RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • NANOPHOTONICS
    Quantum dots (QDs) can modulate the wavelength and intensity of emitted light, making them promising candidates for applications such as switchable probes for cellular and whole-body imaging, optical modulators, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We synthesize various types of nanomaterials, including core/shell QDs, nanorods, nanotetrapods, and nanoporous materials. We have demonstrated UV-induced photomodulation of QD conjugates via electron transfer mediated photoluminescence quenching. In addition, we have employed inorganic capping-ligand QDs as sensitizers in solar cells.
  • NANOCLUSTERS
    Magic-sized clusters (MSCs) can be isolated as intermediates during quantum dot (QD) synthesis and provide pivotal insights into QD growth mechanisms. Mechanistic studies of QD formation often identify MSCs as intermediates between molecular precursors and fully grown QDs. MSCs are distinguished from small-sized nanoparticles (NPs) in that they are thermodynamically more stable than expected for nanoparticles of comparable size. A colloidal semiconductor MSC typically consists of fewer than several hundred atoms and exhibits characteristic absorption features at discrete, fixed wavelengths.
  • NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
    Quantum dots (QDs) present a promising technology for in vivo bioimaging and medical imaging applications. QDs have demonstrated strong potential as imaging contrast agents due to their bright luminescence, resistance to photobleaching, and tunable emission wavelengths. We have developed NIR-II emitting QD probes and achieved cancer diagnosis using QD antibody conjugates. In addition, we have demonstrated QD incorporation into an amphiphilic polyethyleneimine (PEI) derivative platform for cell labeling, targeting, gene delivery, and ratiometric oxygen sensing.
  • NANOPLASMONICS
    Metals can exhibit surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at nanoscale. Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide range of applications, including spectroscopic and imaging tools, because their SPR properties can be precisely tailored by selecting metals with appropriate dielectric properties, as well as by controlling the size, shape, and local environment of the nanostructures. We have proposed novel metal NP complexes that can be utilized for highly efficient cancer therapy and photoacoustic-guided drug delivery.

PUBLICATIONS

ACS Applied Nano Materials 2026
"Quantum Dot-Amphiphilic Polymer Composite Colloids for Nitric Oxide Sensing“
Wonseok Lee, Junhwa Lee, Hyunjung Lee, Dakyeon Lee, Eunjeong Jang, Joonhyuck Park* and Sungjee Kim*
ACS Nano 2026 20, 8, 6891
"Stable versus Labile Ligand Passivation on Silver Chalcogenide Nanocrystals“
Wonseok Lee, Yunmo Sung, Jisu Kwon, Taeyong Ha, Gyudong Lee, Sung Jun Lim, and Sungjee Kim*
ACS Nano 2025 19, 48, 41213
"Discrete Cation Exchange in AgAuS Quantum Dots Using Reactivity Engineered Cation Precursors“
Jisu Kwon, Wonseok Lee, Yoonbin Shin, Jaelim Kim, Yunmo Sung, Eunsung Lee* and Sungjee Kim*
ACS Nano 2025 19, 34, 30810
"Quantum Dot Composite Colloids with Layer-by-Layer Shells: Biological Self-Assemblies for Signal Amplified Detection“
Wonseok Lee, Junhwa Lee, Hyunjung Lee, Mirae Han, Young Ho Ko, Chan-Gi Pack, Joonhyuck Park* and Sungjee Kim*
Nano Letters 2025 25, 29, 11391
"Implementing Discrete Multistate Electrochemical Response to Colloidal Quantum Dots via Regulated Charge Transfer Pathways“
Yunmo Sung, Taeyong Ha, Sukyung Choi, Ho Jin* and Sungjee Kim*