My future research will be concerned with synthesis of mesostructured materials via supermolecular self-assembly with inorganic building blocks, and fabrication of bio-nano devices based on nanostructured materials, such as bio-sensors and bio-catalytic devices. Another main research plan is the reforming of short alkanes (e.g. methane) to produce liquid chemical feedstock. It is a very substantial long-term project, which is of great practical importance.

The research plans consist of continuation and extension of my current project:

1)      Nonequilibrium self-assembly of mesostructured materials. Most well-studied self-assembly is equilibrium systems (static). They intend to form crystals as highly ordered arrays. However, most astonishing self-assembly systems are nonequilibrium system (dynamic) that develops order structures only when dissipating energy, like cells. In our plan, a rapid far-from-equilibrium evaporation process will be used to segregate particles and supermolecular aggregates and form highly complex mesostructures. Magnetic and electric fields will be applied as energy dissipating sources to nonlinearly affect assembly system. This project intends to maximize the value of self-assembly as a way for fabrication mesostructured materials with complex and hierarchical order.

2)      Convergence of biotechnology and nanomaterial science. Dimensional similarity of proteins/enzymes and channels of mesoporous materials allow their functional coupling, thus providing effective bio-nano devices. Great attention will focus on modification of surface chemistry of mesoporous materials. Silica materials with peptide functionality will be prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with the goal to mimic natural reaction environment for enzymes. It is also possible to study the peptide-to-protein interaction and explore the promoter for the biocatalytic reactions. This project may leads to biofunctionalized hybrid nanomaterials incorporating biomolecules with highly selective biocatalytic and recognition properties.

3)      Direct partial oxidation of methane. To directly convert methane into liquefied higher value products, such as methanol and formaldehyde is one of most important challenge in chemistry today. The significance of developing an efficient catalyst for this reaction has escalated in recent years due to the increasing concern over fossil fuel consumption and green house emission. Current catalytic system is suffering from low yields, harsh reaction condition, and energy-consuming. The aim of our plan is to develop multicomposite metal oxide catalysts with high dispersion. This research project will address the composition and structural requirements for the selective introduction of oxygen atoms and the selective oxidative removal of hydrogen in reactions of methane.

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