What we study
Crystal adaptronics & adaptive materials
Exploring the intersection of materials, chemistry, and design — from molecular-scale perturbations to macroscopic, functional response.
Our vibrant research team works at the interface of science and engineering to explore new materials for applications in the energy, water, and health sectors. At the core of our research is the design, assessment, and application of a broad range of smart materials with extraordinary properties such as capabilities for reshaping, memorizing, moving, programming, self-repairing, and healing. We are particularly interested in materials that hold the potential for efficient and controllable transduction of energy in the form of light or heat into work that can be used in a range of devices.
Over the past decade, we have pioneered the new research field of crystal adaptronics, which explores the dynamic aspects of ordered organic solid states and related methodologies — the emerging class of adaptive molecular crystals, where molecular-scale perturbations are amplified to a response on a macroscopic scale. The underlying phenomena are the foundational basis for all-organic optics and electronics, organic emissive devices, smart membranes for separation, organic biomedical materials, and soft robots.
Selected outcomes
Some of our most recent discoveries include
- mechanically compliant organic crystals that can be reversibly bent, twisted, and coiled
- crystals with self-healing and shape-memory capabilities
- flexible organic single-crystalline conductors and semiconductors
- superelastic, ferroelastic, ferroelectric, and mechanoelastic crystalline materials
- organic crystalline waveguides for transmission of light in the visible and telecom ranges
- superhydrophobic and self-cleaning materials and surfaces
- photochemistry, emissive materials, chemiluminescence, and bioluminescence
- smart hybrid materials combining polymers and crystals for thermal sensing, soft robotics, underwater, and remote applications
- organic flexible devices for sensing, monitoring, and actuation
- organic components for batteries, transistors, and other devices
- bioinspired and biomimetic materials for water harvesting and purification
- soft and light materials with extraordinary mechanical strength
- materials chemistry for petroleomics (chemistry of oil) and development of related sensing technologies
In print
Research highlights
40‒60%
of UAE chemistry output, per Nature Index
Our impact and collaborations
The Smart Materials Lab is the leading team in impactful chemistry research in the United Arab Emirates. Past and current projects have been sponsored by ADNOC, ADEC, the Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO), and the UAE National Research Foundation, alongside generous support from NYUAD and the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute. The lab works closely with NYUAD's Center for Smart Engineering Materials (CSEM).
Visit our NYUAD profile →