People

Principal Investigator
Guillermo Bazan
Title
Professor
Degree
PhD in Chemistry MIT; Postdoctoral Fellow at Caltech
B. Sc in Chemistry (Summa Cum Laude), University of Ottawa
Research Interests
Living Materials, Gels for Energy Storage, Bioimaging
Office Location
S9-08-02C
Biography
Professor Bazan is the Provost Chair at and is a member of the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He also holds an appointment at the Department of Pharmacology in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He has published over 770 publications (> 55500 citations, H-index: 123).
His awards and recognitions include 2019 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, 2017 ISI Highly Cited Scientists in Materials Science, Frontiers in Chemistry Named Lecture, Case Western Reserve University, Professor of the Chang Jiang Scholars, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society Cope Scholar Award, and the Bessel Award, Humboldt Foundation.
Five startup companies have been founded by graduate students or postdocs during their studies in the Bazan group (Sirigen, Apeel, Next Energies, Xiretsa, and Acoearela). Over forty of previous postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows now lead successful academic or national research lab positions
Selected Publications
- Vazquez, RJ, et al, Conjugated polyelectrolyte/bacteria living composites in carbon paper for biocurrent generation, Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 2100840, 2022.
- Limwongyut, J., et al, Amide moieties modulate the antimicrobial activities of conjugated oligoelectrolytes against gram-negative bacteria, ChemistryOpen, 11, e202100260, 2022.
- Quek, G, et al, Conjugated polyelectrolytes: underexplored materials for pseudocapacitive energy storage, Advanced Materials, 2104206, 2022.
- Quek, G, et al, Pseudocapacitive conjugated polyelectrolyte/2D electrolyte hydrogels with enhanced physico-electrochemical properties, Advanced Electronic Materials, 2100942, 2022.
- Tiihonen, A, et al, Predicting antimicrobial activity of conjugated oligoelectrolyte olecules via machine learning, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 143, 18917, 2021. Gillet, AJ, et al, The role of charge recombination to triplet excitons in organic solar cells, Nature, 597, 7878, 2021.
- Su, YD, A living biotic-abiotic composite that can switch function between current generation and electrochemical energy storage, Advanced Functional Materials, 31, 2007351, 2020.
I-FIM Publications:
2024 |
Ohayon, David; Quek, Glenn; Yip, Benjamin Rui Peng; Lopez-Garcia, Fernando; Ng, Pei Rou; Vazquez, Ricardo Javier; Andreeva, Daria V; Wang, Xuehang; Bazan, Guillermo C High-Performance Aqueous Supercapacitors Based on a Self-Doped n-Type Conducting Polymer ADVANCED MATERIALS, 2024, DOI: 10.1002/adma.202410512. @article{ISI:001321820800001, title = {High-Performance Aqueous Supercapacitors Based on a Self-Doped n-Type Conducting Polymer}, author = {David Ohayon and Glenn Quek and Benjamin Rui Peng Yip and Fernando Lopez-Garcia and Pei Rou Ng and Ricardo Javier Vazquez and Daria V Andreeva and Xuehang Wang and Guillermo C Bazan}, doi = {10.1002/adma.202410512}, times_cited = {0}, issn = {0935-9648}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-09-30}, journal = {ADVANCED MATERIALS}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {Environmentally-benign materials play a pivotal role in advancing the scalability of energy storage devices. In particular, conjugated polymers constitute a potentially greener alternative to inorganic- and carbon-based materials. One challenge to wider implementation is the scarcity of n-doped conducting polymers to achieve full cells with high-rate performance. Herein, this work demonstrates the use of a self-doped n-doped conjugated polymer, namely poly(benzodifurandione) (PBDF), for fabricating aqueous supercapacitors. PBDF demonstrates a specific capacitance of 202 +/- 3 F g-1, retaining 81% of the initial performance over 5000 cycles at 10 A g-1 in 2 m NaCl(aq). PBDF demonstrates rate performances of up to 100 and 50 A g-1 at 1 and 2 mg cm-2, respectively. Electrochemical impedance analysis reveals a surface-mediated charge storage mechanism. Improvements can be achieved by adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO), thereby obtaining a specific capacitance of 288 +/- 8 F g-1 and high-rate operation (270 A g-1). The performance of PBDF is examined in symmetric and asymmetric membrane-less cells, demonstrating high-rate performance, while retaining 83% of the initial capacitance after 100 000 cycles at 10 A g-1. PBDF thus offers new prospects for energy storage applications, showcasing both desirable performance and stability without the need for additives or binders and relying on environmentally friendly solutions.