“Organic Synthesis Approach to Novel Carbon Nanostructures”, Prof. Ramesh Jasti, Chemistry
Graphitic nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.) have outstanding properties for broad applications ranging from electronics, molecular sensors, nanoporous filters, as well as energy generation and storage; however, these materials are difficult to prepare in a uniform manner as structural variation dramatically affects properties and performance. The Jasti group develops organic synthesis approaches to short fragments of carbon nanotubes, coined ‘carbon nanohoops,’ that can be engineered from the bottom-up. We are developing syntheses of a wide array of structures and exploring various assembly strategies to prepare cylindrical, porous carbon materials with angstrom-level precision.
Our REU student will synthesize carbon nanohoop structures and study their optoelectronic behavior. The project will provide excellent training in multistep organic synthesis, photophysical and electronic characterization, and opportunities to learn computational chemistry as well. This multidisciplinary training will be an outstanding steppingstone to doctoral programs centered in organic chemistry but stretching across materials science and biology.