Chemical Communications Blog

We are excited to share the success of James Cumby’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Mixed anion control of negative thermal expansion in a niobium oxyfluoride“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with James below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

I am interested in how, by substituting oxygen with another anion (such as fluorine) we can directly tune the properties of inorganic materials.

Beneath this simple idea lies a lot of complexity. For instance, while the number of metal oxides known is huge (~100,000) only a few (~5,000) oxyfluorides have been reported. For an experimental chemist, this gives a lot of choice of materials to discover! Even once synthesised, the arrangement of oxide and fluoride ions within the material can have a big influence, but is difficult to analyse. To address these problems, my group combines experimental synthesis with advanced crystallography, as well as using data-driven computational models to predict and understand new materials.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

Normally, materials expand as they get hotter. This can lead to problems like concrete cracking or dental fillings failing. A materials-based solution to these problems would be something that could stay the same volume as it was heated or cooled. Such materials exist, but they are very rare and difficult to design or control. In this research, we have discovered that by substituting oxygen with fluorine in a material we can directly control the thermal expansion behaviour. By tweaking the atomic composition, we can get a material that expands, stays the same, or even contracts as we heat it.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

Having discovered this new thermal expansion control, we hope to develop a better understanding of why it occurs and to extend the use of anion doping to related materials. Beyond this specific study, we will continue to develop machine learning models for predicting new materials, and to continue to develop tools to understand how anion structure influences physical properties.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

I began my research career at the University of Birmingham, UK, where I made and characterised magnetic analogues of a rare mineral called Schafarzikite under the supervision of Prof. Colin Greaves. During my PhD, I also used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the magnetic behaviour of these compounds. As a postdoc I joined the group of Prof J. Paul Attfield, FRS at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Here, my focus switched to understanding charge-driven phase transitions in solids such as magnetite. I continued to synthesise new materials and explore or simulate their properties, but also developed my expertise in crystallography. Adding to my expertise in neutron powder diffraction, I helped to push the limits of micro-crystal X-ray diffraction (measuring small powder grains using single crystal diffraction) and gained expertise in total scattering (pair distribution function) techniques for analysing short-range atomic structure. Throughout this time I developed my interest in using crystallographic data to aid materials discovery.

As an independent group leader I combine a variety of approaches to solve research problems, and continue to explore new areas at the intersection of solid state chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics and crystallography.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I’m grateful to the many people who have given me advice during my career so far, but I doubt any of it can be expressed in a single quote! In lieu of that, I think a good guiding principle was best expressed by Prof. Linus Pauling:

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas”

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

The ChemComm format is perfect for studies which highlight a new research area with the potential for further exploration. The broad readership is the ideal audience for our work which shows an interesting chemical phenomenon, even though the exact cause requires a more extensive study.

Dr James Cumby is a lecturer (assistant professor) in inorganic chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, working in the School of Chemistry and Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions. He received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Birmingham, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. Following a year in a teaching-focussed role, he launched the functional materials group in 2019. The functional materials research group aims to understand and exploit the effects of combining multiple anions in materials in order to control physical properties. Structure-property relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we try to ignore existing subject boundaries; methods we apply include experimental synthesis, detailed structural characterisation, and computational or data-driven methods. Twitter/X: @CumbyLab Website: www.cumby.chem.ed.ac.uk

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We are excited to share the success of Rajkumar Misra’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Metal-driven folding and assembly of a minimal β-sheet into a 3D-porous honeycomb framework“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Rajkumar below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

My research group primarily revolves around the strategic design and fabrication of diverse higher order/supramolecular systems resulting from the self-assembly of minimal peptides and peptidomimetics. We eventually study these systems to explore their wide range of applications, including the development of smart biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery, theragnostic agents, and functional materials to address global environmental challenges. We are fascinated the complex structures and functionalities observed in biological systems and are striving to mimic such higher order systems in the laboratory through molecular assembly.  We further work towards engineering the properties of the system by implementing post-synthetic modification.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