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Environmentally-benign materials play a pivotal role in advancing the scalability of energy storage devices. In particular, conjugated polymers constitute a potentially greener alternative to inorganic- and carbon-based materials. One challenge to wider implementation is the scarcity of n-doped conducting polymers to achieve full cells with high-rate performance. Herein, this work demonstrates the use of a self-doped n-doped conjugated polymer, namely poly(benzodifurandione) (PBDF), for fabricating aqueous supercapacitors. PBDF demonstrates a specific capacitance of 202 +/- 3 F g-1, retaining 81% of the initial performance over 5000 cycles at 10 A g-1 in 2 m NaCl(aq). PBDF demonstrates rate performances of up to 100 and 50 A g-1 at 1 and 2 mg cm-2, respectively. Electrochemical impedance analysis reveals a surface-mediated charge storage mechanism. Improvements can be achieved by adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO), thereby obtaining a specific capacitance of 288 +/- 8 F g-1 and high-rate operation (270 A g-1). The performance of PBDF is examined in symmetric and asymmetric membrane-less cells, demonstrating high-rate performance, while retaining 83% of the initial capacitance after 100 000 cycles at 10 A g-1. PBDF thus offers new prospects for energy storage applications, showcasing both desirable performance and stability without the need for additives or binders and relying on environmentally friendly solutions.
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McCuskey, Samantha R; Quek, Glenn; Vazquez, Ricardo Javier; Kundukad, Binu; Ismail, Muhammad Hafiz Bin; Astorga, Solange E; Jiang, Yan; Bazan, Guillermo C Evolving Synergy Between Synthetic and Biotic Elements in Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Bacteria Composite Improves Charge Transport and Mechanical Properties ADVANCED SCIENCE, 2024, DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405242. @article{ISI:001309878600001, title = {Evolving Synergy Between Synthetic and Biotic Elements in Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Bacteria Composite Improves Charge Transport and Mechanical Properties}, author = {Samantha R McCuskey and Glenn Quek and Ricardo Javier Vazquez and Binu Kundukad and Muhammad Hafiz Bin Ismail and Solange E Astorga and Yan Jiang and Guillermo C Bazan}, doi = {10.1002/advs.202405242}, times_cited = {0}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-09-11}, journal = {ADVANCED SCIENCE}, publisher = {WILEY}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {gLiving materials can achieve unprecedented function by combining synthetic materials with the wide range of cellular functions. Of interest are situations where the critical properties of individual abiotic and biotic elements improve via their combination. For example, integrating electroactive bacteria into conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) hydrogels increases biocurrent production. One observes more efficient electrical charge transport within the CPE matrix in the presence of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and more current per cell is extracted, compared to traditional biofilms. Here, the origin of these synergistic effects are examined. Transcriptomics reveals that genes in S. oneidensis MR-1 related to bacteriophages and energy metabolism are upregulated in the composite material. Fluorescent staining and rheological measurements before and after enzymatic treatment identified the importance of extracellular biomaterials in increasing matrix cohesion. The synergy between CPE and S. oneidensis MR-1 thus arises from initially unanticipated changes in matrix composition and bacteria adaption within the synthetic environment.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } gLiving materials can achieve unprecedented function by combining synthetic materials with the wide range of cellular functions. Of interest are situations where the critical properties of individual abiotic and biotic elements improve via their combination. For example, integrating electroactive bacteria into conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) hydrogels increases biocurrent production. One observes more efficient electrical charge transport within the CPE matrix in the presence of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and more current per cell is extracted, compared to traditional biofilms. Here, the origin of these synergistic effects are examined. Transcriptomics reveals that genes in S. oneidensis MR-1 related to bacteriophages and energy metabolism are upregulated in the composite material. Fluorescent staining and rheological measurements before and after enzymatic treatment identified the importance of extracellular biomaterials in increasing matrix cohesion. The synergy between CPE and S. oneidensis MR-1 thus arises from initially unanticipated changes in matrix composition and bacteria adaption within the synthetic environment.
