| Name | Research Interests |
| Assoc Prof Alfred Tok Iing Yoong | 1) Carbon-based Field-Effect Transistor Sensors
The biosensors market, which is currently at USD 9.9 billion, is expected to reach USD 18.9 billion in 2019 (GIA Report, 2014) propelled by the growing population and health issues. Our group capitalizes on this emergent market and researches on disposable and low-cost sensor suitable for real-time sensing in field conditions. Our group focuses on sensors for biological and gas detection applications.
2) Synthesis of Nanostructured Materials using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has evolved to be a unique tool for nanotechnology with atomic level control of the depositions, 3D conformity and homogeneity. Film depositions can be realized for complex non-planar topographies for a wide range of applications such as energy conversion and storage, nanoparticle catalysts, nanostructures for drug delivery, gas separations, sensing, and photonic applications. Our group focuses on ALD materials for solar cell, hydrogen generation and smart window applications.
3) Hard & Tough Materials for Ballistic Protection Application
The next generation of military vehicular and soldier system requires light-weight materials with high strength-to-weight ratio. Our research focuses on the synthesis and densification of nanostructured materials & desired composite architecture to significantly raise the ballistic protection capability. The B-C-N-O group of compounds are potential candidates to form novel materials for ballistic protection application as they inherent the unique properties from both boron nitride and boron carbide which are known for their light weight, high hardness, low friction coefficient and high wear resistance. Prof Tok leads a team of collaborators in armour material research ranging from high temperature synthesis of novel superhard materials and consolidation by state-of-the-art Spark Plasma Sintering to advanced characterisation techniques such as depth of penetration test using Two-Stage Light-Gas Gun.
4) Institute for Sports Research
Our group is involved in the Institute for Sports Research, working on the damping property of midsoles which is based on carbon nanotube (CNT). CNT’s high aspect ratios (length/diameter) is particularly desirable for mechanical reinforcement, and it is found that the vertical aligned (VA)CNTs perform well in damping, to dissipate the energy absorbed under compression (Figure 7). Our present job is to tune the damping property of VACNT by adjusting the length, diameter and area density etc. parameters and try to reinforce the polymer with VACNT to fabricate midsole material with better cushion property.
5) NRF-CREATE
In accordance with the objectives of the Energy Thrust Program of the NRF-CREATE Project, our group is focused on the design and synthesis of highly functional nanomaterials, which enables energy harvesting and conservation. Recently, novel graphene oxide synthesized nanoballs and nanoflowers were synthesized. These exhibit potentials for supercapacitors and energy applications. In general, these activities results in above 50 publications, 17 patent applications and projects discussions with companies regarding commercialization possibilities. |
| Assoc Prof Ali Miserez | Structural properties of biological materials from the macro-scale to the nano-scale
Multi-scale structural and mechanical properties of biological materials, including biominerals.
Elastomeric and structural properties of bioelastomers
Protein chemistry of sclerotized hard-tissues from marine organisms, such as Cephalopod
Single-molecular force spectroscopy of structural and elastic proteins
Underwater adhesion mechanisms of adhesive proteins
Biofouling
RNA-sequencing and proteomics of extra-cellular biological materials
Advanced Metal/Ceramic composites
Experimental Fracture Mechanics |
| Assoc Prof Andrew Clive Grimsdale | Prof Grimsdale?s areas of expertise are the synthesis of conjugated polymers for electronic applications, particularly light-emitting diodes, solar cells and thin-film transistors. His current research works focus on the synthesis of materials for solar cells and transistors and on the supramolecular assembly of organic materials. |
| Assoc Prof Ang Diing Shenp | 1. Reliability physics and characterization of nanoscale transistors (negative-bias temperature instability, hot-carrier effects, gate oxide breakdown, low frequency/RF noise, metal gate/high-kappa gate stack, non-volatile memories, silicon-on-insulator transistors, nanowire devices etc.)
2. Nano-characterization techniques (conductive atomic force microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and associated anaytical techniques for alternative gate dielectrics, nanowire devices etc.)
3. Characterization of novel devices (e.g. tunneling FETs, novel memories etc.) |
| Mr Ang Hock Eng | Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Engineering Components using Boundary Element Methods.
Instrumentation & Control of Fluid Power Systems. |
| Assoc Prof Aravind Babu Dasari | Dr Dasari’s major research emphasis is on the development of in-depth understanding of the various facets of processing-structure-property relations in hybrid polymer nanocomposites to achieve synergistic properties for different end applications. These facets include:
1. Thermal stability and flame retardancy (with eco-benign agents)
2. Functional properties (electrical/thermal conductivities, biodegradability and UV shielding)
3. Electrospinning techniques
4. Wear/scratch damage at different scales (macro/micro/nano)
5. Deformation and Fracture mechanisms
6. Active food packaging |
| Assoc Prof Atsushi Goto | Polymer Chemistry and Polymer Materials
1) Controlled syntheses of polymers
2) Development of new living radical polymerization via organic catalysis
3) Creation of new advance polymer materials using structurally controlled polymers |
| Prof Atul N. Parikh | Membrane biophysics
biologically inspired materials
biosensors
synthetic chemical biology |
| Asst Prof Bae Tae-Hyun | 1. Chemistry of materials
- nanoporous materials including zeolites, mesoporous materials and metal-organic frameworks
- thin films and nanocomposite membranes
2. Environmental technology
- CO2 capture
- water treatment
3. Molecular separaitons in chemical processes
- hydrocarbon separations
- gas separations |
| Prof Bjorn Lindman | Björn Lindman is chair professor in physical chemistry at Lund University, Sweden since 1978 and is visiting professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research interests are in the field of colloid science, including surfactant and polymer self-assembly, polymer-surfactant systems, polymer adsorption, amphiphilic polymers and biopolymers like DNA and cellulose. He consults and gives training courses for industry on formulations and is also a co-founder of spin-offs in this area. He is a fellow of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, the Swedish Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences and the Portuguese Academy of Science.
Björn Lindman has published over 600 papers in journals and books; these have been cited more than 20000 times, with an h-index of 80.
He has received the Overbeek Gold Medal of the European Colloid and Interface Society and the Life-time Achievement Award of the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists, and prestigious awards from US, China, Japan, India, UK, Finland and Sweden. He is a cofounder of the European Colloid and Interface Society and has been the president of this organization as well as the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists. He is one of the authors of the textbook Surfactants and Polymers in Aqueous Solutions (2 editions and translated into Chinese and Russian) as well as of Surface Chemistry of Surfactants and Polymers (Wiley 2014). |
| Prof Bo Gunnar Liedberg | The research interests of Prof. Bo Liedberg can be divided into three main areas
Surface Chemistry and Self Assembled Monolayers
This part of the research concerns fundamental studies of adsorbates and ultrathin molecular architectures, like Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs), on solid supports. The group was very early in studying self-assembly of substituted alkylthiols on gold substrates. A key activity has been to study temperature driven phenomena occurring in such assemblies as well as in adsorbed layers on top such SAMs. Oligo(ethylene glycol) and oligosaccharide SAMs have attracted considerable attention, both experimentally and theoretically, because of their structural characteristics and advantageous properties in contact with biofluids. Another area concerns interfacial water and ice. Temperature programmed studies have been undertaken to improve the understanding of the nucleation and microscopic wetting behavior of water/ice. The complexity of the SAMs has increased over the years and we are today focusing on architectures based on SAMs bearing multivalent chelator heads, helix-loop-helix polypeptides and receptor functions.
Bioinspired and Biomimetic Nanoscience
This research concerns the development of nanoscale architectures fabricated using either top-down or bottom-up protocols (or a combination of both). We are, for example, developing plasmonic arrays based on 100 nm gold nano dots on silicon and glass surface for amplification of optical fluorescence signals, so-called metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF). We are also developing composite materials based on a combination of de novo designed peptide scaffolds, planar surfaces and nanoparticles of controlled size and shape. A novel concept based on peptide folding has been used for controlled assembly of gold nanoparticles. The group is also involved in the development of Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) for patterning of surfaces on the 30-100 nm length scale. This work is performed jointly with a previous student of the group who nowadays is setting up a nanolaboratory at the Institute of Physics, Vilnius. We are also involved in several EC projects where different types of micro- and nanoscale patterning tools are employed for production of coatings for biofouling, sensing and biomedical applications.
Optical Biosensors, micro- and nanoarrays
The group has a long experience in developing optical transducers for biosensing application. We were the first to demonstrate the use of surface plasmon resonance for studies of bioaffinity interactions at surfaces, a technology that today form the backbone in SPR/Biacore instruments developed for biospecific interaction analysis (BIA). We are today using it in combination with ellipsometric interrogation and imaging optics for microarraying, and in combination with nanoparticle for studies optical enhancement phenomena. This includes, for example, microarray chips for protein multiplexing. The group is also working on the development of generic biochips for studies of ligand-receptor binding. Besides working on microarray fabrication for protein detection and analysis we are also developing biochips for the safety and security area.
Selected publications
1. Tinazli, A., Tang, J., Valiokas, R., Picuric, S., Lata, S., Piehler, J., Liedberg, B., Tampe, R., Chem. Eur. J. 11, 5249-5259 (2005).
2. Aili, D., Enander, K., Tai, F-I., Baltzer, L., Liedberg, B., Angew. Chem., 120, 5636-5638 (2008).
3. Aili, D., Enander, K., Baltzer, L., Liedberg, B., Nano Letters, 8, 2473-2478 (2008).
4. Andersson, O., Ulrich, C., Björefors, F., Liedberg, B., Sensors&Actuators B: Chemical, 134, 545-550 (2008).
5. Klenkar, G., Liedberg, B., Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 391, 1679-1688 (2008).
6. Aili, D., Selegård. R., Baltzer, L., Enander, K., Liedberg, Small, 5, 2445-2452 (2009).
7. Lee, H.-H., Ruzele, Z., Malysheva, L., Onipko, A., Gutes, A., Björefors, F., Valiokas, R., Liedberg, B., Langmuir, 25(24), 13959–71 (2009). |
| Prof Carlo Sirtori | My research activities are mostly dedicated to light and condensed matter interaction, with a special emphasis on semiconductor low dimensional-structures. The design and realisation of new devices based on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics are always at the centre of my interests. My continuous interactive dialog with industrial partners has driven these investigations towards the matching of fundamental research with long-term technological needs. A clear example of the mixing between fundamental and applied is the quantum cascade (QC) laser where quantum engineering of artificial electronic and photonic potentials blend in with the realisation of optoelectronic devices.
At present my main research interest are:
- Quantum devices bases on the strong and ultra-strong light matter interaction
- Superradiant devices
- High frequency modulation of QC laser
- THz QC lasers
- Antenna coupled to micro-cavities detectors
- Quantum phenomena in LC-circuit resonators |
| Assoc Prof Cesare Soci | Our research embraces several key areas of nanoelectronics and nanophotonics, including organic semiconductors and plasmonic materials, as well as new ideas on specialty optical fibers and “cognitive photonic networks”. We are particularly interested in fundamental properties of materials emerging from small dimensionality, large interface area, hybridization and artificial nanostructuring. |
| Prof Chen Xiaodong | Currently, Prof. Chen's research focuses on two directions:
(1) Integrated nano-bio interface: to develop programmable nanostructure-biomaterial hybrid systems for monitoring, manipulating, and mimicking biological processes.
(2) Programmable materials for energy conversion: to explore programmable modules for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. |
| Prof Chen Zhong | Thin Films & Low-dimensional Materials: Thin films & nano-materials for clean energy and environmental applications; Microelectronic thin films; Protective and functional surface coatings.