To set the article in a wider context, it’s essential to consider the broader landscape of the research in biomimetic materials, nanotechnology, and the interdisciplinary scientific research. Metal-peptide frameworks is an emerging area and presents a promising avenue for future research. Peptides are known to form various secondary structures. Among these, the β-sheet conformation is particularly prone to aggregation and tends to form a 1D-dimensional networks more frequently. The high aggregation propensity of β-sheets is highly evident from their implication in pathogenesis of various proteinopathies such as neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s), diabetes mellitus among others. In our research, we demonstrated a departure from the typical trend. Specifically, we revealed that a minimal β-sheet-forming peptide, incorporating terminal metal-coordinated 4- and 3-pyridyl ligands, can undergo a metal-driven folding and assembly process to form a unique 3D porous framework. Notably, we highlight the significance of the position of the 3 and 4-pyridyl groups in constructing porous frameworks and/or metallogels, which served as a platform for the light-assisted in-situ growth of Ag nanoparticles. More intriguingly, the assemblies of β-sheets reported in this research mimic the tertiary structure of β-barrels, capable of forming channels, pores, and sites for binding and catalysis. Consequently, this article seamlessly integrates into the broader context of interdisciplinary sciences, encompassing biomimicry, functional materials, and bionanotechnology.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the coming year, we would like to delve deeper into this area with a medicinal chemistry perspective and focus on the development of engineered peptide based therapeutic agents targeting infectious and neurodegenerative disorders as well as smart biomaterials for tissue engineering purposes. We would also be working simultaneously in the area of metal peptide frameworks, aiming to fabricate novel scaffolds with intriguing applications.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

After completing my doctorate in the field of functional foldamers at IISER Pune. I commenced my postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, where my focus was on investigating the structure-assembly relationship of coiled-coil bundlemers. Subsequently, I spent an additional three years as a postdoctoral researcher at Tel Aviv University, delving into the realm of peptide hydrogels. Drawing from these research experiences, I transitioned to working as an independent researcher in the area of “Bioinspired Supramolecular Materials”.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I ever got was to work hard and be patient.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

I chose to publish my work in Chemical Communications as it is a highly reputed peer-reviewed scientific journal that covers a broad range of topics including general chemistry, material science, interdisciplinary sciences etc in the chemical sciences. Moreover, it is known for its high impact factor, ability to reach a wide audience within the chemical community and the most importantly rapid publication process and great journal visibility.

Rajkumar Misra received his Ph.D degree in 2018 from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune under the supervision of Prof. H. N Gopi. Subsequently, he joined as a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Darrin Pochan’s research group, the University of Delaware. After finishing the tenure, he joined Dr. Lihi Adler-Abramovich’s research group under the PBC scholarship program for outstanding post-doctoral students at Tel-Aviv University. He is currently an Inspire Faculty Fellow at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar. His research interests are the exploration of supramolecular assembly of bioinspired building blocks, artificial peptides, foldamers, and metal-peptide frameworks (MPFs) for asymmetric catalysis, bio-functional and advanced medical applications.

Explore more ChemComm Milestones news and updates on our X Feed: @ChemCommun

We are excited to share the success of Vishal Govind Rao’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Insights into interfacial mechanisms: CsPbBr3 nanocrystals as sustainable photocatalysts for primary amine oxidation“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with Vishal below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

Our research group is dedicated to exploring the fundamental properties of photocatalytic materials, with a focus on addressing pressing challenges in the field. While we have delved into various areas of research, our direction is primarily shaped by the obstacles we encounter. For instance, our exploration of perovskite materials led us to the common challenge of stabilizing them in polar solvents and water, which has become a central focus of our work.

With the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the transition to solar energy has become imperative. To contribute to this shift, we employ plasmonic catalysis and perovskite catalysis to optimize photocatalytic efficiency. Our core objective revolves around enhancing charge/energy transfer dynamics at interfaces to boost catalytic yields while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This overarching goal underscores our commitment to advancing energy utilization through innovative research approaches.

