Join us on Friday, April 3rdat 11am for our first seminar of the Spring Term!

 

Guest lecturer, Dr. Jianguo Mei, will be visiting from Purdue University and will present their talk, "From Electrochromics to Artificial Retina: Harnessing Light, Color, Ions and Electrons".

Abstract: 

In this seminar, I will highlight two ongoing efforts: Electrochromic Technologies and Artificial Vision Systems (Organic Eyes). Both involve the precise manipulation of light, color, ions, and electrons. Through Ambilight Inc., our discoveries in flexible electrochromic thin films have been commercialized using roll-to-roll manufacturing, revolutionizing applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. I will present two examples illustrating how an academic laboratory can effectively generate fundamental knowledge that benefit market-ready technologies. Inspired by biological vision, our second research direction—Organic Eyes—aims to emulate the function of the human visual system and the brain. While practical realization remains challenging, this work exemplifies our commitment to frontier exploration. 

To illustrate our broader approach, I will discuss the journey of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF), a polymer discovered in our laboratory, tracing its path from initial discovery and scalable synthesis to applications in flexible circuits and bioelectronics. This case study embodies our philosophy: coupling curiosity-driven inquiry with mission-driven innovation. By merging these two dimensions, we transform foundational science into technologies that advance society.

Short Bio:

Jianguo Mei is currently the Richard and Judith Wien Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic and Polymer Chemistry from the University of Florida in 2010, followed by postdoctoral research at Stanford University (2010–2011, 2012–2014) and a stint as a research scientist at DuPont (Shanghai) from 2011 to 2012. He joined the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University as an Assistant Professor in 2014, rose to the rank of full professor in 2023 and served as the Department Head in 2024. Mei’s research centers on organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and printed electronics, focusing on developing organic semiconductors and conductors for flexible electronics and bioelectronics. He has authored over 142 peer-reviewed publications, secured 36 granted U.S. patents, and accumulated more than 20,000 citations. His accolades include the NSF CAREER Award, Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, ACS PMSE Young Investigator Award, Purdue Teaching for Tomorrow and Undergraduate Mentoring award. Mei co-founded Ambilight Inc., a world leading company pioneering roll-to-roll manufactured electrochromic thin films for smart windows.

 

Can't make it? Join us on Zoom!