From steel to plastic to silicon, introduction of these new materials transformed industries and lives. Functional materials continuously play vital roles in the advancement of nearly every scientific and technological sector.

​

In Dr. Lu’s functional nanomaterial lab, we are harnessing capabilities in controlled inorganic nanomaterial synthesis, interface engineering, and newly acquired organic synthesis under one umbrella. The goal is to design and fabricate new types of material transducer platforms that are capable of efficiently converting one type of energy (or force) into another. Achieving high-efficiency energy conversion will enable energy storage devices and fuel cell technology. Furthermore, the ability to transduce one kind of energy into another is essential for biosensing and artificial intelligence, among other applications.