Mechanical Behavior of Materials: Fracture, fatigue, and creep of bulk monolithic & composite materials, thin films and multi-layers; Experimental and computational mechanics. |
| Assoc Prof Cheong Siew Ann | Asst Prof CHEONG Siew Ann's areas of expertise are in computational physics, complex system dynamics, and bioinformatics. He is currently working on the development of self-consistent stochastic boundary conditions for ab initio and molecular dynamics simulations, methods to accelerate Monte Carlo simulations and high-dimensional optimization. He is also interested in developing automatic coarse-graining algorithms to perform data-driven identification of effective degrees of freedom in financial markets, very-large-scale computer simulations. He is also working on applying ideas from the Renormalization Group in statistical physics to the mining of very-large-scale databases. |
| Prof Chi Yonggui Robin | OrganoCatalysis, Chemical Synthesis, Functional Molecules |
| Assoc Prof Chian Kerm Sin | Prof Sandy Chian's areas of expertise are polymer chemistry, medical implants, and tissue engineering. His current research works focus on synthesis of degradable polymers, tissue engineering and scaffold fabrication technology. |
| Assoc Prof Cho Nam-Joon | Our research is focused on engineering approaches to solve challenging medical problems with strong emphasis on: 1) biosensing, 2) hydrogel tissue engineering, 3) biopharmaceuticals, and 4) drug delivery.
To support these translational projects, we have several ongoing academic and industrial collaborations including those with Harvard University, Stanford University, and Roche Ltd.
Despite advances in therapeutic drugs and tools, much work remains towards the early identification and eradication of infectious diseases. We are developing model membrane sensing platforms to interrogate the mechanisms of virus life cycles, especially that of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). We are also leveraging these engineering strategies to combat a wide range of viruses including dengue and influenza. In a related project, we are characterizing the molecular interactions of phospholipases involved in inflammatory response and the pathogeneses of many cancers.
To more effectively translate new medicines into clinical therapies, we also have an active regenerative medicine team focused on liver tissue engineering. The liver is an important organ that is the site of HCV infection. Moreover, liver toxicity is a major challenge which accounts for the costly failure of many drugs late in the pipeline. Therefore, our primary aim in this area is to develop an artificial liver tissue platform to study HCV infection and drug toxicity.
Taken together, our overall research initiative seeks to engineer artificial membrane and tissue platforms to probe biological systems, and to translate these findings into enhanced therapeutic and drug delivery options that more effectively target infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. |
| Dr Chong Seow Khoon, Mark | Bone Tissue Engineering
Experimental Disease Models
Instructive Biomaterials
Biodesign |
| Asst Prof Cuong Dang | - OptoElectronic Devices
- Nano-Photonics
- LEDs, Lasers, Quantum Emitters
- Nano-Materials |
| Asst Prof Czarny Bertrand | My research is focused on the development of nanomedicines to treat inflammatory diseases (cardiovascular and neurological disease principally), with large emphasis on in vivo pre-clinical studies. In collaborations with clinicians from different hospitals or institutes in Singapore, my research is highly translational, and is broadly applicable to many pathological conditions. The goal is to choose nanomaterials in relation to the drug and the disease and develop nanomedicines with high efficacy and safety profiles. |
| Asst Prof Dalton Tay Chor Yong | The overarching focus of Dr Tay’s research lies at the nexus between small scale (micro-nano) biomaterials and biology. His research group seeks to understand and develop novel biomaterials-centric strategies to control livings systems for biomedicine and biotechnology.
Areas of current research include:
(i) Micro-nano scale technologies for regenerative medicine and biosensing
(ii) Mechano-chemical signal transduction in eukaryotes
(iii) “Self-therapeutic” nanomaterials
(iv) 3D printed bio-inspired micro-physiological systems for cancer and skin research |
| Asst Prof Dang Thuy Tram | Assistant Prof. Dang’s multidisciplinary research interests span the fields of biomaterials, drug delivery and cell-based therapeutics. Our lab aims to integrate fundamental understanding of cellular and molecular microenvironment with engineering advances in the design of biocompatible materials, biologically responsive drug delivery and microfabricated cell-based systems to develop more effective treatments for diabetes and wound healing.
Our current research activities center on the following three areas
1. Host immune response to polymeric biomaterials
We seek to understand the influence of materials’ physical and chemical properties on their interaction with the surrounding cellular microenvironment in the host response to polymeric biomaterials. Our long term goal is utilize this knowledge in rational design of biomaterial surfaces to promote successful clinical integration of implanted medical devices, drug delivery systems and tissue-engineered scaffolds. In addition, we also study the immunogenicity of degradable polymeric biomaterials to predict their long-term performance in non-medical biological systems and evaluate their potential applications in cosmetic or food industries.
2. Biologically responsive drug delivery systems
We are interested in designing novel drug delivery systems that harness altered biochemical signals in pathological states to program the release of therapeutics for effective restoration of physiological balance.
3. Modular programming of pancreatic micro-tissues
Therapeutic cells, such as pancreatic islets for diabetes treatment, often suffer from decreased viability and function when transplanted into the body of recipients due to the absence of supporting blood vessels. Our team seeks to overcome this limitation by re-programming the pancreatic islets’ modular micro-structures to optimize their cellular configuration for enhanced oxygen and nutrient transports. |
| Prof Denis Fichou | Our present research aims at conceiving novel materials, either organic or inorganic in nature, in view of energy applications such as sunlight conversion and storage.
1. Organic and hybrid photovoltaic cells
We design and synthetize novel small organic molecules having an extended pi-electron system and use them either as active materials (p- or n-type semiconductors) or as interfacial layers in thin film solar cells. We recently developed series of molecules such as for example dipyrranylidenes and organo-cobalt complexes, that we used to fabricate efficient photovoltaic solar cells.
2. Oxide-based photoelectrochemical systems
We aim at converting efficiently sunlight into clean and readily usable fuels such as hydrogen or methane on a large scale. One of the most promising technologies consists in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through solar irradiation of semiconductor-based devices. We recently designed various efficient PEC systems based on either WO3, Cu2O, or BiVO4 among others, and used them under sunlight illumination to produce hydrogen.
3. Supramolecular self-assemblies on surfaces
The self-assembly of organic molecules on solid surfaces provides a versatile route towards functional 2D arrays in view of energy, catalytic and magnetic applications. Our group develops unique supramolecular architectures by controlling the size and shape of the molecular bricks. We then observe and manipulate the assemblies at the atomic/molecular scale by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). |
| Assoc Prof Dong Zhili | Dr. Dong has more than twenty years experience in transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction of materials. His research interests include open-framework materials, nanostructured functional materials, advanced coatings and materials synthesis. |
| Assoc Prof Du Hejun | His research interests mainly include three areas: 1) numerical and computational methods for engineering applications; 2) MEMS sensors and actuators and micro-fluidics; 3) smart materials and their engineering applications. |
| Assoc Prof Duan Hongwei | His current research is focused on two major areas including nanomaterials engineering and biomedical nanotechnology. The goal of this work is to develop new technological platforms for early detection and targeted therapy of major human diseases such as cancer. Ongoing projects in his group include semiconductor quantum dots for live cell imaging and biomarker profiling, multifunctional nanoparticles for integrated cancer imaging and therapy, self-assembled nanostructures for disease-targeted drug/gene delivery and ultrathin films based arrays for ultrasensitive biodetection. |
| Assoc Prof Fan Hongjin | 1. Energy Materials and Physics.
- Nanomaterials for solar water splitting via photoelectrochemical cells
- Electrochemical energy storage (Li-ion and Na-ion batteries)
- Atomic layer deposition in energy applications
2. Optical Properties of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors
- Semiconducting nanowires
- 2D semiconductors especially their heterostructures, and nanostructured hybrid perovskites |
| Assoc Prof Fan Hui | Prof. Fan has been conducting research in the area of solid mechanics for over 20 years. His publications touched topics: fracture mechanics, mechanics of composites, micromechanics of defects in the solids, and multi-physics. |
| Assoc Prof Fan Weijun | His research interests include semiconductor band structure calculations by using effective mass theory, the first-principles method and empirical pseudopotential method (EPM); Compound semiconductor material growth, characterizations and device fabrications; Si photonics; Spintronics. |
| Assoc Prof Fei Duan | (1) Kinetics of phase changes
(2) Evaporation cooling and thermal management
(3) Energy/exergy analysis on thermocapillary evaporators
(4) Thermal analyses of energy systems
(5) Development of smart materials |
| Assoc Prof Fidel Costa Rodriguez | I'm interested in understanding the formation, transport, and eruption of magmas
(silicate melt, gas and crystals) on the Earth's surface. Main focus are the conditions
(pressure, temperature, volatile contents) at which magmas are stored prior to
eruption, the processes that lead to the erupted magma compositions
(magma mixing, crystallization), the rates and time scales at which these
processes occur, and, finally how all this information relate to volcanic monitoring
data and unrest phenomena. I have expertise and use a large variety of geochemical
(SEM, electron microprobe, SIMS, FTIR, LA-ICP-MS, XRF, INAA), experimental
(high pressure and temperature apparatus for phase equilibria),
and modeling (finite differences for kinetics in solid state) approaches. |
| Dr Fong Wen Mei, Eileen | Her research interests are in synthetic biology, protein engineering and cell biology for both biological and engineering applications.
Design and synthesis of artificial protein biomaterials
Developing assays for studying collective migration in 2D and 3D environments
Engineering proteins with novel functions
Improving microbial systems for efficient synthesis of protein materials |
| Prof Gan Chee Lip | A/Prof Gan's research area is on microelectronics interconnect systems, spanning from reliability of conventional Cu/low-k interconnects, to three-dimensional (3D) interconnects and nanowires interconnects. Dr Gan's current research interests include the reliability study of advanced interconnect systems, such as copper electromigration, time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown of low-k dielectrics and new assessment methodology for circuit level reliability projection. Another area of research is on the process integration and reliability of 3D interconnects through copper-copper wafer bonding. Fabrication of metallic nanowires by a template method as interconnects is also being investigated. Work is carried out to characterize the morphology and electrical properties of the nanowires to assess its suitability for actual applications. |
| Assoc Prof Goh Kia Liang Gregory | Prof. Goh's expertise is in hdyrothermal synthesis, film and nanostructure growth a epitaxy. His current research interests include:
* Growth of TiO2 films for spintronic and photocatalytic applications
* Hydrothermal synthesis of lead-free piezoelectrics
* Inorganic photovoltaic materials
* Low temperature solution epitaxy of ZnO films and nanostructures |
| Asst Prof Grzegorz Lisak | Environmental chemistry with focus of novel analytical protocols for determination of pollutants in environment.
Analytical chemistry with focus on electroanalysis.
Electrochemistry with focus on conducting materials, e.g. conducting polymers.
Novel materials for the use in sensor technology.
Electro stimulated transport of species across membranes.
On-line determination of toxic metals bioavailability in various samples, e.g. soil. |
| Prof Hng Huey Hoon | Prof Hng's main research interest is in the understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationships of nanomaterials. The research covers a wide range of experimental analytical techniques such as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Such techniques enable the characterization of nanometre scale phases and provide an in-depth understanding of the materials' properties. Her current research works focus on the synthesis of inorganic materials using various processing techniques. The materials of interest are thermoelectric and energetic materials including metal alloys, intermetallics and functional ceramics. |
| Asst Prof Hortense Le Ferrand | Dr. Le Ferrand’s research is focused on the design and fabrication of hard and dense composite and ceramic materials and structures able to achieve new combinations of structural and functional properties. The materials and structures to deliver have applications in biomedical, robotics and aerospace industries. Areas of current interest are:
- Controlled manipulation of nano and microparticles
- Development of novel additive manufacturing technologies for dense composites
- Investigation of densification methods in complex-shaped hierarchical matter
- Relationships microstructural design, composition and density, and macroscopic properties
- Multi-scale characterization methods. |
| Prof Hu Xiao | Composites and Nanocomposites
Functional Polymers: Synthesis and Assembly
Nanocrystals Synthesis and Modification (including rods, dots and tubes)
Organic-inorganic Hybrid Materials |
| Assoc Prof Huang Weimin | Shape memory materials and technologies
Smart actuators and devices
Active assembly and disassembly
Surface patterning
Yield surface of materials
Materials selection |
| Assoc Prof Huang Yizhong | 1. Novel nanocomposites for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells.
