University of Chicago

Designing and synthesizing materials for efficient transfer of energy and information presents a grand challenge for modern science.  The notion of the chemical bond, developed in the early 20th century from the principles of quantum theory, revolutionized the ability to predict static and dynamic properties of molecules.  A team at the University of Chicago proposes to create a theoretical framework for synthesizing and assembling nanostructures with control of structure and function to yield materials with predictable properties and functions for the efficient transfer of energy and information.  The concepts of “atoms” and “bonding” can be generalized to enable the construction of functional materials from fundamental units of nanostructures – which they call “designer atoms.”  The team proposes to develop and rigorously test systematic rules, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, for assembling (or bonding) “designer atoms” into materials with a broad array of properties and functions.  Guided by recent research and using novel experimental and computational techniques, they will investigate the strong entanglement of electrons, emerging from subtle forces between nanostructures, to elucidate these fundamental principles and to design new materials.  If successful, the project may provide a new paradigm akin to the chemical bond to enable advances in chemistry, physics and materials research.