Research

IRG 1: Microstructured Polymers employs block copolymers to direct the structure and function of microstructured macromolecular materials, with control over chemical connectivity, microstructure length scales, and morphology from the nanometer to micron length scale. The group explores new water-compatible polymers, unique multiply continuous morphologies, processing with block copolymers, and innovative applications of block copolymers in bioactive composites and templated solidification.

IRG 2: Crystalline Organic Semiconductors relies on a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches to elucidate the key structure-property relationships associated with molecular structure, crystal packing, electronic delocalization, and charge carrier transport in this new generation of electronic materials. The group uses its expertise in molecular synthesis, crystal engineering, computation, and transport measurements to formulate organic semiconductors, in single crystal and thin film forms, with enhanced carrier mobilities and performance in field effect transistors (FETs).

IRG 3: Magnetic Heterostructures aims to achieve a thorough understanding of spin transport, magnetization dynamics, and exchange coupling – phenomena at the frontier of magnetism – in materials with precisely defined and well-characterized interfaces, including those with tailored interfacial disorder. The group capitalizes on its strengths in thin film synthesis, unique characterization tools, techniques that probe magnetization reversal and exchange coupling with an unprecedented degree of precision, and first principles calculations of electronic, magnetic and structural properties.

Proto-IRG: Nanoparticle-Based Materials aims to synthesize and assemble nanoscale materials with entirely new mechanical, electronic, or optical properties. This group capitalizes on exceptional strengths at the University of Minnesota in gas-phase synthesis of engineered nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based materials, and in their chemical, structural, mechanical, and electrical characterization. The proto-IRG focuses on the study of nanoparticle-based materials for their improved mechanical, electronic, and opto-electronic properties.

Seed: The Center operates an aggressive Seed program designed to foster innovation and promote Center growth and evolution. In addition to support of individual faculty, Seed funds are directed to research clusters identified as possible emerging areas of interdisciplinary research, including Bioactive Surfaces, Biorenewable Polymers, Solar Cells and Nanoparticles, and Zeolite Growth.