2. Ordered nanosturctured arrays for nanodevices such as bio-senors and gas-senors.
3. 3D interfacial analysis of inorganic -organic interfaces and materials failure at the micro/nano-scale.
4. Self-lubricating nanocomposites for hard coatings.
5. Transimission Electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam (FIB). |
| Asst Prof Ito Shingo | Organic Synthesis, Polymer Synthesis, and Structural Organic Chemistry
1) Development of Novel Synthetic Methodology in Organic and Polymer Synthesis
2) Synthesis of Heteroatom-Containing π-Functional Molecules for Device Application |
| Assoc Prof Jan-Thorsten Schantz | tissue engineering of bone, cartilage
cell material interaction
cell culture systems
regenerative medicine
cell migration (cell guidance, vascular guidance, biological guidance)
craniofacial and breast surgery |
| Assoc Prof Jason Xu Zhichuan | • Electrocatalysis
• Electrochemical energy storage
• Electrochemical interfaces
• Electrochemical sensors
• Magnetic nanomaterials
• Chemistry for materials recycle |
| Assoc Prof K Radhakrishnan | Epitaxial growth and characterization of compound semiconductor materials including III-Nitrides. Development of advanced structures for gas sensing, biosensing and optical detectors and emitters. Device fabrication and characterization for various electronic and photonics applications. |
| Prof Kam Chan Hin | His current research interests are mainly in the area of sol-gel photonics, non-linear optics, quantum transport and spectroscopy of rare-earth doped glasses. He has contributed more than 200 international journal and conference publications in the area of Photonics and High Energy Physics. He holds 6 international patents in surface acoustic wave devices and sol-gel photonics. |
| Assoc Prof Kantisara Pita | Prof K. Pita's areas of expertise are synthesis and fabrication of novel oxide based films and nanoparticles for photonics applications such as light emitting based devices, waveguide based devices and solar cells. His current research works focus on novel oxide based films/nanoparticles materials system for light emitting based devices, solar cells and waveguide based devices. |
| Asst Prof Karthik Kumar | Advanced Materials; Composites; Metallurgy; Surface Treatment; Surface Characterization; Surface Chemistry; Nanofabrication; Photonics; Plasmonics; Nanoplasmonics |
| Asst Prof Kim Munho | Current research interests include, but are not limited to:
- Development of wide bandgap nanomembranes and its device applications (high power transistors and photodetectors)
- Flexible/stretchable/wearable electronics and photonics
- Silicon/germanium electronics and optoelectronics
- Novel nano/micro fabrication processes for future flexible/wearable electronics and photonics
- Development of semiconductor heterojunction with wide bandgap materials
Our lab is currently seeking excellent candidates for "1" Ph.D and "2" postdoc positions. Please visit the above group homepage for details.
Please send an email to munho.kim@ntu.edu.sg if you are interested. |
| Prof Lam Yee Cheong | Dr. Lam's research is well supported by private and public funding. His most current research endeavor is on microfluidics, which include mixing and particle separation in microchannels. His recent research activities include modeling of materials and their processing, injection moldings, fiber composite manufacturing and the behaviors of polymers. He has also conducted research in the areas of metal working, fracture mechanics, life extension of structures and finite element analysis. He has published more than three hundred technical papers. His research in plastic injection molding is supported by Moldflow Corporation, USA, the leading and dominant company in plastic injection molding simulation software. As a result of this research collaboration, Moldflow donated $12.4 million dollars of software to NTU for research and educational purposes in 2000. |
| Prof Lam Yeng Ming | Yeng Ming’s research interests are in the understanding and the application of self-organization of peptides and polymers. She has studied a wide range of self-assembled systems in selective solvents and thin films. Her research also includes the application of self-assembly on the synthesis of nanostructures/nanoparticles, nanotemplating, organic memory, photovoltaics, etc.
Yeng Ming has also demonstrated through the use of both experiments and calculations, that it is possible to accurately parameterize copolymer systems. The mesoscale morphology of the copolymer system can be predicted accurately through simulation making use of the dynamic mean field density method. This allows for a simple approach in the design of copolymer for self-assembly and to understand the conditions for self-assembly. This work resulted in the publication of numerous papers and 2 book chapters. She has also obtained research funding for self-assembly work in other applications such as surface modifications and development of nanoreactors for controlled synthesis of nanomaterials. Her most recent funding obtained through the Competitive Research Programme funding from National Research Foundation as a Project PI under a S$10 million programme on Nanonets: New Materials, Devices for Integrated Energy Harvesting. |
| Prof Lau Joo Ming | Building Technology , Energy , Environment, Material Science, Materials,Civil and Structural Engineering |
| Dr Lee Hiang Kwee | Surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Metal-organic framework
Surface engineering
Particle-assembled soft interfaces
Electrochemistry
Energy harvesting and storage
Multifunctional hybrid materials
Nanotechnology/nanoscience
Material chemistry
Gas-to-fuel conversion |
| Assoc Prof Lee Jong-Min | Prof Lee's research interest is in analysis and design of electrochemical systems and development of ionic liquid as a green solvent for chemical and biomedical reactions and of nanomaterials and of their assemblies for applications in biomedical, optical, and electronic fields.
Currently, his research interests focus on:
i) the electrodeposition of mesoporous materials in a dual template utilizing porous anodic alumina and lyotropic liquid crystal for electrochemical energy systems,
ii) the development of ionic liquids as media for chemical and biomedical reactions,
iii) the extraction of metal ions using ionic liquids,
iv) and the deconstruction of biomass feedstock using ionic liquids for production of fermentable sugars. |
| Prof Lee Pooi See | Nanoelectronic materials, Organic electronics and memory, Ferroelectric polymers, Capacitor materials, Energy Storage |
| Asst Prof Lee Seok Woo | 1. High density material for lithium-ion batteries
- Mechanics of battery materials
- Thermal behavior of battery materials
- Manufacturing of high performance electrode for LIB
- Beyond lithium
2. Electrochemical systems for thermal energy harvesting
- Materials of highly efficient thermal energy conversion
- Electrochemical devices for body heat conversion
- Grid-scale waste heat harvesting system |
| Prof Lee Soo Ying | My current areas of research interest include: Understanding vision; many types of Raman scatering; ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy; molecular reaction dynamics; multidimensional spectroscopy. |
| Asst Prof Leong Wei Lin | - Organic and Molecular Electronics
- Interfaces and Surface Science
- Printing processes for large-area and flexible electronics
We are always looking for highly motivated PhD students and postdocs in the related fields. Please enquire independently. |
| Assoc Prof Lew Wen Siang | Dr Lew's areas of expertise are spintronic devices, nanoscale magnetism, and bio magnetic sensors. |
| Asst Prof Li Hong | Dr. Li’s expertise is development of electrochemical devices and catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. His current research works focus on energy conversion through designing of electrochemical devices and engineering of electrocatalysts. |
| Assoc Prof Li Hua | Dr. Li Hua's area of expertise is computational science and engineering. His current research works focus on the multiphysics modelling of soft matters (smart hydrogel in BioMEMS and biological cell in micro scale fields), development of highly efficient numerical computational methodology (meshless & multiscale algorithms), simulation of sustainable energy (building energy efficiency and fuel cell system), and dynamics (high-speed rotating shell and composite materials structure). |
| Assoc Prof Li Lin | (i) rheological studies of gels and hydrogels, (ii) synthesis of nanoparticles for drug & gene delivery, (iii) 3D printing with hydrogels, (iv) 4D printing, (v) 3D food printing |
| Assoc Prof Li Shuzhou | I am interested in exploring optical properties of nanomaterials by theoretical and computational tools. Currently, my research will focus on three directions: (1) developing high sensitive substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence; (2) optical properties of metal-semiconductor nanostructures; and (3) assembly of metallic nanostructures. |
| Assoc Prof Lim Sierin | The rapid advancement of nanotechnology in the past decades results in developments of individual units that can be assembled to form hyrarchical systems with varying complexity. Our lab focuses on the design, engineering, and development of hybrid nano/microscale devices from biological parts by utilizing protein engineering as assembly tool towards future healthcare and sustainable earth.
Our primary foci are the applications of protein-based nanocapsules as molecular carriers in medicine (i.e. therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines). Novel applications for these nanocapsules in food and cosmetics are being explored. Three protein nanocapsules with unique properties under investigation are E2, Ferritin, and Vault. The projects range from basic understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of these protein nanocapsules to their engineering to achieve desirable behaviors in vivo.
Leveraging on our expertise in biological engineering, we are expanding our research protfolio to include elucidation of the water desalination process in mangrove and bacterial cellulose production for the development of biomimetic membrane and wound dressings. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our projects, we are working closely with scientists from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), School of Materials Science (MSE), Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI), A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC), and Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS). |
| Assoc Prof Lim Yeow Khee | My research interest is mainly on Education and Training with special focus on Aerospace engineers and technicians. Other interests include advances in aircraft design, avionics and Air traffic Management. |
| Assoc Prof Ling Xing Yi | The research programs in our laboratory combine chemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science approaches to develop functional nanostructures with novel catalysis, plasmonic and sensing applications. Our research activities involve nanoparticle synthesis, surface chemistry, self-assembly, nanopatterning, nanofabrication, and materials and device characterization.
Nanostructures for optimal solar energy conversion
The amount of solar energy striking the earth’s surface in one hour is enough to power human activity for one year. Hence, solar energy provides one of the best options to sustain human civilization. An efficient photosystem is able (1) to absorb a large amount of broadband solar energy at full solar spectrum, (2) convert photons into electron-hole pairs efficiently, and (3) perform catalysis reaction to produce fuel at high yield. Currently, most photocatalysts suffer from low reaction efficiency. The main goal in this project is to design nanostructures with artificial photosynthesis properties to achieve high solar fuel conversion. Our strategy is focused on fabricating well-defined nanostructures by combining bottom-up self-assembly and top-down nanofabrication techniques. Important information will be gained to drive the solar-to-fuel photocatalysis towards commercialization and to reduce human’s dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel. |
| Assoc Prof Liu Bin | Architected nanomaterials for solar-to-fuel and solar-to-electric conversion.
Photocatalysis for air and water treatment.
Nanocomposites.
Electrocatalysis. |
| Assoc Prof Liu Erjia | Thin films and coatings; Carbon based materials; Nanocomposites; Nanotribology; Electrochemistry. |
| Assoc Prof Liu Zheng | Synthesis of large-scale and high-quality two-dimensional (2D) materials, e.g. graphene, hexagonal boron nitrides (h-BN), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs); Synthesis of ternary 2D materials such as h-BNC and doped TMDs; Hybridized architectures of 2D materials; Applications of 2D materials on high-performance optical and electronic devices. |
| Dr Long Yi | Dr. Long Yi has more than 10 years’ experience with solid thin films since her Ph.D training. She is developing 2D structures by nanostructuring manipulation, eg. superlattice, controlled porosity, hybrid structure, biomimetic surface fabrication and etc, to give materials with a greater range of properties than is usually obtained.
She has a general interest in understanding the microstructure and property relationship and how these relate to the underlying mechanism aided by simulations.
She is also working closely with industry partner to develop new technology. |
| Assoc Prof Loo Say Chye Joachim | I. Particulate Systems as Drug Carriers
A range of biocompatible materials (i.e. PLGA and hydroxyapatite) are synthesized as microparticles and/or nanoparticles for drug delivery. In this work, we have synthesized multi-layered particles with drug localization at different layers. The aim is to control the release of drugs by altering particle size, layer thickness and other particulate parameters. On the same platform, mesoporous bioglass and hydroxyapatite are also synthesized to release therapeutic proteins.
II. Targeted Delivery of Hybrid Particles for Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, is currently treated through systemic delivery of antibiotics over a period of time. Our approach is to utilize nanoparticles as drug carriers to delivery antibiotics to infected bone tissues, thereby increasing efficacy and reducing drug dosage. In this work, we have synthesized hybrid particles, with PLGA as core and hydroxyapatite as coating. These particles will be targeted to infected bone sites through the use of a suitable targeting ligand.