While we are currently focused on immediate challenges, we recognize the importance of transitioning towards addressing issues related to the hydrogen economy and other emerging areas in the future.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

In our study, we utilized a process called photocatalysis, which typically involves three main steps: (1) a photocatalyst absorbing light to create charge carriers, (2) these charge carriers moving to specific sites where reactions occur, and (3) the transfer of these charge carriers to molecules on these sites, which helps certain chemical reactions happen. Specifically, we used lead halide perovskite nanocrystals to turn primary amines into imines. This research is significant because it contributes to the development of technologies that use renewable energy and support environmentally friendly chemical processes. By understanding how these reactions work on a fundamental level and adjusting how selective they are through surface interactions, our discoveries suggest ways to make energy use more efficient and chemical production more sustainable.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

In the upcoming year, our lab aims to maintain an active research agenda, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of scientific exploration. While we have specific aspirations, we understand that research entails embracing uncertainty. We appreciate that some of the most significant breakthroughs arise from unexpected observations and chance discoveries.

By remaining open-minded and adaptable, we strive to create an environment conducive to uncovering new insights. History has shown that unforeseen discoveries often pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in science, as demonstrated by numerous Nobel laureates. Thus, in the coming year, our lab eagerly anticipates the journey of discovery, ready to pursue new avenues of research wherever they may lead us.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My journey to becoming an independent researcher has been shaped by a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry. Despite being termed an “independent researcher”, I recognize that none of us operate in isolation. Instead, we are indebted to the wealth of knowledge and support that surrounds us. As the proverbial saying goes, “We can see further by standing on the shoulders of giants”.

Throughout my career, the guidance and camaraderie of mentors, collaborators, and colleagues have been pivotal in shaping my trajectory. What excites me most about research is the lively exchange of ideas, the iterative process of experimentation, and the eventual thrill of discovery. Every interaction, whether in the lab, at conferences, or through literature, enriches my understanding and ignites my curiosity for exploration.

In essence, my journey to independence as a researcher has been a journey of interdependence—a recognition of the invaluable contributions of others and a celebration of the collective pursuit of knowledge.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

The most valuable advice I received came from my Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Nilmoni Sarkar. Despite being a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He taught me that true research springs from within; scientists aren’t inherently geniuses but rather individuals driven by curiosity about the problem of interest. To thrive in research, one must cultivate that innate curiosity and dedicate oneself to the pursuit of answers. He emphasized that while discipline is necessary, forcing a set number of hours of work doesn’t guarantee results in research, as productivity in the field of research doesn’t solely depend on the maximum hours worked.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

In our lab, I often encourage students to assess the paper’s scope and select the appropriate journal for submission. In this instance, Monika chose ChemComm due to its wide readership, recognizing the platform it offers for reaching a broad audience.

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Vishal Govind Rao holds the position of Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Banaras Hindu University in 2007, followed by his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, under the supervision of Professor Nilmoni Sarkar. During his doctoral research, Vishal delved into various photophysical and dynamical phenomena within microheterogeneous systems containing ionic liquids. Following the completion of his Ph.D., Vishal embarked on a 3.5-year postdoctoral stint at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. During this period, he employed single-molecule spectroscopy to investigate the interfacial electron transfer dynamics in dye-sensitized solar cells. Subsequently, he transitioned to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he dedicated 2 years to studying the mechanism of photocatalysis on plasmonic metal nanoparticles. In 2019, Vishal returned to India and joined IIT Kanpur as an Assistant Professor, where he has remained committed ever since. His research team is actively engaged in addressing challenges related to perovskite stability and exploring their applications in photocatalysis. Additionally, they focus on plasmonic photocatalysis, interfacial charge transfer dynamics, strategies for efficient solar energy utilization, and the conversion of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels. Twitter: @VishalGovindRao

Explore more ChemComm Milestones news and updates on our X Feed: @ChemCommun

We are excited to share the success of Yi (David) Ju’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Engineering poly(ethylene glycol) particles for targeted drug delivery“ included in the full milestones collection. 

