Our research group primarily focuses on exploring the potential of emerging low-dimensional electronic and quantum materials, with a particular emphasis on 1D graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Our primary areas of interest include nanoelectronics, as well as other emerging technologies, such as quantum information processing. We follow a comprehensive 'molecule to system' approach. This involves constructing these materials from rationally designed molecules, studying their growth, investigating their nanoscale properties and novel physics, developing nanoscale devices, understanding their electrical characteristics, and working towards their integration on a larger scale. Our interdisciplinary team comprises experts in materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, physics, and more, providing a rich pool of knowledge and skills. Currently, we have three active projects: one directly aligned with the research description above, and two associated projects.
1. Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbon High-Performance Logic Technology
Transistors—the fundamental building blocks of logic and memory technologies—must continuously evolve to achieve and sustain high-performance within reasonable energy budgets, especially with the rise of energy-demanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Silicon-based transistors, in use for over half a century, struggle to meet these growing demands, prompting the search for new channel materials. Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), chemically synthesized from the bottom up with atomically precise edges, emerge as one of the most promising alternatives to silicon. GNRs exhibit exceptionally high carrier mobility, resulting in impressive on-state current and overall performance. Even in highly reduced dimensions where silicon’s mobility wanes, GNR transistors maintain low off-current and steep subthreshold swing, achieving remarkable power efficiency. Unlike the conventional top-down approach that sculpts silicon, the bottom-up GNR fabrication method offers unparalleled material design flexibility at the molecular scale. This flexibility enables tailored electronic properties, including tunable band gaps, customized for specific applications—setting GNRs apart from the inherent limitations of silicon technology. Our research group adopts a holistic approach, studying GNRs from molecules to systems, with the primary objective of bridging the gap between experimental device performance and theoretical projections and integrating them into large-scale practical applications. This research has been generously funded by Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) under GRC-LMD program, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and NSF's Future of Semiconductors (FuSe) Program.
2. New Frontiers of Sound
This project is part of the NSF STC New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center, led by Professor Pierre Deymier from the University of Arizona's Materials Science and Engineering department, in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Arizona, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, University of California, Los Angeles, and more. The overarching research goal of the center is to explore the potential of "sound" in various fields, including computing, communications, sensing, and beyond. Our group will focus on translating the theoretical potential of sound into reality through the design and construction of nano/micro-scale topological acoustics devices.
3. Connecting the Leachability of Chalcopyrite to its Mineral Characteristics
The project's primary goal is to explore and understand how the mineral composition of chalcopyrite relates to its semiconductor properties and leaching behavior. Our team will particularly focus on developing methods to measure the semiconductor characteristics of different chalcopyrite samples, including powders and bulk materials, among other forms. This understanding is crucial for improving the efficiency of mining vital elements that are important for our technological needs. This project has been generously funded by Freeport-McMoRan, which is a leading international mining company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