III. Drug-eluting Balloons (DEB)
The aim of Drug-eluting Balloons (DEB) is to deliver drugs on-site during balloon angioplasty. In this work, we have developed strategies to control the release of drugs through biodegradable films, with self-adhesive properties.
IV. Nanotoxicology
A library of nanomaterials are synthesized and tested for their toxicity. In vitro cytotoxicity tests are conducted through a range of assays and in vivo tests are conducted on zebrafish models. Toxicity results will be evaluated in reference to various particulate parameters to ascertain the key properties that influence toxicity and biocompatibility. |
| Prof Lou Xiong Wen | Nanomaterials for High-performance Lithium-ion Batteries and supercapacitors, Hollow nanostructures, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis |
| Assoc Prof Lu Xuehong | Polymer nanocomposites and nano-structured organic-inorganic hybrid materials
Crystallization behaviours of polymers and polymer nanocomposites
Electrochromic materials |
| Prof Lua Aik Chong | Professor Lua's areas of expertise are the development of activated carbons for adsorbing gaseous and aqueous pollutants and measurement of flow rates. His current research activities are the preparation and characterization of activated carbons, adsorption technology for air pollution and water filtration, development of polymeric membranes for gas separation, measurement of flow rates using fluidic flowmeters and measurements of particulates and gas emissions from diesel engines. |
| Asst Prof Lum Guo Zhan | The three main research topics in our lab are: 1. shape-programmable millimeter-scale robots, 2. gallium and 3. flexure mechanisms for high precision applications.
1. Shape-Programmable Millimeter-scale Robots
Shape-programmable robots are machines that can be excited by external stimuli to generate desired time-varying shapes. These robots are especially appealing at small-scale because they have great potential to achieve functionalities unattainable by their rigid counterparts.
As these miniature soft robots can easily access confined spaces within the human body, they show great promise to realize revolutionary biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery and minimally-invasive surgeries. While there exists many different types of actuation, here we are particularly interested in using remote magnetic fields to control our robots. In contrast to other methods, magnetic actuation offers higher control authority as the actuating fields can be controlled not only in their magnitude but also in their direction and spatial-gradients. Furthermore, this actuation method will be compatible for our targeted medical applications as the actuating magnetic fields can easily and harmlessly penetrate through biological tissues.
Heading towards these biomedical applications, we have previously developed a universal design method that can program the magnetization profile and actuating fields for our robots to achieve their specified functionalities. However, to enhance the practicality of these robots, we will continue to develop new design methods to further enhance their functionalities.
2. Gallium
Gallium is a class of liquid metal that can be attached to millimeter-scale robots to enhance their functionality. In our previous research, we discovered that gallium can exhibit highly reversible and switchable adhesion when it undergoes a solid–liquid phase transition. It has been demonstrated that this liquid metal can become highly adhesive when it freezes and it can conversely lose its adhesion when it melts. These adhesive properties had been characterized, and we experimentally show that gallium has good performance over a wide range of smooth and rough surfaces, under both dry and wet conditions.
Another critical advantage of gallium is that it has a natural layer of oxide, which acts like an elastic membrane surrounding the liquid metal. This oxide layer can effectively conserve the mass of gallium when it is in the liquid-state, and this in turn ensures that gallium can be used repeatedly as a reversible and switchable adhesive. The unique adhesive properties of gallium can therefore allow it to perform various pick-and-place tasks at small-scale, which are critical for numerous applications in transfer printing, robotics, electronic packaging, and biomedicine.
We believe there are still many interesting abilities in gallium, which have not been discovered yet. Therefore, we will continue to explore new abilities of this material and transform them into critical functions for miniature robots.
3. Flexure Mechanisms
Flexure mechanisms are flexible structures that are designed to deliver desired motions via elastic deformations. Due to their unique actuation, these structures can effectively eliminate backlash and dry friction, allowing them to achieve highly repeatable motions. As a result, flexure mechanisms have become the ideal candidates for constructing high precision robotic systems, and they have been deployed across a wide range of applications pertaining to biomedical research, microscopy technologies and various industrial manufacturing processes.
From the design perspective, the performances of many existing flexure mechanisms are still not optimal. Hence, here we will explore new design methods that can successfully address such issues such that engineers can fully utilize such machines. |
| Assoc Prof Lydia Helena Wong | 1. Novel materials for organic photovoltaic: molecular/structural modification for improved charge separation and transport, integration of organic/inorganic nanomaterials for improved carrier conductivity, mobility enhancement of organic molecules,
2. Organic photovoltaic devices: architectural design by bulk heterojunction, tandem cells, organic/inorganic hybrid cells; fabrication integration techniques of nanomaterials.
3. Synthesis and characterizations of nanomaterials: Group IV (Si, SiGe, Ge) nanowires, metal-oxide nanowires and nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO2), nanoparticle-decorated nanowires
4. Materials for nanoelectronic devices: growth, thermal stability and relaxation mechanisms of semiconductor heteroepitaxy structures , fabrication and electrical behavior of advanced gate stack for Si-based CMOS, nanomaterials for advanced electronic devices. |
| Asst Prof Madhavan Nallani | We are interested in combining the proteins with polymeric self-assembled architectures. We aim to select the proteins either from nature or modified ones (e.g. by re-combinant ways or synthetic de-novo peptides). Block co-polymers as self-assembled architectures offer a unique possibility for the structural control of materials at the nano-scopic scale. Such control enables one to tune the properties for specific applications. We are exploring the above combination in applications such as sensing. |
| Asst Prof Marco Battiato | In the past, Marco Battiato developed the model of superdiffusive spin transport as a mechanism of the ultrafast demagnetisation, prediction which was experimentally confirmed. He has worked since then on several topics that stemmed from the discovery of the ultrafast spin transport: 1) ultrafast spin injection, 2) triggering of ultrafast demagnetisation via injection of excited unpolarised carriers, 3) ultrafast increase of the magnetisation, 4) generation of THz emission via injection of ultrashort spin current pulses in high SO coupling materials, and 5) injection of ultrashort spin current pulses from ferromagnetic metals into semiconductors.
He is currently interested in a wide range of phenomena that arise from the complex interplay of strongly out-of-equilibrium electronic populations in real band-structures, out-of-equilibrium transport in multilayers, and formation of THz electromagnetic fields. He is developing a massively parallel solver for the full Boltzmann-Maxwell system for real space transport in ab-initio band-structures, using the most general (without close to equilibrium approximations) expression of the collision operator for strongly out-of-equilibrium thermalisation dynamics.
He is applying the method to:
- Thermalisation of laser excited carriers in topological insulators;
- Ultrafast spin transport in metallic multilayers and metal-semiconductor junctions;
- THz emission after laser excitation of multilayers;
- Ultrafast dynamics triggered by THz excitation.
Finally one of his main goals is the construction of all the building blocks of ultrafast THz spintronics using the sub-picosecond spin current pulses as vector of information. |
| Asst Prof Martial Duchamp | Development of novative in operando TEM methods for application to solar cells, batteries, fuel cells devices...
In situ and in operando TEM studies of 2D devices for applications in optoelectronics, electronic, sensors...
Fundamental understanding of 2D materials to reveal their unprecedented electrical properties at local scale including half-metallic, semiconducting, superconducting and charge density wave behavior |
| Assoc Prof Massimo Pica Ciamarra | We are interested in understanding the physics of disordered many-particle systems via statistical mechanics tools and numerical simulations, which is arguably one of the most pressing needs in material science. Such an understanding is crucial to 1) design atomic or polymeric disordered materials with specific mechanical and rheological properties; 2) rationalize natural catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and avalanches; 3) improve the many industrial products and processes handling particulate media, from the food to the pharmaceutical and the electronic industry. The main difficulty is the developing of a theoretical framework connecting the macroscopic and the microscopic scales in the presence of disorder. Some topics of specific interest are:
1. glass transition
2. suspensions of soft deformable particles, e.g. microgels
3. liquid with density anomalies
4. rheological properties of disordered particulate systems, with applications to earthquakes
5. pattern formation in driven particulate systems, e.g. segregation
6. transport properties in disordered media |
| Asst Prof Matteo Seita | Dr. Seita’s research is focused on the development of novel metallic materials with improved reliability and tailored properties using additive manufacturing technology. Areas of current interest are:
- Microstructure control during metal additive manufacturing;
- Development of novel additive manufacturing techniques;
- High-throughput characterization of polycrystalline metals;
- Grain boundary crystallography-property relationships;
- Environment-assisted failure of structural metals and metal alloys. |
| Assoc Prof Miao Jianmin | MEMS, biochip and nanofabrication technologies, inertial sensors, acoustical and ultrasonic transducers, RF MEMS, biosensors, MEMS for environmental monitoring, carbon nanotubes based NEMS, through-silicon via interconnects, MEMS packaging. |
| Prof Michael KC Tam | Renewable nanomaterials, self-assembly systems, controlled delivery systems, polymer-surfactant systems, functional colloids |
| Asst Prof Mihaiela Stuparu | Our research focus is on the preparation of corannulene-based polymers differing in their chemical composition and architecture together with studying their properties. We are particularly interested in the complexation behavior of these materials with fullerenes. In this direction, we have developed synthetic strategies leading to corannulene-core star polymers, corannulene side-chain homopolymers and block copolymers, and corannulene main-chain polymers. In our recent studies, we have shown that these polymers can interact with C60 and the strength of this interaction could be tuned by controlling the chemical structure of the polymer, chemical nature of the solvent, and temperature. |
| Assoc Prof Ng Beng Koon | My research expertises include the physics of impact ionization process in semiconductors, the design and characterization of advanced photodetectors, and the use of Biophotonics imaging techniques for medical diagnosis. |
| Assoc Prof Ng Heong Wah | His early research interests have been in analysis and design of high temperature structures and pressure systems components including pressure vessels and piping design and analysis, fracture mechanics and defect assessment. Currently, his research focused on experimental, diagnostics, CFD modeling and simulation of plasma sprayed deposition of coatings for thermal barrier, SOFC fuel cells and other industrial applications. |
| Assoc Prof Ng Kee Woei | Dr Ng's research interests centres around tissue engineering and the use of various synthetic and natural biomaterials for biomedical applications. He is also interested in fundamental studies to further our understanding of cell-material interactions. In line with this, Dr Ng also works on studying the physiological and toxicological effects of nanomaterials and the mechanisms that lead to those effects. |
| Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong | Variational and Finite Element Techniques for Structural Analysis; Dynamic Stability, Vibration and Control of Plates and Shells; Composite Laminates and Functionally Graded Materials; Smart Materials: Piezoelectric / Magnetostrictive / Shape Memory Alloys; Development of Meshless (Element-Free) Techniques; Mathematical Modeling of Hydrogel-Based BioMEMS Devices; Computational Nano-Science - Multiscale Simulation; Modeling and Simulation of Quantum Dot Growth and Characteristics; Chaos and Control of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems; Structural Optimization - via Genetic Algorithms (GA); Nanomedicine Modeling (Nanoparticle Drug/Gene Delivery Systems) |
| Asst Prof Ni Ran | The concept of "soft matter" was first introduced by Pierre-Gilles de Gennes in his Nobel lecture in 1991. Essentially, soft matter is a subfield of condensed matter comprising a variety of physical systems that are deformed or structurally altered by thermal or mechanical stress of the magnitude of thermal fluctuations. Because of their responsivity with respect to perturbations, e.g. thermal fluctuations, mechanical deformation, external fields, etc., soft matter have shown great promise as the next generation “smart materials”.
