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Nicholas A Kotov is Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor in Chemical Sciences at the University of Michigan. He is a pioneer in the theoretical foundations and practical implementations of complex systems from ‘imperfect’ nanoparticles.

Prior to Professor Kotov’s studies, the polydispersity of shapes and forms was considered to be an insurmountable detriment for the process of self-assembly into useful materials. He experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that ‘imperfections’ of nanostructures (e.g., graphite oxide nanosheets, clay nanoplatelets, cellulose nanorods) enhance the properties of resulting nanocomposites increasing, for instance, their conductivity and toughness. His current work focuses on chiral nanostructures, biomimetic nanocomposites from one- and two-dimensional materials, and graph theoretical representations. 

Professor Kotov has received more than 60 awards and recognitions, including the UNESCO Medal, MRS Medal, and Chirality Medal. Together with his students, Nicholas founded several startups that commercialised self-assembled nanostructures for the energy, healthcare and automotive industries. Nicholas is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors. He is a committed advocate of scientists with disabilities – visible and invisible. 

Funding from the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Defense (DoD) is gratefully acknowledged.