Research

Nanoparticles Synthesis. The shape variety of the nanocrystal defines their optical properties over a broad spectral range. The symmetry breaking, the emergence of crystal defects as well as surface heterogeneity are some of the aspects that bring our attention in studying the nanocrystals growth in the liquid phase. We look towards sustainable approaches and automatised processes to control the particles shape, size with progressively improving nanocrystals quality.

Bottom up fabrication through nanoparticles self-assembly. Spatial distribution of nanoparticles in the liquid phase becomes a leading strategy for the bottom-up fabrication of either device-focused large-scale static assemblies or stimuli-responsive dynamic nanosystems. We focus on the system design to control inter-particle forces, the length-scale of the assemblies, and overall optical properties to build sustainable architectures operating at non-equilibrium conditions.

Plasmonic Catalysis. By mimicking chemical processes typical in natural photosynthesis, we focus on using self-assembled nanoparticles of well-defined optical properties for light-driven regeneration of biological molecules - cofactors. We put attention on the architecture of the nanoscale building blocks and the control over the energy flow under light conditions that are crucial in improving the efficiency of the photochemical processes.

Nanomaterials for Live Science. To apply the designed constructs, we develop, from one side, colorimetric sensors based on plasmonic nanoparticles for liquid biopsy (cancer detection) and for the detection of infectious diseases, and from another side, hybrid nanomaterials (plasmonic-semiconducting) for neuroscience.