Sara Skrabalak

Learning from Metal Nanocrystal Heterogeneity: A Need for Information-Rich and High-Throughput Single-Nanocrystal Measurements Metal nanocrystals (NCs) show utility in a variety of applications due to their unique structure-dependent properties. Isolating these structure–property relationships is crucial for NC design, but heterogeneities present in NC ensembles as well as limitations in NC characterization strategies complicate this goal. Herein, we describe the various types of intraparticle and interparticle heterogeneities common to NC ensembles and then provide a detailed description and comparison of single-particle techniques that can be used to characterize these different heterogeneities. Case studies then showcase the use of multimodal characterization approaches, where multiple, primarily single-NC techniques are used in tandem to provide new insights into metal NC structure–property relationships. We conclude with a critique of single-NC techniques that motivates the development of new high-throughput and high-resolution single-NC characterization approaches as well as computational tools, with a proposed workflow outlined to accelerate NC design and discovery.

The latest from the #NSFFunded Center for Single-Entity Nanochemistry and Nanocrystal Design! A beautiful open-access, editor's choice Perspective written by students from every group in the center. We hope you enjoy it! The students did an amazing job. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

📢 2025 Call for Nominations Chemistry of Materials Lectureship and Best Paper Award @acs.org

📅 Deadline: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

👉 americanchemical.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_... @saraskrabalak.bsky.social @goringpd.bsky.social

If you are here, let me know!

I was in Germany 2 years ago when it got into the upper 90s with a hotel with no air conditioning and no cross breeze. Managed to buy a fan as I was there for 2 weeks. Gave it to the front desk when leaving and they didn't understand why. I think they like just being hot.

Special Issue: Polymer–Drug Conjugate Materials

📝It was an exciting experience to handle this special issue on #polymer-drug conjugates/polymer #prodrugs for Chemistry of Materials @pubs.acs.org ! #chemsky

📰Editorial: pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

A few words about the contents of this Special issue 🧶

Carl Bernstein visited IU this week, and my husband got to give a ride to his hotel. He enjoyed his conversation. And all of this inspired us to rematch the movie Dick tonight. Still stupidly funny.

Latest special issue at @ChemMater on Precision Patterning. This collection is led by an Editorial written by Associate Editor Prof. Han-Bo-Ram Lee. Check out the collection here: bit.ly/4coYGR1.

The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another Amazon.com: The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another: 0000262043807: Ramirez, Ainissa: Books

www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Us-H...

Have you read the Alchemy of US? You could use it as a text

I am excited to share this collection at Chemistry of Materials which includes a fabulous editorial on The Future of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals by Raffaella Buonsanti and Brandi Cossairt @brandicossairt.bsky.social
Read now 👉 go.acs.org/cmE

“i.e.” vs. “e.g.”—What’s the Difference? I.e. stands for id est, or “that is,” and means “in other words”—use it to clarify the statement before it. E.g. stands for exempli gratia…

A common mistake: i.e. vs. e.g.
www.grammarly.com/blog/acronym...

One of my most valuable email folders is labeled "Letters for Others"

With 2024 as a highly successful year for ACS Materials Letters, this Collection showcases a selection of highly cited/downloaded content, papers that attracted wider media attention, and some recommended reading from our editorial team. Browse content 👉 go.acs.org/cfS

This new Collection from Chemistry of Materials showcases an excellent selection of highly cited and downloaded content, as well as papers that attracted wider media attention and some recommended reading from our editorial team.
Read now 👉 go.acs.org/ceC

Off to my first conference of the year, The Conference of Editors @ACSPublications to learn about the latest in publishing and make plans for @ChemMater and @ACSMatLett #DCbound

IU’s Georgescu Group harnesses advanced computing resources to transform materials science The Georgescu group is attempting groundbreaking materials research utilizing advanced computing, quantum physics, and chemistry.

Our group in IU news! news.iu.edu/it/live/news...

@saraskrabalak.bsky.social speaking on high entropy materials electrocatalysis at CACEE conference, TIFR Mumbai

Now at TIFR in Mumbai for #CACEE2024 and catching up with @ChemMater associate editor C.N. Tharamani in person.

Visiting IISER - Tirupati and their main auditorium has the periodic table on the outside just like @IUBChemistry... but this one has the elements color for their elemental state. So cool.

The monkeys are the ones to watch out for. They like to snatch bags and snacks.

IIT - Madras has urban deer just like @IUBloomington ... but they also have blackbuck (a cool looking antelope)

Join me!

This has been my rant for awhile... we have to collaborate over raw materials. And landfill mining is our future.

Congratulations to Varsha Kumari, my PhD student (co-advised with @saraskrabalak.bsky.social ), who gave her first talk today at a national conference!
#F24MRS

Hello #ChemSky! We're excited to be part of this community, and we look forward to connecting with you here. Excuse us while we take a moment to get situated before we share more.

Thank you for these great suggestions!

Excited! Got the final pieces for my India trip in place. Molecular Materials & Functions at IIT-Madras Dec. 9-11, IISER-Tirupati and IIT - Tirupati Dec. 12-13, and Conference on Advances in Catalysis at TIRF Mumbai Dec. 16-20. Let me know if you will be there and local must do/haves.

As I answer reviewer comments, I remind myself:
1) editors choose reviewers from MY LIST. So some are people I know, like and respect.
2) most/many reviewers are trying to help me make sure my claims are supported.
3) regardless of 1&2, the paper will go back to reviewers, so don’t be a jerk.