Career: spin polarization of inorganic hybrid nanostructures at the single-particle level

The National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry awarded the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $554,816 on September 1, 2026, for a CAREER project to investigate spin polarization in inorganic hybrid nanostructures at the single-particle level.

Professor Wei-Shun Chang and his research team will develop a new platform to understand electron transportation in metal–semiconductor nanostructures approximately 1000 times smaller than a human hair. The project integrates single-particle chiral microscopy to determine optochirality and interfacial electron-transfer dynamics with single-particle optical voltammetry to probe spin polarization in individual nanostructures. By correlating these measurements on the same hybrid nanostructures—composed of plasmonic metals and semiconducting metal oxides with controlled chiral structures—the research will establish structure–optochirality–spin polarization relationships inaccessible through conventional ensemble measurements. The findings will advance understanding of how nanostructure morphology controls electron motion with specific spin orientations, informing design of advanced materials for microelectronics, biomedical technologies, and advanced manufacturing of high-performance materials and devices.

Educational and outreach activities include training undergraduate and graduate students in semiconducting nanomaterials fabrication and characterization, and engaging K–12 students in Southern Massachusetts to learn nanoscience and pursue STEM careers.

Performance takes place at North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2031. The award is funded under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049).

Abstract

Professor WEI-shun chang and his research team at the university of massachusetts dartmouth will develop a new platform to understand electron transportation in nanostructures. The nanostructures are tiny particles with a diameter about 1000 times smaller than that of the diameter of a human hair. This project will study specially designed metal?semiconductor nanostructures to determine how their structures control electron motion with specific spin orientations. The knowledge gained from this work could inform the design of advanced materials for microelectronics and biomedical technologies. By improving the ability to design and control functional nanomaterials, this research will also contribute to the advanced manufacturing of high-performance materials and devices. The broad educational and outreach activities include training undergraduate and graduate students in semiconducting nanomaterials fabrication and advanced characterization, while engaging K?12 students in southern massachusetts to learn nanoscience and inspiring them to pursue careers in stem fields. This research aims to establish correlations among morphology, optochirality, and spin polarization in inorganic hybrid nanostructures at the single-particle level. Hybrid nanostructures composed of plasmonic metals and semiconducting metal oxides with controlled chiral structures will be fabricated and investigated. Single-particle chiral microscopy will be used to determine the origins of optochirality and interfacial electron-transfer dynamics, while single-particle optical voltammetry will be used to probe spin polarization in individual nanostructures. By integrating these measurements on the same nanostructures, the project will reveal structure?optochirality?spin polarization relationships that are inaccessible through conventional ensemble measurements. The outcomes will advance fundamental understanding of spin polarization in inorganic hybrid systems and provide design principles for enhancing chiral-induced spin selectivity effects in nanomaterials. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.