Research Interests

Payam's PhD project is focused on characterization of covalent 2D Polymers. By making use of the uncorrugated surface of water, he prepares sheets that are laterally larger than 2D Polymers made within crystals. For doing so, he uses a photo-sensitive monomer with three-fold symmetry (M3) which is synthesized in the group (Fig. 1). Considering the amphiphilic nature of this molecule, it is possible to spread and compress few micrograms of it at the air/water interface in order to form an Archimedean pattern. This experiment is done on a Langmuir trough (Fig. 2). Shining light on the pre-organized pattern of the monomers results in a sheet-like polymer that can be transferred onto copper grids (Fig. 3). Payam uses various microscopy, spectroscopy and mechano-chemical analyses to evaluate the properties of the sheets and to understand different aspects of polymerization in two-dimensions.
His work is carried out in close contact with many dedicated collaborators and teachers whose help has immensely contributed to the progress of his research. A brief list of his collaborators includes the groups of Prof. Benjamin T. King, Prof. G. Wegner, Prof. Andreas Stemmer, Prof. Renato Zenobi, Prof. Joost VandeVondele, Prof. Paola Ceroni and Dr. Andreas Borgschulte.

Publications