Design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and nanostructured materials capable of controlled-assembly, tethering, and self-organization in ultrathin films. This includes functional macromolecules, coordination polymerization, polymerization on surfaces, electropolymerization, and preparation of nanoparticles and hybrid materials. Properties include: smart coatings, electrically conducting, photoluminescent, electroluminescent, energy harvesting, optically active, and biocompatible. Surface sensitive spectroscopy and microscopy is systematically utilized to probe materials properties and biological phenomena. We are also involved in investigating nanoparticles, nanostructured surfaces, and nanocomposite materials for sensor and bioapplications. Other applied studies include packaging, coatings, biomaterials, plastics, and process development
