Charles M. Lieber

Lieber website photo

Charles M. Lieber is an American chemist and pioneer in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. He is known for his work on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, particularly nanowires and carbon nanotubes. Lieber has made significant contributions to the development of nanoelectronics and nanomedicine.

Early Life and Education

Charles M. Lieber was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College in 1981. He then pursued his Ph.D. in chemistry at Stanford University, where he worked under the supervision of Nathan Lewis. His doctoral research focused on the surface chemistry of silicon.

Academic Career

After completing his Ph.D., Lieber joined the faculty at Columbia University as an assistant professor. In 1991, he moved to Harvard University, where he became a professor of chemistry. At Harvard, Lieber established a research group that has been at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Research Contributions

Lieber's research has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials. He has developed methods for the controlled growth of nanowires and carbon nanotubes, which have potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and biomedicine.

Nanowires

Lieber's work on nanowires has led to the development of nanoscale devices with unique electrical and optical properties. These nanowires can be used to create high-performance transistors, sensors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). His research has also explored the use of nanowires in solar cells and battery technologies.

Carbon Nanotubes

Lieber has also made significant contributions to the study of carbon nanotubes. His work has focused on understanding the electronic properties of these materials and their potential applications in nanoelectronics. Lieber's research has demonstrated the use of carbon nanotubes in creating nanoscale transistors and other electronic devices.

Nanomedicine

In the field of nanomedicine, Lieber's research has explored the use of nanomaterials for medical diagnostics and therapeutics. He has developed nanoscale probes for the detection of biomolecules and the delivery of drugs to specific cells and tissues. His work has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Awards and Honors

Charles M. Lieber has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including:

• The Wolf Prize in Chemistry
• The National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemical Sciences
• The ACS Nano Lectureship Award
• The Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology

Controversies

In recent years, Lieber has faced legal issues related to his involvement with foreign research programs. He was charged with making false statements to federal authorities regarding his participation in China's Thousand Talents Program. The case has raised questions about the ethical and legal responsibilities of scientists in international collaborations.

Personal Life

Lieber is married and has two children. He is known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and fostering interdisciplinary research.

See Also

• Nanotechnology
• Nanomaterials
• Nanoelectronics
• Nanomedicine
• Carbon nanotubes
• Nanowires