Prof. Tang’s lab for functional nanomaterials at the Chinese National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNT) focuses on the synthesis of unique nanoscale materials that often times exhibit remarkable properties in comparison with their larger-scale material counterparts. These properties include unique and controllable optical, electrical and catalytic properties applicable to many modern technological advancements. The major findings of this work involved the development of technologies based on the expertise of Prof. Kotov’s lab from the University of Michigan to incorporate Prof. Tang’s nanomaterials with state-of-the-art properties into larger-scale devices so that their true abilities may be realized. The collaboration between the two Universities allowed for a process to be developed that allowed macroscale materials containing these nanoscale building blocks to be produced based on the self assembly of charged nanoparticles with either oppositely charged polymers or alternate nanoparticles. The immobilization of the compounds in such a controlled manner as offered by the layer by layer (LBL) assembly technique allowed for nearly perfect molecular blending of the components without aggregation; maintaining the nanoscale size and corresponding properties. In additional, the developed technique is a simple and low cost technique that does not require the exposure to high temperatures or harsh solvents, making it practical for large-scale applications. The nanomaterials assembled included cadmium telluride and cadmium selenium, as well as core shell nanomaterials and nanoclusters made from these chemistries. The optimal pH, concentration, soaking time and other assembly conditions were optimized for each situation. As the proposed research aims to bridge nanoscale functional properties to real world application by molecular controlled assemblies, a variety of optimized advanced materials can be engineering with the techniques employed in this research beyond those demonstrated in the time allotted. In addition to the research activities, cultural experiences in China served as educational activities. With the interdisciplinary nature of science today, the interaction with international scientists with diverse cultures and perspectives through the participation in the NSF EAPSI program provided me with significant opportunities for collaboration, worldwide education and global friendships; all fundamentals for a lifelong career as a global scientific leader. I was also able to share my experiences and knowledge with the students in China as well as my learnings from the first-hand research experience outside the USA and first opportunity to actually become a part of a scientific culture with my colleagues back home. As a spin off of this project, arrangements were also made after the research was completed for visits to other research laboratories around China including Prof Lui in Harbin, Prof Xu in Wuxi, and Prof Yu in Hefei to provide opportunities for further education of laboratory culture in China, exchange of information, and development of cross-cultural collaborations.