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Chen, Chaofan; Quek, Glenn; Liu, Hongjun; Bannenberg, Lars; Li, Ruipeng; Choi, Jaehoon; Ren, Dingding; Vazquez, Ricardo Javier; Boshuizen, Bart; Fimland, Bjorn-Ove; Fleischmann, Simon; Wagemaker, Marnix; Jiang, De-en; Bazan, Guillermo Carlos; Wang, Xuehang High-Rate Polymeric Redox in MXene-Based Superlattice-Like Heterostructure for Ammonium Ion Storage ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS, 2024, DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202402715. @article{ISI:001304242000001, title = {High-Rate Polymeric Redox in MXene-Based Superlattice-Like Heterostructure for Ammonium Ion Storage}, author = {Chaofan Chen and Glenn Quek and Hongjun Liu and Lars Bannenberg and Ruipeng Li and Jaehoon Choi and Dingding Ren and Ricardo Javier Vazquez and Bart Boshuizen and Bjorn-Ove Fimland and Simon Fleischmann and Marnix Wagemaker and De-en Jiang and Guillermo Carlos Bazan and Xuehang Wang}, doi = {10.1002/aenm.202402715}, times_cited = {0}, issn = {1614-6832}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-09-03}, journal = {ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {POSTFACH 101161, 69451 WEINHEIM, GERMANY}, abstract = {Achieving both high redox activity and rapid ion transport is a critical and pervasive challenge in electrochemical energy storage applications. This challenge is significantly magnified when using large-sized charge carriers, such as the sustainable ammonium ion (NH4+). A self-assembled MXene/n-type conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) superlattice-like heterostructure that enables redox-active, fast, and reversible ammonium storage is reported. The superlattice-like structure persists as the CPE:MXene ratio increases, accompanied by a linear increase in the interlayer spacing of MXene flakes and a greater overlap of CPEs. Concurrently, the redox activity per unit of CPE unexpectedly intensifies, a phenomenon that can be explained by the enhanced de-solvation of ammonium due to the increased volume of 3 & Aring;-sized pores, as indicated by molecular dynamic simulations. At the maximum CPE mass loading (MXene:CPE ratio = 2:1), the heterostructure demonstrates the strongest polymeric redox activity with a high ammonium storage capacity of 126.1 C g(-1) and a superior rate capability at 10 A g(-1). This work unveils an effective strategy for designing tunable superlattice-like heterostructures to enhance redox activity and achieve rapid charge transfer for ions beyond lithium.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Achieving both high redox activity and rapid ion transport is a critical and pervasive challenge in electrochemical energy storage applications. This challenge is significantly magnified when using large-sized charge carriers, such as the sustainable ammonium ion (NH4+). A self-assembled MXene/n-type conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) superlattice-like heterostructure that enables redox-active, fast, and reversible ammonium storage is reported. The superlattice-like structure persists as the CPE:MXene ratio increases, accompanied by a linear increase in the interlayer spacing of MXene flakes and a greater overlap of CPEs. Concurrently, the redox activity per unit of CPE unexpectedly intensifies, a phenomenon that can be explained by the enhanced de-solvation of ammonium due to the increased volume of 3 & Aring;-sized pores, as indicated by molecular dynamic simulations. At the maximum CPE mass loading (MXene:CPE ratio = 2:1), the heterostructure demonstrates the strongest polymeric redox activity with a high ammonium storage capacity of 126.1 C g(-1) and a superior rate capability at 10 A g(-1). This work unveils an effective strategy for designing tunable superlattice-like heterostructures to enhance redox activity and achieve rapid charge transfer for ions beyond lithium.
