Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: Multimetallic Nanomaterials by Design

Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
Multimetallic Nanomaterials by Design

Dr. Sara Skrabalak
Professor of Chemistry
Indiana University – Bloomington

Register Here for Zoom Link
This seminar may be attended in person in 1174 Gosnell Hall or online via Zoom.

Dr. Skrabalak will discuss her research group’s work, expanding the synthetic toolkit to design structurally defined bi- and trimetallic nanomaterials, hierarchical materials, and intermetallic (i.e., ordered alloys) compositions. These synthetic advances, in turn, are enabling previously unimagined nanostructures to be accessed with new function for applications in chemical sensing and catalysis.

Abstract:
The importance of molecular structure to molecular function is a central tenet in modern chemistry, with the lock-and-key model of enzyme activation representing a classic example. Likewise, the function of inorganic nanomaterials depends on a number of structural parameters that include crystallite size and shape as well as architecture (e.g., hollow versus solid). To realize the function of such materials, these structural parameters must be precisely controlled and the Skrabalak group is expanding the synthetic toolkit to achieve such advanced nanostructures. This seminar will highlight the use of seed-mediated co-reduction as a route to structurally defined bi- and trimetallic nanomaterials, hierarchical materials, and intermetallic (i.e., ordered alloys) compositions. These synthetic advances, in turn, are enabling previously unimagined nanostructures to be accessed with new function for applications in chemical sensing and catalysis. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between nanostructure form and function will allow this relationship to be inverted to achieve materials by design. Still, the synthetic toolkit must exist to realize this vision and achieve desired nanomaterials on demand.

Speaker Bio:
Biography: Sara Skrabalak received her B.A. in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 2002 where she conducted research with Professor William Buhro. She then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing her Ph.D. in chemistry in fall of 2006 with the tutelage of Professor Kenneth Suslick. After postdoctoral research at the University of Washington – Seattle with Professors Younan Xia and Xingde Li, she began her independent career in the Chemistry Department at Indiana University – Bloomington in 2008, where she was named the James H. Rudy Professor in 2015. She is a recipient of many accolades, most recently being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2020. Professor Skrabalak is Editor-in-Chief for both Chemistry of Materials and ACS Materials Letters. Her research group focuses on nanomaterial design and synthesis for applications in catalysis, solar energy use, secured electronics, chemical sensing, and more (https://skrablab.sitehost.iu.edu/).

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.

To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu