Our research is focused mainly on the synthesis, characterization, and modification of highly dispersed uniform micrometer, submicrometer, and nanometer size metallic particles with well controlled size, morphology, internal structure, composition, and surface properties. While our efforts are mostly concentrated on the development of chemical precipitation processes capable of yielding high performance materials for existing and emerging applications, we also conduct the basic research needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for the formation of uniform metallic particles in solutions. In regard with the first aspect, we have successfully developed many novel precipitation methods for generating economically highly dispersed metallic particles of Cu, Ni, Co, Bi, Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, and their alloys for applications in electronics, energy conversion and storage (PEM and SO fuel cells), medicine and biology, emissions control, sensors, and metallurgy. At the same time, our experimental and modeling work on spherical gold particles has contributed to the understanding of the formation mechanism of large uniform colloids in homogeneous solutions by aggregation of nanosize precursors and has resulted in a model that is now widely accepted by the scientific community and is frequently cited in the literature. More recently, under a new three-year grant from NSF we have started to investigate the formation by the same mechanism of uniform anisotropic particles (platelets, rods, ellipsoids, cubes, etc.), a topic of extreme importance for science and technology.

Another rather unique expertise of our group consists in the ability to convert ultrafine uniform metallic particles into metallic platelets/flakes by physical processes. Although under-researched, this interdisciplinary area bordering colloid and surface science, physics, and metallurgy has a significant impact on many applications in defense (obscurant smokes) and electronics. Finally, our knowledge and experience in the preparation and modification of fine metallic particles represents a solid foundation that allows us to do independent research as well as to collaborate effectively with various research groups and companies involved in the development of metallic dispersions and inks for applications in electronics, pigments, catalysis, photonics, coatings, and sensors.