Fluid Optimization for Nanoscale Sensing
Nanoscale biosensing is frequently carried out inside a microfluidic channel, and the transport of the analyte to biosensors limits both the time response and the sensitivity for sensing. The goal of this project is to enhance the analyte transport to nanoscale biosensors by optimizing the flow pattern inside the microfluidic channel. Specifically, both numerical and experimental endeavors will be implemented to identify the optimized flow pattern.

Engineering Solar Cells with Nanowires

Semiconductor nanowires, through their unprecedented electric and optical properties, offer new possibilities for photovoltaic devices. Our goal is to use semiconductor nanowires as the basic building blocks for the third generation solar cells for improved efficiency and reduced cost. We are also interested in miniaturization of solar cells for integrated power sources for nanoelectronic, photonic and biological sensing devices.

Flame Synthesis of 1-D Metal Oxide Nanostructures

The most attractive characteristics of semiconducting nanomaterials are their large surface area and unique electronic properties, which provide an ideal platform for surface reaction. As a result, nanomaterials are ideal candidates for creating improved catalysts and electrodes for fuel cells/batteries. Our goal is to develop a cost-effective flame synthesis routine for the high throughput production of various 1-D metal oxide nanostructures for energy conversion systems, and to study the fundamental science behind the growth of these structures.