Read our interview with David below.

What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?

My research has two main streams: 1) understanding how physicochemical properties of nanomaterials mediate protein interactions and modulate downstream biological responses; 2) engineering advanced nanoparticle systems for biotechnology and medical applications. The most significant challenge in the development of nanomedicines is the recognition and inactivation by the immune system. When synthetic nanoparticles are introduced into the blood, they are coated with a multitude of host-derived biological components (including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) within the bloodstream. These coatings on the surface of the nanomaterials make up the biomolecular corona and regulate the downstream immune responses. The understanding of bio–nano interactions is essential in the therapeutic field and the development of nanomedicine formulations because it influences the final product utility. My vision is to exploit this goal towards developing new functional nanoparticles to overcome biological barriers and increase delivery efficiency to the target.

Can you set this article in a wider context?

It is well known that poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the gold standard for the low-fouling surface modifications of nanomaterials. Various nanoparticles (NPs) have shown improved colloidal stability and stealth properties through PEG modification. Since 2013, we have focused on engineering PEG-based NPs, in which PEG is the only or one of the main components of the NPs. The present feature article summarizes our recent research in engineering PEG-based NPs via different methods (i.e., mesoporous silica-assisted templating, metal–phenolic network-assisted assembly, metal–organic framework-assisted templating, and sono-polymerization) for bio–nano interaction studies and targeted drug delivery applications. The use of different engineering strategies enables the tuning of the physiochemical properties of PEG-based NPs (e.g., size, structure, elasticity, and compositions) for controlled bio–nano interactions (e.g., stealth and targeting) and drug-loading capabilities. A perspective is also provided on the major challenges of PEG-based NPs and their potential immunogenicity as well as future research directions. This feature article is expected to serve as a reference to guide the engineering of PEG-based NPs and facilitate the rational design of PEG-based NPs for diverse emerging applications.

What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?

We aim to make progress on engineering advanced nanoparticle system for drug and gene delivery and understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and the human immune system.

Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.

My PhD was conducted in Prof. Frank Caruso’s lab at the University of Melbourne. During this period, I developed interests in the development of ‘stealth’ nanomaterials and investigation of fundamental bio–nano interactions in complex biological environments. After my PhD completion, I hold a Research Fellow position in the same group exploring various low-fouling nanomaterials for controlled bio–nano interactions and served as a Co-Leader of the Signature Project ‘Mediating Protein Interactions’ within the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio–Nano Science and Technology (CBNS). During my postdoctoral career, I have begun to pursue and demonstrate research leadership. I received an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Grant from the University of Melbourne. With this grant, I led a team producing a first-author publication in ACS Nano, which received the 2020 Most Significant Publication Award from CBNS. I was also awarded an Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Award at University of Melbourne in 2019. In 2021, I moved to RMIT University as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral fellow and published my first co-corresponding author paper in 2022. During this fellowship, I received research grants and awards, including an ECR Lectureship from Australasian Colloid and Interface Society and a Victoria Fellowship from Victorian State Government, which supported me to conduct an oversea research visit at the University of Manchester from January to September 2023. After coming back from the UK in 2023, I started my ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellowship at RMIT University.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

‘Not only work hard but work smart’ from my PhD supervisor.

Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?

ChemComm was one of my favourite journals which provides key research messages in a short format. The journal has a good reputation with a broad readership in chemistry.

Yi (David) Ju is an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellow at RMIT University. He received his Ph.D. in 2017 from the University of Melbourne under the supervision of Prof. Frank Caruso and thereafter conducted postdoctoral research at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and the University of Melbourne. He moved to RMIT University in 2021 as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow. During his appointment, he conducted an overseas research visit (January to September 2023) at the University of Manchester funded by a Victoria Fellowship. His research interests focus on studying the interactions between nanomaterials and the immune system and engineering advanced nanoparticle systems for biotechnology and medical applications. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-yi-ju Twitter/X:@David_Yi_Ju

Explore more ChemComm Milestones news and updates on our X Feed: @ChemCommun