In our group, we use computer simulation as a tool to study and predict the structural properties and dynamic behaviour of soft matter systems in and out of equilibrium to direct the experimental fabrication of functional materials. In particular, we are interested in the self-assembly of colloidal and (bio) polymer systems and work synergically with experimentalists to design new functional materials with application in photonic devices, bio-sensor, bio-materials, etc. Presently, we are interested in the projects below:
1. Dynamic assembly of active matter
2. Glass transition of anisotropic colloids
3. Hierarchical self-assembly of anisotropic colloids
4. Self-assembly of fibril-forming polypeptides |
| Prof Nikolay Zheludev | Nanophotonics, Metamaterials, Nonlinear Optics |
| Assoc Prof Nripan Mathews | Education
2008 Universite de Paris VI (Paris)
•Graduated with a PhD degree in September 2008
•Title of thesis: Signatures of optically and electrically injected charges in rubrene single crystals
•Classified in the top level of the PhD program
2004 Singapore-MIT Alliance (Massachusetts Institute of Technology & National University of Singapore)
•Graduated in June 2004 with a Master of Science (Advanced Materials for Micro and Nano Systems) degree.
•GPA of 4.5 / 5
2004 Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
•Graduated in January 2003 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Materials Engineering) degree.
•Graduated with First Class Honors
•Selected into the Dean’s list for top students as well as the Accelerated Masters Programme
Work Experience and Projects
January 2014-Present Assistant Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University. Primary focus on perovskite photovoltaics and flexible electronics
Oct 2012-December 2013 Singapore R&D Director of SinBeRISE (Singapore Berkeley Research Initiative for Sustainable Energy). Providing research leadership and directing activities at NTU and NUS in the area of photovoltaics and photoelectrochemical processes.
Jun 2011-May 2012 Visiting Scientist at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland in the lab of Prof Michael Gratzel working on photoelectrochemical water splitting using oxide semiconductors
Nov 2008- May 2011 Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore ,working and guiding students in the fields of photovoltaics, printed electronics, oxide nanowires and field emission.
Feb 2005- Oct 2008 Research Associate at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore: Working on the optimization and fabrication of organic field effect transistors and memory structures.
Aug 2004 -Dec 2004 Process Integration Engineer at Tech Semiconductors: Working in the Advanced Technology Department and involved in the transfer of new generation technologies as well as troubleshooting processes involved in the manufacture of DRAMs
Scholarships, Awards and Achievements
2014 TR35@Singapore winner: MIT Technology Review’s List of Top Innovators
201 Selected to attend the GYSS (Global Young Scientists Summit). Chosen for personal interaction session with the President of Singapore
2006 Awarded the Merlion graduate scholarship for pursuing graduate studies within a Singapore-France research framework
2003 Awarded the Singapore MIT Alliance Scholarship for pursuing Masters degree jointly by Massachusetts Institute of Technology & National University of Singapore.
2003 Placed in the Top 5% of cohort who obtained First Class Honors in Materials Engineering
Patents/ Technology Disclosures
• “Emission Source And Method Of Forming The Same” Patent filed
• “Ultrathin Metal Nanowires For Plasmon Enhanced Solar Cells”- Patent filed
• “Nanowire network based horizontal charge collectors”- Patent filed
• “Processable Perovskite gel for large area printable photovoltaics” Technology disclosure filed
• “Additives to enable solution processed tin based halide perovskite solar cells” Technology disclosure filed |
| Assoc Prof Oh Joo Tien | Prof Oh'ss areas of expertise are Magnetic Materials, Ceramic Substrate Materials for Microelectronic Packaging, Electrolytic Capacitors and Electron Microscopy. His current research works focus on Nanostructured Magnetic Materials |
| Prof Ong Yew Soon | His research interest lies in Computational Intelligence that spans across Evolutionary & Memetic computation, Complex Optimization, Optimization-informatics & Machine learning. |
| Prof Pang Hock Lye, John | His current research work includes Design-For-Reliability (DFR) assessments, Additive Manufacturing, Laser Metal Deposition Materials-Process-Performance (MPP) characterizations, Elastic-Plastic-Creep mechanics of lead-free (Sn-Ag-Cu) solders, Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessments of welded joint and offshore structures. His research contributions to design-for-reliability (DFR) methodologies for lead-free solder has been documented in his book on Lead Free Solder : Mechanics and Reliability, Springer, 2012. (ISBN 978-4614-0462-0, e-ISBN 978-4614-0463-7). It covers lead-free solder mechanics, finite element modeling, simulations of failure for thermal cycling, cyclic bending, vibration fatigue and impact drop tests. He has research interest in Digital Image Correlation (AFM/DIC) analysis, Materials characterization, Nano-indentation, CNT applications. |
| Prof Peter Preiser | My research interests focus on the molecular mechanisms by which the malaria parasite is able to avoid host immunity and adapt to changes in the host cell environment. One of the main problems in developing an efficient malaria vaccine is the ability of the parasite to evade host immune responses. Immune evasion happens both at the level of the infected red blood cell and at the process of invasion, the step at which the parasite infects a new cell.
A key focus area of the lab is to understand the mechanisms on how the malaria merozoite recognizes and penetrates the erythrocyte. To address these questions we have particular focused on the role of the Reticulocyte Binding Protein Homologues (RH) family of proteins which is found in all malaria species and has been implicated on playing a role in immune evasion and parasite virulence. Using both the human parasite Plasmodium falciparum as well as the rodent parasite P. yoelii we have been able to address question relating to mechanisms regulating parasite virulence as well as getting a cleared understanding on how these large proteins mediate their function. An interesting upshot of this work is the possibility of using them as part of a malaria vaccine formulation.
In addition to merozoite invasion the lab has also spend significant effort in elucidating the biological role of the STEVOR and PIR multigene families identified in P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively. While STEVOR is unique to P. falciparum the PIR multigene family is found not only in P. vivax, but also rodent and simian malaria parasites. My research group has focused on developing a range of reagents that allow us to address what the role of STEVOR is in parasite development. We have recently been able to show that STEVOR is highly expressed in patient isolates and may play an additional role in immune evasion. We are now further characterizing how STEOVR functions. The PIR gene family provides a unique opportunity to study antigenic variation in a rodent model and possibly utilize the information gained in this system to understand how these genes may work in the intractable human parasite P. vivax. Currently, our efforts focus on understanding how the pir genes are transcriptionally regulated.
A more recent effort is to gain new insights into how human malaria parasites interact with their host. Until recently most research efforts have focused on using culture adapted parasites but it has become clear that significant information in relation to host parasite interactions are lost in this system. We are therefore interested in using the P. falciparum and P. vivax microarray platform developed here at NTU (in collaboration with Professor Zbynek Bozdech) to investigate differences in the transcriptional profile of parasites obtained directly from patients with different clinical symptoms. This effort has recently given significant new insights into the biology of P. vivax. |
| Prof Phee Soo Jay, Louis | His current research works focus on Medical Robotics and Mechatronics in Medicine. |
| Prof Philip Wong En Hou | 1. Cellular Therapy and devices used for cell transplantation
2. Implantable Medical Devices
3. In-vivo imaging of disease, particularly cardiovascular related
4. Materials used for implantable devices |
| Prof Phua Kok Khoo | High Energy Physics |
| Assoc Prof Poenar Daniel Puiu | Sensors & actuators; MEMS; Si processing; (Bio)chemical sensors; bio-photonics; colour discriminators (e.g. using triple junction structures); miniaturization of bio-analitical methods (e.g. spectrometry, electrophoresis, chromatography) for (Bio)chemical applications, as well as optical detection for these separation methods; bio-photonics & opto-fluidics |
| Dr Poernomo Gunawan | 1) Nanomaterials fabrication and functionalization;
2) Heterogeneous catalysis and reaction engineering;
3) Renewable chemical feedstocks and energy;
4) Chemical engineering education. |
| Assoc Prof Pu Kanyi | The board research objective in my group is to develop multifunctional platform technologies for understanding, detection and treatment of life-threatening diseases. Toward this goal, we will take an interdisciplinary approach that brings together organic chemistry, nanotechnology and molecular biology to synthesize functional polymers, polish their optoelectronic and biochemical properties, and shape them into smart and biocompatible nanoagents for advanced molecular imaging and amplified therapy.
(1) Molecular Imaging: Detection and monitoring of pathological processes in disease microenvironment at the molecular level for prognosis, diagnosis and therapeutic outcome assessment
(2) Chemical Biology: Design and synthesis of activatable imaging probes to uncover how reactive radical species modulate tumor metabolism, promote metastasis and angiogenesis, and foster drug resistance phenotypes
(3) Materials Science: Development of organic semiconducting nanomaterials with state-of-art imaging modalities such as photoacoustic imaging, near-infrared fluorescence imaging and bioluminescent imaging to improve imaging penetration depth and spatial resolution
(4) Biotechnology: Development of noninvasive high-throughput technologies for drug screening with a focus on real-time in vivo imaging of drug metabolism and evolution of drug-induced toxicity |
| Assoc Prof Raju V. Ramanujan | Nanomaterials are the focus of research work in Ramanujan?s group, especially magnetic and thermoelectric nanomaterials for energy, bioengineering, information storage and defense applications. Processing, characterization and property measurements are carried out in his group (presently 8 graduate students and 3 Research Fellows).
Recent PhD theses include: Characterization and processing of cobalt based magnetic nanomaterials (Li Huafang),Microstructural evolution and processing of melt spun and mechanically alloyed Fe-Ni-B-Mo nanomagnetic materials (Du Siwei), Alloying effects on nanostructure formation in iron based soft magnetic materials (Yanrong Zhang) and Directed self assembly of patterned magnetic nanostructures (A. Srivastava).
A strong emphasis is placed on electron microscopy and phase transformations are used as an important tool to tailor the microstructure. A bioengineering project, in collaboration with SingHealth, aims to develop magnetic nanoparticles for human liver cancer treatment. Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, coating these particles with a suitable polymer and cancer drug, followed by in-vitro and in-vivo testing of the coated particles is being carried out. MRI imaging is being used as an investigative tool in this work. Microelectronic reliability issues, e.g., stress-induced diffusive voiding in microelectronic materials are being studied. Magnetocaloric materials for energy applications, patterned nanostructures for ultra high density data storage media, giant energy product exchange coupled magnetic nanomaterials and nanomaterials for artificial muscles, targeted drug delivery and gene delivery are topics of ongoing research. |
| Assoc Prof Ranjan Singh | Dr. Singh’s research interests lie at the intersection of electromagnetics, materials, photonics and micro-nanotechnology, with special focus on studying light-matter interaction at the micro-nanoscale. Broadly his research interests are in the areas of nanophotonics, semiconductors, metals, superconductors, plasmonics, metamaterials and nanofabrication. He has been working on design, simulations and fabrication of novel electromagnetic devices including metamaterials, plasmonic resonators and complex oxide transition materials, while simultaneously exploring their applications in information, sensing and energy.
Dr. Singh’s research interests are focused on the development of terahertz, infrared, and optical metamaterial based active and passive plasmonic devices. Metamaterials have been found to possess exotic properties and effects that are beyond the realms of materials that exist in nature. His contributions in the field so far has been in the terahertz region where he demonstrated classical active and passive analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency through near field coupled metamaterial resonators, sensing with metamaterials, chiral metamaterials, ultra-high quality factor Fano resonances, and ultrafast superconductor metamaterials.
Dr. Singh’s recent research focuses on addressing the issue of losses in subwavelength plasmonic metamaterials and investigates new dynamic materials that could be integrated with metamaterial resonators to achieve the active control of the photonic devices with exotic properties. |
| Asst Prof Rupshi Mitra | Neurobiology of Resilience
Stress targets everyone; but not everybody succumbs to it. Some develop stress-related psychopathology, anxiety, depression, dementia, while others weather it well and even emerge healthier. What makes some individuals resilient and others not? Comprehensive studies on 9/11 survivors and war veterans report that positive emotion helps resilient people re-route physiological resources activated by stress into successful coping strategies. Stress is known to cause brain damage, shrink neurons of hippocampus (memory center of brain) and enhance emotional learning along with neuronal growth in amygdala (emotion center of brain). Our research (@ Resilieo) is geared to find out how we can minimize and prevent brain damage caused by stress. Also, what is different and special in resilient individuals in terms of brain changes during/after stress? With this backdrop, we venture into 4 different lines of investigation.
