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Assistant Professor Martin Sagermann (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Professor Daniel Morse (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology) are aiming to develop a novel, "biologically inspired" low-temperature route to the structurally controlled synthesis of nitride-based electronic and optoelectronic materials. Their aim is first to genetically engineer one or more enzymes (natural protein catalysts) to provide a new means for kinetic control of gallium nitride synthesis, with tight control over crystal lattice orientation, polymorph and morphology, for improvements in electronic and optoelectronic function. The long-term aim of this approach is to develop a biologically inspired, low-temperature solution-based counterpart to MOCVD, to obtain control over semiconductor structure and enhancement of properties never before achievable by conventional means. 
Genetic engineering (upper left) and diffraction studies (upper right) of an enzyme that members of the team previously discovered capable of catalyzing and templating the synthesis of gallium oxide, titanium dioxide and a variety of other semiconductors. These studies identified the mechanism of synthesis and structural control, permitting the development of novel biologically inspired low-temperature synthesis routes (lower right). |
