Shouheng Sun
Professor:
Chemistry
Phone: 401 863 3329
ssun@brown.edu
Professor Sun's research in nanomaterials involves two related areas: (1) chemical synthesis and self-assembly of nanoparticles; (2) construction and elaboration of functional nanoparticles and their assemblies for applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and information storage.
Biography
Professor Sun received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Brown University in 1996. He was a postdoctoral fellow from 1996-1998 and a research staff member from 1998-2004 at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center. He joined the Chemistry Department of Brown University as a tenured Associate Professor in 2005 and was promoted to full Professor in 2007. He has been the Associate Director of Brown's Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation since 2008.
Interests
Synthesis and Self-Assembly
We utilize the so called "bottom-up" approach for the synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles. Recent focus has been on the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles of Co, MFe2O4 and FePt by reduction of metal salts and/or thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors. The size, composition, and shape of these nanoparticles can be tuned by controlling reaction parameters, such as the reactant ratio and concentrations, temperature, and time. We are also exploring other synthetic approaches to prepare multi-component and multi-functional nanoparticles of the alloy-type (e.g. CoFe), core/shell type (e.g. CoFe/Fe3O4), and dumbbell-like (e.g. Au-Fe3O4) materials. Through proper surface modification, these nanoparticles can be dispersed in various media, or they can self-assemble into superlattice structures. The effects of particle size, shape, composition, and interparticle spacing on physical and chemical properties of the nanostructures constitute issues of the critical importance that are addressed by our research.
Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Recent advances in the synthetic control of nanoparticle monodispersity suggest that the fabrication of nanoparticle-based bio-probes with ultra-high sensitivity and efficacy should be possible. We are working to make a series of biocompatible multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles, and subsequently establish their bio-recognition and delivery capabilities. We are working to integrate these multifuctional nanoparticles into bio-systems for potential highly efficient diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Nanoparticles for Catalytic Applications
The rapid progress in the construction of nanoparticles with controllable size, shape, and electronic properties has made it possible to rationally design and synthesize nanoparticle-based catalysts. Our goals are to prepare transition metal based nanoparticles with controlled size, composition, and shape and to study their self-assembled structures for controlled oxygen reduction and organics oxidation.
Nanocomposites for Magnetic Energy Storage Applications
Nanocomposites refer to engineered materials consisting of at least one nanoscale constituent. By independently tuning the size and composition of each component, followed by engineering the assembly, the nanostructures and their properties can be tailored to store high density magnetic energy. The self-assembly approach is being used to prepare multi-component systems to provide both a model for fundamental understanding of physical properties within the nanostructures and a practical route to novel devices for magnetic energy storage applications.
Selected Research Highlights since 2006:
The Providence Journal, "Zero in on a targeted treatment of cancer" by Wayne Miller, May 4, 2009.
Bloomberg News/the Providence Journal, "Brown chemists extend life of fuel cell", March 25, 2009, by Halia Pavliva.
Providence Business News, "Brown study may mean cheaper fuel cells", March 25, 2009, By Susan A. Baird.
Chemistry World, "Producing powerful palladium particles", March 24, 2009, by Lewis Brindley.
Brown University Press Release, March 17, 2009, "Brown Chemists Create More Efficient Palladium Fuel Cell Catalysts" by Richard Lewis. Also highlighted by NSF News Service, Science 360.
Chemistry World, "Nanodumbbells target cancer cells", March 16, 2009, by Hayley Birch.
Health Check: Breast cancer research, April 1, 2009, reported by NBC 10's Barbara Morse Silva.
Brown University Press Release, March 10, 2009, "Twin Nanoparticle Shown Effective at Targeting, Killing Breast Cancer Cells" by Richard Lewis.
Chemical & Engineering News, April 21, 2008. "Catalyst Shape Matters" by Bethany Halford.
Providence Business News, April 21, 2008. "Brown chemists making progress in fuel research" by David Ortiz.
Brown University Press Release, April 10, 2008, "Brown Chemists Find Platinum Nanocube Improves Fuel Cells" by Richard Lewis.
Technology Review (MIT), July 07, 2007. "Denser Data Storage - Nanorods and nanowires could increase memory" by Erica Naone.
Science Watch, Nov. 2006. "Nanomagnets Made to Order for Biomedical Uses" by John Emsley.
The National Cancer Institute/Nanotech News, Sept. 2006. "Improving Magnetic Nanoparticle Design".
Nature Nanotecholgy, Aug. 2006. "Nanoparticles: New iron brew" by Stuart Cantrill.
Awards
Research Seed Award, Brown Univ, 2008
Frontier Research Award, Dept of Chem., Brown Univ, 2006
Salomon Award, Brown Univ, 2006
Tenured, Brown Univ, 2005
Outstanding Technical Achievement Award (IBM, 2003)
Master Inventor (IBM, 2002)
Scientific Accomplishment Award (IBM, 2000)
IBM Employee Award (IBM, 2000)
Potter Prize (Ph.D. Thesis), Brown Univ, 1997
Sigma Xi Award, Brown Univ, 1996
Affiliations
Member of American Association for the Advancement of Science
Member of American Chemical Society
Member of American Physical Society
Member of Materials Research Society
Teaching
Chem 0400 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
This course focuses on metal chemistry and their applications in biological system. The course begins with the principles of coordination chemistry, and introduces some general thermodynamic concepts in biological systems. It then surveys inorganic chemistry of biologically important metal cations and their bio-functions. The course further highlights metal-related medical diagnostics and therapeutics.
Chem 1700 - Nanoscale Materials: Synthesis and Applications
This course focuses on synthesis, properties, and applications of nanoscale materials. It begins with the introduction to size-dependent properties and to general characterization methods of nanomaterials. It then outlines the synthesis, surface chemistry and self-assembly of nanomaterials. It further reviews catalytic, optical and magnetic properties of nanomateirals. Finally, the course highlights the applications of nanomaterials in information storage and energy conversion, as well as in medical diagnostics and therapeutics.
Funded Research
DOE (co-PI): "Nanosegregated Cathode Catalysts with Ultra-Low Platinum Content", 2009 - 2012.
DOE (co-PI): "Beyond Rare-Earth Magnets", 2009-2013.
NIH/NCI (PI): "Controlled Functionalization of Composite Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Platin-like Complex to Tumor Cells"; 2007 - 2010.
DARPA/ARO (PI): "High performance nanocomposite permanent magnets by rational assembly of nanoparticles"; 2008 - 2012.
ONR/MURI (co-PI): "Synthesis and Processing of Nanocompoiste Permanent Magnets - Approaches from the Bottom"; 2005 - 2010.
DOE/EPSCoR (co-PI): "Center for Spintronics and Biodetection", 2007- 2010.
Exxon Mobile Corporation, "Controlled Synthesis and Assembly of PdPt Nanocatalyst for Hydrogenation Reactions," 2009 - 2011.
Hitachi Maxwell Ltd.: "Composite Catalysts for Fuel Cell Reactions". 2005 - present.
Brown Imaging Fund: "Nanoparticle Imaging Probes", 2008 - 2010.