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Leng, Xuanye; Chen, Siyu; McCuskey, Samantha R; Zhang, Yixin; Chan, Samuel J W; Quek, Glenn; Costa, Mariana C F; Zhang, Pengxiang; Wu, Jiqiang; Nikolaev, Konstantin G; Bazan, Guillermo C; Novoselov, Kostya S; Andreeva, Daria V DNA-rGO Aerogel Bioanodes with Microcompartmentalization for High-Performance Bioelectrochemical Systems ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, 2024, DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202400137. @article{ISI:001217766900001, title = {DNA-rGO Aerogel Bioanodes with Microcompartmentalization for High-Performance Bioelectrochemical Systems}, author = {Xuanye Leng and Siyu Chen and Samantha R McCuskey and Yixin Zhang and Samuel J W Chan and Glenn Quek and Mariana C F Costa and Pengxiang Zhang and Jiqiang Wu and Konstantin G Nikolaev and Guillermo C Bazan and Kostya S Novoselov and Daria V Andreeva}, doi = {10.1002/aelm.202400137}, times_cited = {0}, issn = {2199-160X}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-05-10}, journal = {ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS}, publisher = {WILEY}, address = {111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA}, abstract = {Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have garnered significant attention for their applications in renewable energy, microbial fuel cells, biocatalysis, and bioelectronics. In BES, bioelectrodes are used to facilitate extracellular electron transfer among microbial biocatalysts. This study is focused on enhancing the efficiency of these processes through microcompartmentalization, a technique that strategically organizes and segregates microorganisms within the electrode, thereby bolstering BES output efficiency. The study introduces a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel engineered as a bioanode to facilitate microorganism compartmentalization while providing an expanded biocompatible surface with continuous conductivity. The DNA-rGO aerogel is synthesized through the self-assembly of graphene oxide and DNA, with thermal reduction imparting lightweight structural stability and conductivity to the material. The DNA component serves as a hydrophilic framework, enabling precise regulation of compartment size and biofunctionalization of the rGO surface. To evaluate the performance of this aerogel bioanode, measurements of current generation are conducted using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacteria as a model biocatalyst. The bioanode exhibits a current density reaching up to 1.5 A.m(-2), surpassing the capabilities of many existing bioanodes. With its abundant microcompartments, the DNA-rGO demonstrates high current generation performance, representing a sustainable approach for energy harvesting without reliance on metals, polymers, or heterostructures.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have garnered significant attention for their applications in renewable energy, microbial fuel cells, biocatalysis, and bioelectronics. In BES, bioelectrodes are used to facilitate extracellular electron transfer among microbial biocatalysts. This study is focused on enhancing the efficiency of these processes through microcompartmentalization, a technique that strategically organizes and segregates microorganisms within the electrode, thereby bolstering BES output efficiency. The study introduces a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel engineered as a bioanode to facilitate microorganism compartmentalization while providing an expanded biocompatible surface with continuous conductivity. The DNA-rGO aerogel is synthesized through the self-assembly of graphene oxide and DNA, with thermal reduction imparting lightweight structural stability and conductivity to the material. The DNA component serves as a hydrophilic framework, enabling precise regulation of compartment size and biofunctionalization of the rGO surface. To evaluate the performance of this aerogel bioanode, measurements of current generation are conducted using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacteria as a model biocatalyst. The bioanode exhibits a current density reaching up to 1.5 A.m(-2), surpassing the capabilities of many existing bioanodes. With its abundant microcompartments, the DNA-rGO demonstrates high current generation performance, representing a sustainable approach for energy harvesting without reliance on metals, polymers, or heterostructures.