1. Is there any difference in brains of resilient and vulnerable individuals?
Our study on rats exposed to predator stress showed distinctive pattern of neuronal branching within amygdala of resilient individuals. Well-adapted (resilient) animals had more densely packed neuronal branching and maladapted (vulnerable) animals had more spread out neuronal branching of amygdala neurons. Questions we are pursuing now include, what determines individual variation in neuronal branching? And what are the possible factors mediating this?
2. How to rescue or prevent stress-induced damages (enhance resilience)?
In addressing this question we employed gene therapy as a technique to deliver genetically altered proteins through viral vectors into specific brain regions. Targeted infusion of therapeutic molecules within amygdala rescued stressed animals from maladaptive anxiety, abnormal stress-response and neuronal over growth (hypertrophy). We continue to identify newer molecules for therapeutic intervention within amygdala and other brain regions.
3. Developing animal model of resilience
Enriched environment is known to induce positive behavior and protection against brain damage. We are testing different enrichment paradigms to develop a testable animal model of resilience. Initial results are promising. Short term enrichment rescues maladaptive fear response in stressed animals.
4. Are resilient individuals better adapted?
In an interesting new finding we showed that male rats exposed to enriched environment for a short 2 week period were more attractive and preferred as mates by females over non-enriched males. The enriched male rats also had stronger defense response against predator. Thus resilience not only makes individuals cope better with stress, but also has a bigger scope of adaptability in an ever-changing environment. Resilience triggers several physiological pathways that are directly beneficial for basic survival drives, namely, reproduction/mate-choice and protection from danger. We continue to investigate how enrichment drives basic physiology to be more adaptive? What are the pathways and molecular factors triggered by enrichment in this context?
Positions Open |
| Assoc Prof Rusli | A/Prof Rusli's areas of expertise are on the growth, characterization and application of amorphous thin films which include a-C:H, a-Si:H, a-SiC:H, a-SiN:H etc. He has also worked extensively on the design, fabrication and characterization of high frequency, high power and high temperature SiC power devices. His current research works focus on silicon nanowires and their applications. |
| Assoc Prof S. N. Piramanayagam | The research interests of A/Prof S.N. Piramanayagam lies in the interdisciplinary areas of condensed matter physics, materials science and electronics. In particular, his research aims to solve problems related to magnetism and electronics and to provide technological solutions.
His research interests can be divided into the the following sub-categories:
• Magnetic Nanostructures
• Magnetic Recording
• Magnetics for Energy
• Magnonics
• Nano-imprint/Self-assembly Lithography
• Spintronics Materials
Students who wish to work in his group can contact him at prem@ntu.edu.sg |
| Assoc Prof See Kye Yak | Electomagnetic Compatibility, Signal Integrity, Electromagnetic Shielding and Railway Condition Monitoring. |
| Asst Prof Seh Zhi Wei | Please refer to: http://www.zwseh.com |
| Assoc Prof Shabbir M Moochhala | In the development of the following
a) Combat Care especially in technologies associated with extending the GOLDEN HOUR following trauma
b) Advanced Drug Delivery Systems in trauma and for human performance
d) Ergogenic Aids for enhancing human performance
c) Point of Care especially in the development for predicting multiple organ dysfunction following sepsis and trauma and in development of a panel of biomarkers to reduce false positive rates in the early screening in Major Depressive Disorder and other psychiatric disorders |
| Prof Shen Zexiang | Raman spectroscopy and microscopy
Graphene and graphene composite materials for electric energy storage - Li & Na ion batteries, supercapacitors
flexible battery for bendable electronics
Nano Science and Nano Technology
Plasmonics
Optical and electronic properties of 2D materials
Optical study of perovskite materials
Ultra low wavenember Raman spectroscopy
High pressure study
Theoretical simulation of graphene, 2D materials, and perovskites
Industrial collaborators:
Johnson Matthey, UK
Elbit Systems, Israel
Thales, France
Akzo Nobel, Netherlands
Globalfoundries
Wintech Nano |
| Assoc Prof Shu Dong Wei | Drop test of Seagate Hard Disk Drives and other consumer products;
Working with the defence industry and the hard disk drive industry;
High speed camera at speed upto 20,000 fps;
Impact tester at peak accleration upto 10,000g;
Effects of delaminations in laminate composites on vibration and buckling;
Piezo-electric sensors and actuators embedded in composites as vibration control-Theory;
Piezo-electric ceramics fibres and particulates embedded in piezo-electric polymers;
Stress of solder, metal foams, AZ90 and MA50 alloys at high strain rate of about 1000/s.
Study on the Split Hopkinson Bar technique;
FEM simulation of collision, energy absorbing devices (EAD)
Ballistic testing on novel materials such as SMA, Solder, and metal foams;
Spina Bifida in salamander and its early development;
Youngs Modulus of metal foams;
Youngs modulus of tropical swine bones under different moistures. |
| Asst Prof Song Juha | Dr. Song’s research interests focus on experimental and theoretical investigations of natural and synthetic composite materials across all length scales, particularly in the field of biomimetic and bioinspired engineering as well as biomedical engineering, covering various topics on nanomechanics, biomechanics, biomimetic design, fabrication and prototyping, biomedical material design, synthesis and evaluation. |
| Assoc Prof Sridhar Idapalapati | Mechanics of Materials; Failure Ananlysis; composites consolidation with CNTs; Optimal Sandwich Panels design as protective structures; Nanoindentation and contact mechanics especially for adhesion; bone fracture fixation |
| Prof Srinivasan Madhavi | Asst.Prof. Madhavi Srinivasan areas of expertise are in Energy storage devices (lithium ion batteries,zinc-air batteries/fuel cells, supercapacitors), Ecomaterials (photocatalysts, ion-exchange ceramic membranes) and synthesis/characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM/TEM and spectroscopy) of nanostructured materials. Her current research works focus on employing functionalized carbon nanotubes SWNT/MWNT)and decorated CNTs as electrodes in batteries/supercapacitors. Her ongoing work involves fabrication of nanostructures of transtion metal oxide and metal nanoparticles and optimization of their adhesion on to carbon-based materials.She is also working on visible light photocatalysts such as perovskite and nitrogen doped titania along with activated carbon. |
| Assoc Prof Su Pei-Chen | Energy Thin Films
Nano Ionics
Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Silicon-based Micro-SOFCs
Atomic Layer Deposition
Multi-scale 3D Printing |
| Prof Subodh Gautam Mhaisalkar | Prof Subodh’s main areas of research comprise semiconductor nanomaterials, photovoltaics, optoelectronics devices, and printed electronics. Common to these projects are methods of processing of semiconductors (perovskites, organic, nanocarbons, or oxide nanowires), fundamental device physics studies, and device integration. |
| Prof Subramanian Venkatraman | Research is focussed on the applications of polymeric biomaterials in medicine. In particular, research areas include biodegradable stents, injectable drug delivery systems and gene delivery. Controlled release of drugs to the eye and the cardiovascular system are the primary end applications. Cancer therapy using "stealth" particles also forms a significant component of the research activities. |
| Assoc Prof Sun Changqing | Coordination bonding and electronic Engineering
1) Chemisorption
2) Average-bond Multifield Solid Mechanics
3) Nanostructure Size Matter
4) Ice, Water and Solutions
5) Electron-Phonon Spectrometrics |
| Assoc Prof Sun Delai, Darren | - TiO2 nanofibe/tube membrane for water and energy (H2 and solar cell) production
- Membrane fouling mechanism, control and prevention
- Multifunctional membrane module design
- Membrane bioreactor design
- Composite membranes and membrane modules for environmental applications
- Biofilms grown on liquid-permeable membranes
- Reutilization of waste into value-added product. |
| Assoc Prof Sun Handong | Prof Sun's areas of expertise are Optics & Materials physics. His research theme exists at the interface between optical physics and material science, i.e. light-matter interaction. His current research works focus on Optical spectroscopic characterization, Physics behind Optoelectronic Devices, Plasmonics Optics and Applications, Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots for Lasers, LEDS and solar cells. |
| Assoc Prof Sunil C. Joshi | His research expertise emcompass - Process modelling for composites, Transition mechanisms in hydrogels, Novel composites, and Thermal controls for micro-satellites.
(For more details, visit personal homepage - http://ntu.edu.sg/home/mscjoshi/
Alternatively, for research publications visit - http://www.researcherid.com/rid/G-5082-2010)
The current and past research activities include -
** Numerical simulation and optimization of composites manufacturing processes:
- FE/NCV approach for heat and mass transfer simulation in fabrication assemblies for prepreg moulding,
resin transfer moulding, resin film infusion processes
- Modelling resin curing, mould filling, resin film infusion, polymer crystallization phenomena
- Simulation of pultrusion process for monolithic and sandwich panels
- Optimization of pultrusion parameters including resin shrinkage
** Polymer blends and thermo-sensitive hydrogels:
- Studies on rheological behaviour, shear heating in injection moulding
- Modelling of ceramic tape casting, polymer blends processing, demoulding
- Thermo-reversibility of physical hydrogels
- Simulation of gelation/ degelation of hydrogels
- Fluid uptake and drug release of HPMC tablets
** Design, analysis and testing of thermal controls for micro-satellites:
- Outgassing and surface characterization of thermal control coatings
- Thermal analysis of spacecrafts in orbit
- Modelling for thermal radiation properties of coated substrates
- Plasma-spray coatings
- Thermal vacuum and balance testing of micro-spacecrafts
- Qualification testing of spacecraft test appendages
** Fibre reinforced and other composites:
- Studies on delamination, composite repairs and joints
- Failure analysis of the aircraft tail sections, composite bridge deck sections
- Behaviour of woven composites and FMLs
- Hygrothermal testing of polymer composites
- Nano-engineered composites
- Silica aerogel composites (patent filed, licensed, for its launch media release, visit http://media.ntu.edu.sg/MediaReports/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?news=c3c76e6e-497c-4cea-b0b8-9e3b347d7ac5) |
| Assoc Prof Surajit Bhattacharyya | Molecular Mechanism of cell adhesion: Interactions of Integrin Tails with Effector Proteins
Designed Peptide Antagonists against Endotoxin: A structure-based approach to develop antisepsis and antimicrobial drugs.
De Novo designed functional mini-proteins
Structure and activity of antimicrobial peptides |
| Asst Prof Tan Kwan Wee | Kwan Wee TAN is interested in the design and generation of programmable, functional structured materials and systems that are promising for both existing and emerging applications. He plans to explore new integrated approaches using self-assembly as the basis, which would enable rapid scalable synthesis of new material structures and combinations with unique multifunctional properties and retain control to the nanoscale. His group will further employ and develop in situ and ex situ characterization techniques to gain a clear understanding of the structure formation principles under nonequilibrium self-assembly growth conditions, and formulate advanced design concepts and generalization for other functional materials classes. |
| Assoc Prof Tan Lay Poh | Asst Prof LP Tan research interests include polymer engineering, and biodegradable polymers and heart tissue engineering |
| Assoc Prof Tan Ming Jen | Materials - Light Alloys (Aluminium, Titanium, Magnesium);
Processing - Extrusion, Powder Metallurgy, Superplastic Forming;
Modelling - Material Behaviour and Forming |
| Prof Tan Ooi Kiang | Sensors, Actuators, and Smart Materials; Nanoelectronics and functional materials and devices; design for electronics, bio-medical, functional sensor and actuator applications. |
| Assoc Prof Tan Thatt Yang Timothy | 1. Nanomedicine: Design and Engineering of Multifunctional Nanomaterials for simultaneous targeting, bio-imaging and drug delivery.
The research objective of this work is to apply nanotechnology to medicine. We have developed a new class of florescent-magnetic nanoparticles as probes and aim to demonstrate their application in both fluorescent microscopy and MRI. Subsequent work will be undertaken to introduce multifunctional organic, organometallic or biological groups into nanostructured materials to render them with biocompatibility, targeting, drug loading and delivery functions. The cytotoxicity of such nanomaterial will also be evaluated.
