Materials and Nanoscience

The Bar-Shir lab combines strategies in NMR and MRI with tools from synthetic and supramolecular chemistry, nanomaterials and biology for the development of novel approaches to illuminate unexplored processes in both chemistry and biology.

We research self-repair of optoelectronic materials, with implications for greener resource use, and amazing solid-state electron transport across proteins, with implications for bioelectronics; both are issues that challenge present models and understanding.

We study (together with David Cahen) halide perovskite semiconductors with emphasis on their properties relevant to photovoltaic applications.

We investigate the formation and organization of nanomaterials (including nanowires, nanotubes and 2D materials), their physical properties (structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, optoelectronic, electromechanical, etc.), and their integration into functional systems (computing, solar cells, sensors, etc.).

The Klein group studies surface interactions in soft and biological matter from molecular to macroscopic scales. Current projects include lubrication and biolubrication (and its relation to osteoarthritis), and drug delivery using liposomic carriers.

The Kronik group studies unique properties of materials using first principles quantum mechanical calculations based mostly on density functional theory. The group develops formalism and methodology and applies it to the prediction/interpretation of novel experiments.

Meir Lahav scientific interests are directed towards the understanding of the physical properties of crystals in general, and their applications for the understanding the mechanism of electrofreezing effect of super cooled water in particular.

Development of advanced solid state NMR spectroscopy methods for materials science applications, with particular focus on elucidating the relation between structure and function in energy storage and conversion materials.

Structural, mechanical, electromechanical, and polar properties of materials. Specific directions: non-classical electrostrictors, piezoelectrics and strongly anelastic solids; influence of surface charge and impurities on ice nucleation; recycling of gold, platinum and rare earth form waste; flue gases desulfurization

The group studies the interaction of light and matter at the nanoscale. This includes the optics of nanoscale objects, and the development of  methods for optical imaging beyond the diffraction limit.

Our group develops and applies ab initio many-body computational approaches to study excited-state transport and dynamics and complex exciton phenomena in extended functional materials.

We develop robust noncovalent materials (molecular plastics) that are easily fabricated and recycled, enabling a sustainable alternative to conventional pastics. We also work on energy materials that are employed in batteries and solar cells.

Current research focuses on a new type of chemical transformations induced by electrons at the interface between two solid materials. Such processes may convert insulating organic monolayers to patterned single-layer conductors exhibiting unusual electrical conduction.

The Semenov group uses tools of organic and physical chemistry to understand and apply out-of-equilibrium phenomena in chemical systems.

Sheves group studies the molecular mechanism of retinal protein function using artificial pigments, model compounds in solution and spectroscopic methods. In addition, the group studies the mechanism of the unusual efficient electronic transport through proteins.

Our interdisciplinary group is studying the fibrillar self-assembly phenomenon in natural biopolymers, including proteins and protein-based complexes, with an ultimate aim to generate new types of functional materials.

Our research focuses on the high-temperature synthesis, structural characterization and applications of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles from layered compounds (2D-materials), and in particular transition metal dichalcogenides and “misfit” compounds.

From molecules to materials. We would like to understand how structural complexity, order and chirality emerge in crystals and thin films. Using coordination chemistry, such materials are designed to have fascinating properties.

Research in the Wagner team concentrates on microstructure-mechanics correlations in polymer nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanocomposites, and biological materials.