Project Grant 2325212

Through a Project Grant award of $488,035 from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program, Purdue University is investigating ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics in metal chalcogenide nanoclusters and their assembled superatomic materials. The principal investigator, Hanzhe Liu, is using ultrashort extreme ultraviolet light pulses to observe real-time electronic and atomic motions within these superatomic solids. This technique allows researchers to detect the complex intra- and inter-molecular interactions that give rise to the materials' tunable optical, electronic, and thermoelectric properties. The research combines expertise in physical chemistry, materials science, and laser technology, and offers diverse training opportunities for students. Findings from this work are expected to provide insights into the design principles for developing superatomic solids for applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, and thermoelectrics.