2. Design of Nanoparticles for Drug Separation.
The project focuses on the development of nano-sized achiral and chiral packing materials for Super-critical fluid Chromatography (SFC), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) and Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC). Judging from the viewpoint of novelty of science, there are to date no known research work published in open literature on the application of chiral-nanomaterials having size ranging < 1.5 ?m for SFC, CE and CEC analyses. The reduction in size of packing materials is anticipated to lead to a huge increase in chromatographic resolution.
3. Advanced Materials for Green Architecture: Nanocomposites for Permanent Self-cleaning and Antibacterial Surface.
This research focuses on synthesizing scratch resistant nanocomposite coating that are photocatalytic, superhydrophilic and antibacterial. This material can then be coated to surfaces inside and outside buildings and structures for permanent self-cleaning and antibacterial functions. Current work includes exploring various synthesis methods (including atomic deposition, sonication and sol-gel) that will give the most efficient materials. |
| Assoc Prof Tang Dingyuan | Laser physics and engineering, laser technology, nonlinear optics, nonlinear fiber optics, ultrafast optics, nonlinear dynamics of optical systsms, nano optics, optical materials |
| Assoc Prof Tang Xiaohong | . Compound semiconductors and photonic devices.
. Metal organic vapor phase epitaxy.
. Nanophotonics and nanoelectronics: materials, physics and devices.
. Heterogeneous epitaxy growth of compound semiconductors on silicon substrate.
. Semiconductor quantum dot, nanowire photonics and electronics. |
| Prof Tay Beng Kang | Presently, Prof Tay is maintaining research activities in the following areas through final year project students, postgraduate students, research staff and collaborative research interactions:
Fabrication of carbon nanotubes for high frequency applications (such as EM shielding, Slow wave devices, etc)
Preparation and characterization of wafer-scaled 2D materials and their heterostructures
Application of 2D materials for photodetectors (using graphene / 2D thermoelectric materials, etc)
Development of Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc technologies
Applications of diamond-like carbon / nanocomposites for wear resistive coatings |
| Assoc Prof Teo Hang Tong Edwin | 1. Nano-composites and hybrid materials
2. BN nanostructured materials including 1D nanodots, 2D h-BN, 3D BN foams and thin films
3. Re-ordering of chaotic materials
4. Phase-Change Materials
5.Thermal Interface Materials
6.Thermal management through both top-down and bottom-out approach
7. Space Materials
8. Bio-Materials |
| Prof Teoh Swee Hin | Prof Teoh’s main field of research is in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. He is well known for his outstanding contribution to the 3D bioresorbable scaffolds for bone where it has obtained FDA and CE mark and commercialised successfully to Osteopore International Pte Ltd. His research focused on the study of mechanisms that promote cells proliferation and differentiation as a result of mechno induction through load bearing scaffolds for tissue regeneration and remodelling. He did pioneering work in fracture-wear resistant biomaterials. He received the prestigious Golden Innovation Award, Far East Economic Review, and the Institute of Engineers Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award in 2004, for development of the platform technology for scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. His group was ranked 1st in bone tissue engineering scaffolds in World Web of Science 2010. He has supervised more than 60 graduate students, filed 6 patents, given 45 keynote/invited lectures and published more than 300 technical papers. |
| Asst Prof Terry W.J. Steele | Surface Functionalization of Thin Films
Surface functionalization of biocompatible materials is an area under tremendous development for medical implants. The medical implant bulk materials often lack the required surface properties needed for blood compatibility (hemocompatibility), tissue adherence, or promotion of host-cell growth. Secondary surface modifications attempt to address these issues with the grafting of known biocompatible polymers.
To address the significant need for a highly versatile surface coating, we have designed a surface function methodology that incorporates water based ‘green chemistry’, acrylate-based combinatorial libraries, and living polymerization techniques. This strategy will be applicable to most known materials typically employed for solid medical implants, while providing an unprecedented versatility with a wide choice of functional groups, surface densities, and layer thicknesses.
Ocular Delivery Through Periocular, Unidirectional, Biodegradable Discs
We propose an innovative practical and proactive strategy to circumvent the practical hurdles in delivering the anti-CMV drug to the retina, in a safe, effective and affordable manner. We propose to develop a unidirectional nano-drug delivery technique that remains periocular (subtenon’s space) but provides drug delivery into the vitreous over a prolonged or intermittent period yet maintain an adequate concentration at the retina. We will design a biodegradable disc with selective permeability on the two surfaces. The surface adjacent to the sclera will be permeable for unidirectional drug delivery into the eye, while the other surface will be non-permeable, thus obviating the risk of diffusion of the drug externally.
The aim of the therapy is to suppress viral replication, halt the progression of disease, minimize retinal damage, prevent drug resistance, prevent local complications and preserve visual function. In short term, the proposed biodegradable disc will aim to deliver the optimal concentration of the drug near site of lesion and the concentration of the drug will remain sustained over period of six months thereby preventing the need for repeated intraocular injections and also prohibit the patient to come to clinic for repeated injections. Removable after six months won’t be necessary as well, as the polymer components are designed to slowly dissolve and be metabolized into the tissue.
Blood Vessel Joining (Anastomosis) With Adhesive Biodegradable Inserts
Anastomosis—the joining of two blood vessels—requires precise placement of sutures through the two blood vessels that need to be healed together. The technique is technically challenging and requires a long learning curve through practice on cadavers, in vivo animal sacrifices, or both. The suturing practice of today has been nearly the same for 100 years.
As the surgical theatre continues toward laparoscopic and keyhole surgeries, catheter based methods for surgical anastomosis will be sorely needed. Practical limitations to vascular surgeon’s abilities limit sutures to only the most easily accessed vessels and vessel diameters greater than 1 mm. New methods are needed for impossible to access areas such a cerebral blood vessels (i.e. stroke treatments). Methods to join micro-vasculature—such as arterioles and venules—are needed to advance severed limbs and associated limb or organ transplants.
Pipe sleeves in construction and plumbing are commonly used to join gaps, protect pipes from the environment, and repair damaged or leaky plumbing. Similarly, we have designed biodegradable pipe sleaves made from FDA approved implantable polymers.
In our design, the polyesters would be cast into thin film cylinders, no longer than 1-2 cm, 0.5-5 mm in diameter, and 100-500 micrometers thin. These cylinders would incorporate pressure sensitive adhesives on their outer surface to seal and join two opposing blood vessels. |
| Assoc Prof Thirumany Sritharan | Prof Sritharan's research expertise are in the areas of experimental processing and characterization of ceramics and metallics with focus on (a) multiferroic ceramic thin films, (b) barrier layers and inerface phenomena, and (c) nanostructured magnetic materials. His current projects are in the development of mutliferroic materials with magnetoelectric coupling for applications in spintronics, Ru-based diffusion barrier layers for Cu metallization, interface interactions in electronic packages, and the effects of nanostructure on the magnetic properties. |
| Prof Tim White | Tim White has thirty years of experience in the design and demonstration of advanced materials for environmental, superconducting, ionic conductivity and hydrogen storage applications. His particular interests lie in tailoring ceramics at the atomic scale to develop or enhance particular properties. These studies have been supported and facilitated through the use of advanced characterization methods, including atomic resolution electron microscopy, crystal refinement using X-ray and neutron diffraction, and synchrotron-based surface analysis for the investigation of chemical states and molecular environments. He is author or co-author of over 200 publications, 4 conference proceedings, 3 patents and confidential reports to industry.
In 2006, he introduced a suite of teaching modules for materials scientists called On-line Micro- and Nano-characterisation Instruction (OMNI). These courses were extended by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council to create MyScope, a national curriculum in microscopy and imaging. For three years (2007-2009), he ran the first totally on-line course at NTU called Symmetry and Crystals. Together with a team from Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), he is delivering the Coursera MOOC Beauty, Form and Function: An Exploration of Symmetry. |
| Prof Upadrasta Ramamurty | Mechanical behaviour of materials. Advanced manufacturing. |
| Prof Wang Junling | My research focuses on the study of complex oxide systems. Through materials processing, structural analysis and electrical/magnetic characterizations, we try to understand the fundamental physics and develop new materials for the next generation nano-technology, including environmental friendly lead-free ferroelectric/ piezoelectric systems and spintronics related materials. |
| Asst Prof Wang Mingfeng | Biological systems are featured by emergent properties in many processes such as energy and chemical transduction, communication, adaptation, self-repair and reproduction. They provide the proof-of-concept for what can physically be achieved with nanotechnology. For example, the ways in which biological systems transform and store energy, as well as their capabilities to perform self-repair and to adapt to external conditions inspire materials scientists and engineers how to manipulate energy, entropy and information in synthetic nano/micro systems.
The mission of my research group is to develop novel polymeric and supramolecular materials with bioinspired hierarchical structures and advanced functions, broadly defined, for energy sustainability and human health. We enable this goal through a highly interdisciplinary research program across chemistry, materials science, biology and engineering. Our specific aims include:
1) To develop bioinspired light-harvesting complexes by design, synthesis and assembly of functional molecules, polymers and nanoparticles.
2) To understand interfacial transport of energy, charge and mass in hierarchically assembled structures with integrated functions.
3) To explore new materials and device structures for sustainable energy conversion and storage.
4) To develop multifunctional nanoscale vectors for smart biodiagnostics and nanomedicines.
Students and postdocs in Dr. Wang's research group will be trained with knowledge and skills in polymers and materials chemistry, supramolecular science, nanomaterials, and colloids & interfaces. They will also gain opportunities of cross-boundary collaboration in ultrafast spectroscopy, optoelectronic devices and biomedical sciences. Please contact Dr. Wang if you would like to learn more information about our research, or if you are interested to join our group. |
| Prof Wang Rong | Dr Wang's main research interests cover membrane science & technology, chemical & environmental engineering processes. She focuses on
(1) Development of various novel membranes such as forward osmosis (FO)/pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) hollow fiber membranes, biomimetic membranes, low pressure nanofiltration (NF) membranes, hydrophobic membrane distillation (MD) membranes, extractive membranes and mixed matrix membranes for membrane-based separation & purification processes for water and energy productions;
(2) Membrane surface modification for fouling control in water & wastewater treatments; modification of microporous membranes to enhance membrane surface hydrophobicity for MD and membrane contactor applications;
(3) Brine processing by membrane distillation crystallization and membrane distillation module design;
(4) Simulation and optimization of various membrane processes such as forward osmosis membrane process for seawater desalination; CO2 capture in membrane contactors; concentration polarization in FO/UF membrane systems and separation of mixed gases in membrane modules, etc. |
| Asst Prof Wang Xiao | 1. Material fabrication of strongly correlated electronic system and 2D materials;
2. Electronic property characterization on materials and electronics devices;
3. Magnetism. Searching new magnetic materials and explore novel spintronics device.
Find more from our group website http://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/renshaw/ |
| Assoc Prof Wei Jun | 3D additive manufacturing, flexible and printed electronics, and low dimensional materials. |
| Asst Prof Wei Lei | www.leiweigroup.com |
| Prof Werner Riedel | Protection of built infrastructure, urban security and resilience, dynamic material behavior, testing and constitutive modeling of concrete & geomaterials, composites, metals, polymers |
| Assoc Prof Wong Chee How | Associate Professor Wong Chee How's research interests largely involves numerical work, simulation and modeling. (1) Under the ambit of atomistic simulations, his research interests include investigation of properties of materials at nano-scale. Current research also includes modelling of additive manufacturing processes. (2) Recently, he also picked up interest in exploration of advanced numerical and theoretical framework and associated implementation for asymmetric lift production. |
| Assoc Prof Wong Kin Shun, Terence | Professor Wong's research focus is in:
1. Organic electronics: organic light emitting diodes; organic photovoltaic devices, printing processes for large area electronics.
2. Silicon nanoelectronics: mechanisms of local strained silicon devices; measurement of biaxial stressed silicon
3. Characterisation techniques: use of synchrotron x-ray scattering to characterize the structural properties of electronic materials
4. Interconnects: deposition of low-k dielectrics and material property characterization; sol-gel synthesis of dielectrics; high frequency measurement and modeling Cu/low-k interconnects.
