Research

Hybrid nanomaterials combine different material classes (i.e. metals, semiconductors, organics) on the nanoscale. Nanomaterials themselves can already display properties significantly different from their bulk counterparts due to quantum confinement effects. Hybrid nanomaterials on the other hand can exhibit novel or enhanced properties that neither of the components exhibits itself. We are interested in the preparation and fundamental photophysical characterization of hybrid nanomaterials for applications in renewable energy, nanoplasmonics and nanophotonics. Hybrid metal-semiconductor nanomaterials can be used for photocatalytic hydrogen generation and other solar fuels as part of a green and sustainable energy supply. We are interested in developing novel hybrid nanomaterials for photocatalysis and in understanding their fundamental photophysics. Hybrid metal-organic nanomaterials can be used to manipulate a range of material properties and processes by making use of their localized surface plasmon resonances. We are particularly interested in manipulating processes such as Raman scattering, and charge and energy transfer.