Research

Research Directions

We synthesize and grow new chalcogenide materials to understand how crystal structure controls optical, environmental, and magnetic properties. Experiments drive our discoveries, with machine learning helping us choose what to make next.

High-temperature synthesis: We use solid-state reactions, molten fluxes, and chemical vapor transport to discover new compounds and grow high-quality single crystals with tailored compositions and structures.

Solvothermal synthesis: Low-temperature reactions under controlled pressure provide access to metastable phases, low-dimensional structures, and organic–inorganic hybrid materials that may be difficult to obtain through conventional high-temperature routes.

Current Projects in the group

Infrared Nonlinear Optical Materials

We design noncentrosymmetric chalcogenides and mixed-anion materials with strong nonlinear optical responses, wide band gaps, and high laser-damage thresholds. Our goal is to develop new materials for infrared frequency conversion, lasers, sensing, and photonic technologies.

Materials for Water Remediation

We develop metal chalcogenides and organic–inorganic hybrid materials for the rapid and selective capture of toxic heavy metals from water. We investigate how crystal structure and chemical bonding govern ion selectivity, exchange mechanisms, and remediation performance.

Machine Learning for Materials Synthesis

We integrate machine learning with experimental synthesis to understand how composition and reaction conditions control phase formation. By learning from both successful and unsuccessful reactions, we aim to predict promising chemical spaces and guide the synthesis of new materials.

2D Quantum & Magnetic Materials

We investigate low-dimensional chalcogenides with tunable electronic and magnetic properties. Through chemical substitution, intercalation, and structural control, we explore 2D magnetism, correlated electronic behavior, and emerging quantum phenomena.

Selected Publications