Our Research Focus

Our lab explores bio-inspired strategies to design and self-assemble metal nanoclusters into dynamic, functional materials for applications in catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. Our research could be broadly classified into four research themes:

Metal Nanoclusters

Development of functional nanoscale materials with unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties has the potential to transform diverse areas of science and technology. Our group focuses on a new class of such materials—metal nanoclusters (NCs)—which have emerged as highly promising due to their atomically precise structures and molecular-like properties, including discrete HOMO–LUMO transitions, strong photoluminescence, chirality, and distinctive redox behavior. With sizes typically below 2 nm, nanoclusters bridge the gap between isolated atoms and larger nanoparticles, making them uniquely suited for both fundamental investigations and practical applications.

Bio-inspired Self-Assembly

Living systems illustrate that complex, multiscale architectures can emerge from simple building blocks when their intrinsic properties guide spontaneous organization. This principle forms the foundation of our research, where we draw inspiration from biological self-assembly to engineer nanocluster-based systems. Nanoclusters, with their atomically precise cores and tailorable surface functionalities, provide versatile building blocks that can mimic the adaptive, dynamic behaviors observed in natural assemblies.

Catalysis

Our lab focuses on developing nanocluster-based photocatalysts by harnessing the unique molecule-like properties of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We design self-assembled superstructures that improve charge separation, stabilize photogenerated electrons, and enhance visible-light absorption for efficient photocatalysis. By integrating electron-trapping components such as polyoxometalates or conductive polymer matrices, we overcome the limitations of ultra-small AuNCs and unlock their potential as primary photocatalysts. This strategy enables applications ranging from small-molecule transformations to hydrogen evolution, establishing gold nanoclusters as a versatile platform for sustainable photocatalysis.

Biomedical Applications

Metal nanoclusters are emerging as powerful tools in biomedical research due to their ultrasmall size, tunable surface chemistry, and unique optical properties. In our lab, we focus on gold, silver, and copper nanoclusters for applications in antimicrobial therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, and wound healing. These nanoclusters act as bioactive agents capable of modulating cellular pathways while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. A key direction of our work is the design of nanoclusters and their assemblies that regulate reactive oxygen species to restore cellular balance. Through this approach, we aim to develop next-generation nanomedicines that accelerate healing and prevent infection.