Our group is primarily interested in molecular nanoscience, studying self-assembled structures such as single-molecule junctions and surface-bound monolayers whose function is strongly influenced by the properties of the incorporated molecule(s). These structures, for example, allow us to evaluate individual molecules as electronic circuit elements (e.g., wires or switches), or to modulate chemical reactions at interfaces by controlling the relative positions of molecules in space with nanometer precision. Our interdisciplinary approach combines the design and synthesis of new compounds with electrochemical and scanning probe microscope-based characterization methods. Ultimately, we aim to develop new principles for the rational preparation of functional, molecule-based materials that address urgent societal challenges by driving innovation in areas such as catalysis, chemical sensing, and energy storage. Read more about our work on our Research and Publications pages.
Latest News
November 08, 2024
Paper accepted in JACS!
Jazmine's paper shows that the Lewis acidic character of gold surfaces can result in S-C(sp3) bond cleavage for sulfur-based junction linkers comprising stable carbocation precursors such as -StBu (article link).
September 23, 2024
Paper accepted in JACS!
Tom's paper explores the interfacial chemistry of single-molecule junctions formed from dibromoalkane precursors on silver electrodes (article link).
August 27, 2024
Paper accepted in JACS!
Christina's paper explores the impact of counterion loss on the structure and properties of self-assembled monolayers formed from charged metal bis(terpyridine) complexes (article link).
August 13, 2024
Congratulations to our latest graduate!
Well done Christina Trang for a successful Ph.D. defense! The Inkpen group's first Ph.D. student to graduate. We look forward to seeing your future success in your new role as R&D Scientist at Mitico.
July 29, 2024
Paper accepted in Nano Letters!
Leo and Tom's paper explores the utility of ultrahigh boiling point solvents for single-molecule conductance measurements (article link).
June 24, 2024
Molecular Junction Database (MJD) launched online
You can now perform simple keyword searches of >1000 journal papers focused on studies of molecular junctions at http://www.molecularjunctions.org. We plan to further develop this online search tool, initiated in the Inkpen Lab and powered in large part by undergraduate students from community colleges, over the coming years. Read more here.
June 03, 2024
Welcome Alejandro!
Alejandro Hernandez joins the group as our 2024 USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Intern. Over the next 8 weeks he will explore chemical reactions at the single-molecule limit using the scanning tunneling microscope-based break junction method.
May 29, 2024
Themed Collection in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Mike, Tim Su (UC Riverside), and Haixing Li (City University of Hong Kong), serve as guest editors for a themed collection on molecular electronics in J. Mater. Chem. C. Read our editorial here.
May 20, 2024
Congratulations Cynthia!
Cynthia wins second-place prize for the inorganic section 2024 screening symposium. Well done!
Funding
We are grateful for research support from the following organisations:
Interested in Joining?
We are always interested in hearing from potential new group members, please contact Mike directly (inkpen at usc dot edu).
Prospective Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate research provides a fantastic opportunity to deepen your scientific understanding and develop your problem solving and practical laboratory skills. Such experiences are highly recommended for those interested in chemistry careers, and they may even form part of your course requirements at USC. Financial support is often available through URAP or Provost's Fellowships. Please don't hesitate to introduce yourself by email and briefly describe your interests.
Prospective Graduate Students
You can read more about and directly apply to the USC Chemistry Ph.D. Program through the Chemistry Department webpage. We are always happy to discuss our research with interested applicants, but cannot answer questions about admissions.
Prospective Postdocs
Internal postdoctoral funding is not available unless explicitly advertised, but we would be delighted to collaborate on external funding applications (e.g., for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Postdoctoral Fellowships). In your email, please include a brief discussion of your research background and why you are interested in working with us, attaching your CV and 2-3 publications.