Nicholas A. Kotov

American chemist (born 1965) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nicholas A. Kotov (born August 29, 1965, in Moscow, USSR) is the Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.[1] He is the Director of the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS).[2]

Born (1965-08-29) August 29, 1965 (age 60)
Moscow, USSR
AlmamaterMoscow State University
Knownforself-assembling materials, layer-by-layer assembly, nanotechnology
FieldsChemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Engineering
Quick facts Born, Alma mater ...
Nicholas A. Kotov
2021
Born (1965-08-29) August 29, 1965 (age 60)
Moscow, USSR
Alma materMoscow State University
Known forself-assembling materials, layer-by-layer assembly, nanotechnology
Scientific career
FieldsChemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Engineering
InstitutionsUniversity of Michigan
Thesis Photoelectrochemical Effects at the Interface of the Two Immiscible Electrolyte Solutions
Doctoral advisorMikhail Kuzmin
Other academic advisorsJanos H. Fendler
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Kotov is known for pioneering studies on nanoparticle self-organization, biomimetic materials, and chiral nanostructures. Kotov demonstrated that structurally imperfect inorganic nanoparticles can self-assemble into complex hierarchical structures resembling biological assemblies and materials.[3][4][5] He established self-organization as an intrinsic characteristic of nanoscale systems, which contributed to the development of biomimetic composites combining mechanical, optical, and functional properties that are rarely achieved simultaneously in conventional materials.[6] These composite biomimetic materials are exemplified by nacre-like composites from clay and graphene oxide,[7][8] and cartilage-like membranes from cellulose nanofibrils and aramid nanofibers.[9][10] Kotov is also known for pioneering chiral nanostructures exhibiting exceptionally strong optical activity.[11][12]

Materials he developed have enabled sustainable energy devices, green catalysis, and aramid recycling. The chiral plasmonic nanoparticles are being tested for early detection of cancer.[13][14]

Work

Kotov's research is focused on the development of biomimetic nanocomposites, the self-assembly of nanoparticles,[15] and chiral nanostructures.[16] Utilizing layer-by-layer assembly (LbL),[17] Kotov prepared a wide spectrum of nacre-like nanocomposites including those from clay[18] and graphite oxide.[19] He showed that clay-based biomimetic composites can attain mechanical properties comparable to some grades of steel while retaining transparency.[20] This discovery spurred the development of new methods for the mass-production of nacre-like materials from a large variety of inorganic nanosheets.[21] While being inspired by natural materials, these composites far exceeded the properties of their natural prototypes and add other optical, electrical, thermal, and membrane properties.

Kotov extended the concept of biomimetic nanostructures to inorganic nanoparticles. He established that, similarly to many proteins and other biomolecules, nanoparticles can self-organize into chains,[15] sheets,[22] nanowires, twisted ribbons[23] and nanohelices,[24][25] and spherical supraparticles replicating viral capsids.[26]

Kotov's work established that the biomimetic self-assembly behavior of nanoparticles originates from interparticle interactions at the nanoscale,[27] in which chirality also plays a prominent role.[28] His studies on the self-assembly of chiral nanostructures have led to the development of nanoparticle assemblies with complexity exceeding those found in biological organisms.[29]

Education and research career

Education and early career

Kotov received his MS (1987) and PhD (1990) degrees in chemistry from Moscow State University, where his research concerned liquid-liquid interfaces imitating cell membranes for solar energy conversion. After graduation, he took up a postdoctoral position in the research group of Prof. Janos Fendler in the Department of Chemistry at Syracuse University in New York state working on nanoparticle synthesis and assembly at interfaces.

Independent research career

Kotov took up a position as assistant professor of chemistry at the Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1996, gaining promotion to associate professor in 2001. In 2003 he moved to the University of Michigan where he is now the Irving Langmuir Distinguished Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering.

Awards

Personal life

Kotov married chemist Elvira Stesikova, PhD, in 1991. They have two daughters, Sophia and Nicole.

References

External links

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