About Younan Xia's Work
My group’s research centers on the design and rational synthesis of novel nanomaterials for a range of applications, including cancer nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, catalysis, and clean energy technology. As for synthesis, my group is building a scientific base for the large-scale production of nanomaterials with well-controlled parameters and properties by elucidating the fundamental details involved in nucleation and growth. In terms of nanomedicine, our current efforts include the development of gold nanocages as a contrast agent for optical imaging and as a photothermal agent for hypothermia treatment. Our group is also developing nanoscale capsules based on phase-change materials for controlled release with superb spatial/temporal resolutions. For regenerative medicine, our group is applying electrospun nanofibers to the repair of injuries in peripheral nerve, tendon, and tendon-to-bone insertion. Related to energy, our group is exploring the use of shape-controlled metal nanocrystals for improving the performance of fuel cells.
Awards and Achievements
Fellow, American Chemical Society (ACS) (2014)
Highly cited researchers in chemistry and materials science (2014)
Nano Today Award (2013)
National Award in the Chemistry of Materials, American Chemical Society (ACS) (2013)
Fred Kavli Distinguished Lectureship in Nanoscience, Materials Research Society (MRS) (2013)
Top 100 materials scientists (No. 4) and top 100 chemists (No. 35) in the world (2000-2010)
Top 10 chemists (No. 5) in the world (1999-2009)
Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2011)
Fellow, Materials Research Society (MRS) (2009)
NIH Director's Pioneer Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2006)
Leo Hendrik Baekeland Award, the North Jersey Section of American Chemical Society (ACS) (2005)
Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar, Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation (2002)
Fellow in Science and Engineering, David and Lucile Packard Foundation (2000)
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (2000)
Faculty Early Career Development Award, National Science Foundation (1999)
Victor K. LaMer Award, American Chemical Society (ACS) (1999)
Oversea Young Investigator Award, Chinese Natural Science Foundation (1999)
New Faculty Award, Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation (1997)
MRS Medal