Jinyoung Choi
Advisor: Prof. Vladimir V. Tsukruk

will propose a doctoral thesis entitled,

Architecting Functional 2D Nanointerfaces for Precision Surface Grafting and Selective Chemical Detection

On

Friday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Molecular Science and Engineering Building (MoSE)  Room 3201A

and 

 Virtually via Zoom 

https://gatech.zoom.us/j/8741811863?pwd=YPf6lF1OVjJbBUm5KI58088DLy8hv1.1

Committee
            Prof. Vladimir V. Tsukruk – School of Materials Science and Engineering (advisor)
            Prof. Zhiqun Lin–Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore
            Dr. Zhitao Kang – School of Materials Science and Engineering
            Prof. Scott Danielsen – School of Materials Science and Engineering

            Prof. Shucong Li – School of Materials Science and Engineering

Abstract
Surface modification of nanomaterials represents a critical frontier in materials science with profound implications for sensing technologies, catalysis, and energy applications. The ability to precisely engineer interfaces at the nanoscale enables unprecedented control over material properties and functionalities, particularly for emerging two-dimensional materials. This doctoral thesis proposal will aim to investigate strategies for surface modification of various nanostructured materials through controlled surface functionalization, precise polymer grafting, adapted characterization methods and self-assembly processes, which addresses fundamental challenges in tailoring interfacial properties at the molecular level while establishing a robust framework for understanding the complex interplay between surface chemistry, polymer architecture, and resulting material performance.

The research will proceed through three strategic phases: First, we will synthesize MXene-Block copolymer (MX-BCP) heterostructure through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) methodologies, overcoming previously reported difficulties in adapting ATRP to MXene surfaces through innovative approaches including optimized reaction conditions and surface pretreatment protocols. This will enable the grafting of 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (2-BIBB) initiators for controlled polymerization of block copolymers with tailored molecular weights and narrow polydispersity. Second, we will characterize the fundamental principles governing block copolymer self-assembly on these modified surfaces, addressing previously reported challenges in MXene characterization through complementary analytical techniques and advanced microscopy methods. Along with chemical validation, this comprehensive characterization will primarily focus on morphological transformations and the evolution of nano-architectures under different conditions, including the morphological evolution of BCP nanostructures following solvent annealing. Finally, we will translate these fundamental insights into responsive interfaces for selective interaction with tertiary amines, particularly targeting sensing of a psychedelic drug, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), through the integration of self-assembled monolayers with enhanced surface morphology on semiconductor substrates.

This interdisciplinary research addresses significant challenges in nanomaterial surface engineering while advancing the fundamental understanding of polymer-nanostructure interfaces, while including key innovations for creating reconfigurable nanostructured surfaces with switchable properties and developing high-sensitivity functionalized interfaces capable of reliable detection in complex environmental samples. The findings will contribute to the development of next-generation chemical detection platforms with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, with potential applications for environmental monitoring, chemical diagnostics, and others.