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Pham, Minh Nhat; Su, Chun-Jen; Huang, Yu-Ching; Lin, Kun-Ta; Huang, Ting-Yu; Lai, Yu-Ying; Wang, Chen-An; Liaw, Yong-Kang; Lin, Ting-Han; Wan, Keng-Cheng; He, Cheng-Tai; Huang, Yu-Han; Yang, Yong-Ping; Wei, Hsuan-Yen; Jeng, U-Ser; Ruan, Jrjeng; Luo, Chan; Huang, Ye; Bazan, Guillermo C; Hsu, Ben B Y Forming Long-Range Order of Semiconducting Polymers through Liquid-Phase Directional Molecular Assemblies MACROMOLECULES, 57 (8), pp. 3544-3556, 2024, DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c02188. @article{ISI:001203973200001, title = {Forming Long-Range Order of Semiconducting Polymers through Liquid-Phase Directional Molecular Assemblies}, author = {Minh Nhat Pham and Chun-Jen Su and Yu-Ching Huang and Kun-Ta Lin and Ting-Yu Huang and Yu-Ying Lai and Chen-An Wang and Yong-Kang Liaw and Ting-Han Lin and Keng-Cheng Wan and Cheng-Tai He and Yu-Han Huang and Yong-Ping Yang and Hsuan-Yen Wei and U-Ser Jeng and Jrjeng Ruan and Chan Luo and Ye Huang and Guillermo C Bazan and Ben B Y Hsu}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.3c02188}, times_cited = {1}, issn = {0024-9297}, year = {2024}, date = {2024-04-12}, journal = {MACROMOLECULES}, volume = {57}, number = {8}, pages = {3544-3556}, publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC}, address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA}, abstract = {Intermolecular interactions are crucial in determining the morphology of solution-processed semiconducting polymer thin films. However, these random interactions often lead to disordered or short-range ordered structures. Achieving long-range order in these films has been a challenge due to limited control over microscopic interactions in current techniques. Here, we present a molecular-level methodology that leverages spatial matching of intermolecular dynamics among solutes, solvents, and substrates to induce a directional molecular assembly in weakly bonded polymers. Within the optimized dynamic scale of 2.5 & Aring; between polymer side chains and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on nanogrooved substrates, our approach transforms random aggregates into unidirectional fibers with a remarkable increase in the anisotropic stacking ratio from 1 to 11. The Flory-Huggins-based molecular stacking model accurately predicts the transitioning order on various SAMs, validated by morphological and spectroscopic observations. The enhanced structural ordering spans over 3 orders of magnitude in length, rising from the smallest 7.3 nm random crystallites to >14 mu m unidirectional fibers on submillimeter areas. Overall, this study provides insights into the control of complex intermolecular interactions and offers enhanced molecular-level controllability in solution-based processes.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Intermolecular interactions are crucial in determining the morphology of solution-processed semiconducting polymer thin films. However, these random interactions often lead to disordered or short-range ordered structures. Achieving long-range order in these films has been a challenge due to limited control over microscopic interactions in current techniques. Here, we present a molecular-level methodology that leverages spatial matching of intermolecular dynamics among solutes, solvents, and substrates to induce a directional molecular assembly in weakly bonded polymers. Within the optimized dynamic scale of 2.5 & Aring; between polymer side chains and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on nanogrooved substrates, our approach transforms random aggregates into unidirectional fibers with a remarkable increase in the anisotropic stacking ratio from 1 to 11. The Flory-Huggins-based molecular stacking model accurately predicts the transitioning order on various SAMs, validated by morphological and spectroscopic observations. The enhanced structural ordering spans over 3 orders of magnitude in length, rising from the smallest 7.3 nm random crystallites to >14 mu m unidirectional fibers on submillimeter areas. Overall, this study provides insights into the control of complex intermolecular interactions and offers enhanced molecular-level controllability in solution-based processes.
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