His current research focus is on organic electronics and silicon nanoelectronics. |
| Assoc Prof Wong Yiik Diew | [May 2019]
Wong's R&D interests are in urban mobility; road safety engineering & practices; driver & traveller behaviours; pedestrian safety & accessibility; bicycle transport & infrastructure; innovative construction materials in pavement. He has also undertaken research in freight transport; maritime safety & security; maritime manpower developments.
Research Scholars (active):
PhD Thesis (x9): Arimbi Jinca; Shi Xiupeng; Chee Pei Nen; Hou Xiao; Che Maohao; Wang Yongcheng; Te Ron Nguyen; Dana Mutiara Kusumawardi; Chen Tianyi;
M.Eng. Thesis (x1): Wong Miao’en Grace.
Research Scholars [graduated]:
PhD Thesis (x14): Lum Kit Meng; Aine Kusumawati; Ahad Memon; Anggraini Zulkati; Ho Sze Hwee; Chai Chen; Koh Puay Ping; Yeung Jian Sheng; Chen Mengjia; Yuen Kum Fai; Dwi Phalita Upahita; Tharsis Teoh Ghim Han; Wang Xueqin; Rojas Lopez Maria Cecilia;
M.Eng. Thesis (x6): Ng Choon Heng; Chandrasekar, P.; Goh Pin Kai; Hau Lay Peng; Ho Jen Sim; Koh Puay Ping;
MSc (Transportation Engineering) Dissertation (x12): Seah Haw Kuan; Tan Koon Hiau; Min Min Naing; Thu Ya Chit; Iwan Soemarjo Halim; Yap Zhee Lian; Abeyweera Herath Mudiyanselage Buddhi ; Aye Aye Htwe; Myint Myint Than; Thein Moe; Thant Zin Myo; Moe Aung Lwin;
MSc (Logistics) Dissertation (x7): Ng Mong Choon Edwin; Goh Teck Jin; Chan Yew Kee; Tan Seng Hor; Ho Hwa Puay; Tan Tsui Hsia; Chng Siew Ling Yvonne.
Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com.sg/citations?sortby=pubdate&hl=en&user=1yeETc4AAAAJ&view_op=list_works |
| Assoc Prof Xiao Zhongmin | Nano and Micro Mechanics of interacting defects in Composite Materials;
Elastic-plastic Fracture Mechanics for Engineering Structures and Materials;
Failure Analysis and Prevention of Aerospace Structures, Offshore Structures and Related Materials. |
| Prof Xiong Qihua | Dr. Qihua Xiong?s research is driven by the paradigm of ?bottom-up? nanoscience and nanotechnology. His research covers rational synthesis of functional semiconductor nanomaterials, systematic investigations on their physical properties at quantum size regime and practical applications in nanoelectronics, nanophotonics and nanobiotechnology. His expertise includes Raman scattering spectroscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, electrical transport, photoconductivity and nanopore biosensing. His group at NTU recently focuses on the following subjects:
? Develop novel approaches to synthesize and tune 1D nanomaterials and heterostructures
? Investigate their fundamental properties as an outcome of confined geometry and anisotropy
? Explore the applications of nanomaterials in nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, energy harvesting
? Build nanoelectronic-bio interfaces, e.g., nanopore field effect transistor for biosensing |
| Asst Prof Xu Chenjie | Dr. Chenjie Xu's primary research interest is to solve the unmet needs in the biomedical research with micro/nano-technologies. Currently, he is focusing on the transdermal drug delivery/biosensing with technologies like microneedles and nanoparticles for regenerative medicine. |
| Prof Xu Rong | - Photocatalysis for reduction of carbon dioxide and hydrogen production by splitting water using visible light.
- Heterogeneous catalysis for environmental applications.
- Organic-inorganic layered materials (LDHs) for pharmaceutical applications.
- Development of artificial cornea (nanoparticle/polymer composite).
- Antimicrobial membrane for water treatment (Silver in microfiltration membrane).
- Immobilization of enzymes on inorganic solid support as scalable and reusable biocatalysts. |
| Assoc Prof Xue Can | 1)Development of novel plasmonic nanomaterials for solar energy applications (photovoltaics and photocatalysis) using anisotropic metallic nanostructures that exhibit unique surface plasmon resonance properties in the visible and near-IR region.
2) Fabrication of novel metal-semiconductor conjugated nanocomposites for plasmon-driven photocatalysis.
3) Development of hybrid semiconductor nanomaterials for solar-driven water splitting |
| Prof Yan Qingyu | (1) semiconductor nanocrystals
(2) magnetic nanoparticle assembly
(3) thermoelectric materials |
| Prof Yang Yaowen | (a) Application of smart sensor technology for structural health monitoring;
(b) Energy harvesting using smart materials;
(c) Uncertainty analysis and modeling for structural systems; and
(d) Evolutionary computation for optimization and inverse problem solving; |
| Prof Yao Kui | YAO Kui's research areas cover smart materials with sensing, actuation, energy harvesting and storage functions, and their applications as sensors, actuators and transducers. The materials studied through his current work include ferroic, piezoelectric, dielectric, photovoltaic, chemical and bio sensing materials. He is interested in understanding and improving the structure and properties of these smart materials, and further exploring their signal/energy conversion and storage functional mechanisms including their potential device applications. As the program manager, he is leading a research program focusing on material-critical sensor and transducers at Institute of Materials Research and Engineering in A*STAR. Working together with his colleagues and students, he has designed and demonstrated a variety of material-critical sensors, actuators, and transducers on the basis of the functional mechanisms of the smart materials. Processing of functional thin films, thick films, multilayers, and micro/nano fabrication processes are often applied to produce miniaturized devices. |
| Assoc Prof Yeong Wai Yee | Rapid prototyping, Additive manufacturing, 3D Bioprinting, Metal 3D printing, Electronics printing, Bioelectronics, Fiber reinforced polymer composite, Regulatory and measurement sciences |
| Assoc Prof Yong Ken Tye | - nanotechnology approaches for cancer detection and therapy
- multifunctional nanoparticles or quantum dots for biomedical and nanomedicine applications
- biocompatible MEMS devices for activated therapies
- pharmacokinetics and toxicity from nanoparticle-based delivery systems
- novel biomaterials with controlled properties for targeted delivery/gene therapy
- nanomaterials for solar and optoelectronic applications |
| Asst Prof Yu Jing | Non-equilibrium properties of functional soft interfaces for energy and biomedical applications, bioinspired materials and biomimetics, nanomechanics, intermolecular interactions, adhesion and friction, self-assembly of supramolecular structures, X-ray and neutron scattering. |
| Prof Yu Ting | My research focuses on synthesis of nanostructures, assembly and manipulation of 1D nanostructure, and development of nanodevices:
1. Graphene: preparation, optical characterization, chemical/biological sensor, electrical devices
2. Substrate-friendly synthesizes of metal oxide nanostructures with controlled morphologies and patterns.
3. Wet-chemical method for fabrication of metal hydroxides and metal oxides nanostructures.
4. Field induced electron emission of individual nanowires or nanowire arrays
5. Electronic transport and mechanical properties of individual nanostructures
6. Nanowire FETs for nanoelectronics, nano-chemical sensors and nano-biological sensors |
| Prof Yue Chee Yoon | Advanced materials modeling, processing and properties with emphasis on fibre reinforced composites, liquid crystalline polymer-based polymer blends, micro-replication techniques, nanocomposites and applications of polymers in biomedical engineering and microelectronics. Interfacial properties of composites; surface treatment and modification; adhesion; solvent welding of polymers; prediction of long-term properties of polymers. Micro- and nano-manufacturing with a focus on micro-embossing of polymers aimed at the production of microfluidic devices. |
| Assoc Prof Zhang Baile | Dr. Baile ZHANG’s current research interests include electromagnetic wave theory, invisibility cloaking, metamaterials, phononics and acoustics. His research theme is the physics of waves. |
| Prof Zhang Dao Hua | Semiconductor materials, devices and physics
Quantum well, wire and dot structures and devices
New nano-scaled materials and devices for low and high temperature infrared photodetection
Metamaterials and Naophotonics |
| Prof Zhang Hua | Dr. Hua Zhang's areas of expertise are nano-science and technology. His research is highly interdisciplinary. His current research interests include fabrication of surface structures from micro- to nano-scale based on micro-contact printing and dip pen nanolithography (DPN), scanning probe microscopy, self-assembled monolayers, self-assembly and self-organization of nano- and bio-materials, and synthesis and application of nano-materials. |
| Assoc Prof Zhang Qichun | My research primarily is focus on creating functional materials by the rational synthesis and processing and on their practical applications, with particular interests in the following areas: (1) novel nanostructured thermoeletric materials and device fabrication; (2) inorganic nanomaterials: shaped and size controlled synthesis, colloidal dispersion, surface chemistry directed assembly and functionalities; (3) synthesis and characterization of porous materials with controllable morphology and composition; (4) synthesis and organization of semiconducting clusters; (5) organic conjugated materials. |
| Prof Zhang Qing | Prof Qing Zhang's research interests cover the physical properties and electronic and optoelectronic applications of carbon nanotubes, diamond-like carbon films, CVD diamond, graphene and several other nanostructures. |
| Asst Prof Zhao Wenting | Dr. Zhao's research interest is at the nano-bio interface with a particular focus on nanomaterial-based manipulation of bio-interface properties to study a variety of cellular behaviors, including membrane trafficking, pathogen infection, and neurodegeneration. |
| Assoc Prof Zhao Yang | Miniaturization of electronic and mechanical devices over the past century has brought immeasurable impact onto human lives. Commercial microelectromechanical systems have reached micron scales, and bona fide molecular apparatuses began to emerge setting the stage for upcoming integrated nanoelectromechanics. Dr. Zhao and coworkers systematically investigate carbon-nanotube-based oscillators, bearings and rotators via molecular dynamics simulation in order to establish their optimal operating conditions and to facilitate function-oriented designs. In addition, particular attention is paid to utilization of nanomachinery devices as nanolabs to study energy exchanges among various degrees of freedom, ergodicity on energy surfaces, and equipartition as systems relax, and to test fundamental hypotheses of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
The advent of ultrafast femtosecond laser spectroscopy brings about intense research interest in relaxation dynamics of photo-excited states in liquids and solids. Newly-arrived technological capabilities to control femtosecond pulse durations and down-to-one-hertz bandwidth resolutions provide novel probes on vibrational dynamics and excitation relaxation. Dr. Zhao and coworkers formulate time-dependent polaronic wave functions that facilitate microscopic modelling of photo-generated excitation relaxation and realistic computation of various third-order optical response functions, and help to achieve a satisfactory comparison between theory and experiment.
Carbon nanotubes are attractive candidates for a variety of applications thanks to their remarkable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements have become an important tool for structure-based characterization and DNA-assisted manipulation of carbon nanotubes. Dr. Zhao and coworkers establish visual, intuitive connections between optical absorption line shapes and their underlying nanotube structures, which are scrutinized by more sophisticated semi-empirical and DFT calculations. |
| Prof Zhao Yanli | The research programs in the Zhao group focus on the development of integrated systems for diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as porous materials for gas/energy storage and catalysis. They utilize interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the emerging problems at the forefront of chemistry and materials sciences. |
| Assoc Prof Zhou Kun | — First-principles calculation and atomistic simulation
— Synthesis, characterization and modeling of nanomaterials
— Material reliability and sustainability (fatigue, wear and corrosion)
— Contact mechanics and tribology
— 3D printing
— Energy and environmental technologies |
| Assoc Prof Zhou Wei | (1) Nanofabrication and nanometrology;
(2) Processing and applications of light and ultralight alloys;
(3) Joining and welding of structural materials;
(4) Laser surface engineering and study of surface properties (corrosion, tribology, wettability etc) |
| Assoc Prof Zhou Xing | Prof Zhou Xing's areas of expertise are semiconductor device physics, modeling, simulation, technology CAD, mixed-signal CAD, Monte Carlo, ultrafast phenomena. His current research works focus on nanoscale compact model development for bulk/SOI/multigate/nanowire CMOS and III-V HEMTs. |
