoveries. The goal of Nejati’s CAREER project is to realize a new green pathway that enables the high-precision deposition of ultra-thin porous and covalent organic frameworks. He will use a molecular layer deposition approach to construct films that feature a wide and tunable range of porosity in a solvent-free coating process.
Previously, scientists used a liquid-based process to synthesize these porous frameworks.
Nejati is honing a vapor-phase approach that can help form what are referred to as porous organic frameworks, or POFs, which are three-dimensional and much more versatile and easily assembled than their forerunners. The frameworks are composed of light elements such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. Scientists compare these materials and networks with LEGO bricks for their ability to be assembled in defined ways, forming a variety of topography and structures.
Nejati said the vapor-phase synthesis of POFs will enable integration of the films into energy-efficient, highly selective filters for gas and liquid separation schemes, along with electrodes for energy conversion and storage devices.
Read more:
https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/nejatis-molecular-research-earns-career-award/