Our research group is dedicated to advancing the understanding, design, and control of atomically precise materials toward addressing challenges in chemistry, energy, and healthcare. Our core research areas are outlined below.

Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters

We focus on the precise synthesis of metal nanoclusters and the fundamental understanding of their structure, electronic configuration, and physicochemical properties. Our studies involve molecular-level tailoring, surface functionalization, and establishing clear structure–property correlations to engineer materials with targeted functionalities.

Nanoscale Dynamics

This research direction emphasizes elucidating the dynamic behavior of nanoclusters, including intra- and inter-cluster structural transformations, reactivity, and interactions with small molecules. Advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques are employed to probe nanoscale reaction pathways and stability mechanisms.

Nanohybrids for Catalysis

Our efforts in catalysis center on the synthesis and characterization of hybrid nanomaterials, integrating metals, oxides, and carbon-based supports. Through in-situ and ex-situ spectroscopic and microscopic investigations, we explore their physical properties, reaction dynamics, and catalytic performance for energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Biomaterials

Research in this area focuses on the sustainable design of nanomaterials and their interactions within biological environments. We investigate biodegradation and enzymatic transformation pathways, develop image-guided drug delivery systems, and explore bioinspired approaches for advanced material development.

Nanomaterial-Based Devices for Sensing and Healthcare

We develop functional devices by transforming colloidal molecular nanomaterials into cluster-assembled thin films and hybrid solids. These materials serve as the foundation for chemical and biological sensors, electrochemical devices, energy systems, and diagnostic platforms aimed at improving healthcare technologies.

All Publications

Structural Analysis and Intrinsic Enzyme Mimicking Activities of Ligand-Free PtAg Nanoalloys by Chen L., Klemeyer L. , Ruan M. , Liu X. , Werner S. , Xu W. , Koeppen A. , Bücker R. , Gonzalez M. G., Koziej D. , Parak W. J., Chakraborty I. Small 0-0 (2023)
Atomically Precise Clusters of Noble Metals: Emerging Link Between Atoms and Nanoparticles by Chakraborty I., Pradeep T. Chem. Rev. 117 8208-8271 (2017)
Ligand effects on the photoluminescence of atomically precise silver nanoclusters by Sahoo K., Chakraborty I. Nanoscale 15 3120-3129 (2023)
Advances in bovine serum albumin-protected gold nanoclusters: from understanding the formation mechanisms to biological applications by Chen L., Gharib M., Zeng Y., Roy S., Nandi C.K., Chakraborty I. Materials Today Chemistry 29 - (2023)
Strong and Elastic Membranes via Hydrogen Bonding Directed Self-Assembly of Atomically Precise Nanoclusters by Som A., Griffo A., Chakraborty I., Hähl H., Mondal B., Chakraborty A., Jacobs K., Laaksonen P., Ikkala O., Pradeep T., Nonappa Small 18 - (2022)
Impact of ligands on structural and optical properties of Ag29 nanoclusters by Zeng Y., Havenridge S. , Gharib M. , Baksi A. , Ziefuß A. R., Rehbock C. , Barcikowski S. , Kappes M. , Parak W. , Aikens C. , Chakraborty I. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143 9405-9414 (2021)
Luminescent Silver Nanoclusters Decorated on ZnO Tetrapods: Detailed Understanding of Their Role on Photoluminescence Features by Rodrigues J., Becker C. , Sedrine N. B., Kamp M. , Kienle L. , Adelung R. , Mishra Y. , Parak W. , Chakraborty I. , Correia M. R., Monteiro T. J. Mater. Chem. C 9 7014- (2021)
Photoluminescence of fully inorganic colloidal gold nanocluster and their manipulation using surface charge effects by Ziefuß A., Steenbock T. , Benner D. , Plech A. , Göttlicher J. , Teubner M. , Grimm-lebsanft B. , Rehbock C. , Comby-zerbino C. , Antoine R. , Amans D. , Chakraborty I. , Et Al. .. Adv. Mater. 33 2101549- (2021)
Linear Size Contraction of Ligand Protected Ag29 Clusters by Substituting Ag with Cu, by Baksi A., Schneider E. , Weis P. , Chakraborty I. , Fuhr O. , Lebedkin S. , Parak W. , Kappes M. ACS Nano 14 15064-15070 (2020)
Protein-Protected Porous Bimetallic AgPt Nanoparticles with pH-switchable Peroxidase/Catalase-Mimicking Activity by Gharib M., Kornowski A. , Noei H. , Parak W. , Chakraborty I. ACS Materials Lett 1 310-319 (2019)

Completed Projects

Principal Investigator

Development of Nanocluster Framework Materials as Next-Generation Antiviral Solutions Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Apex Committee of SPARC, Ministry of Education

Co-Principal Investigator

Advanced wound Managment Using Ionotropically Crosslinked Bioactive Superabsorbable Dressings- Bio - compatibility Shelf - life, Wound Healing Efficacy Through Clinical validation Of Chronic And Burn Wounds Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Development of Woven/Non-woven nano-micro fibrous Hierarchical Textile for Medical Applications Ministry of Textile, GoI
Development of Woven/Non-woven nano-micro fibrous Hierarchical Textile for Medical Applications Ministry of Textile, GoI
GC HIV/TB: Nanomaterial-Integrated Microfluidic Membrane - Enhanced Lysis GATES FOUNDATION

Alumni members