Function-driven synthesis of low-dimensional nanoparticles
This project aims to develop novel strategies to control synthesis of metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd) with well-defined morphology, size, orientation, crystallisation and surface termination for multi-functional properties (optical, electronic, magnetic, and chemical properties), which will find a wide range of applications in catalysts, optoelectronics, chemical sensors, biomedical fields (biosensors, drug delivery, disease diagnosis, cancer cure), and environmental redemption. Various theoretical methods will be employed/developed to understand fundamentals of particle growth and functionality, including discrete dipolar approximation (DDA), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Density Function Theory (DFT). Such scientific understanding is of paramount importance in the design, optimisation and property controlling of metal/oxide nanocomposites. In particular, the functionality of such nanocomposites in environmental redemption (e.g., water resource) will be fully investigated for future commercialisation.
