Research program: 1. Functional Architectures for Control of Electron Transfer at Electrodes 2. Molecular Test Bridges for Studies of Electron Tunneling. 3. Optical Screeing Methods for Library Evaluation in Microarrays 4. Probing Weak Interactions Between Bio-molecules Using a Fluorescence Balance.

Self-Patterning Self-Assembled Monolayers. We are investigating structure-function relationships in molecules that form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on surfaces. We have implemented strategies for spontaneous patterning of monolayers formed from mixtures of organic molecules that self-assemble on conductive surfaces. These self-patterning, self-assembled monolayers control assembly of single component and multi-component nanoparticle mixtures at surfaces. We are investigating the optical and magnetic properties of the patterned nanoparticle assemblies as a function of composition and geometry.

Functional Architectures for Control of Electron Transfer at Electrodes. We are preparing molecules with novel architectures that align on electrode surfaces, individually or as part of larger aggregates, and modulate electron transfer in and out of the electrode. The alignment of these 1 – 3 nm sized molecules is probed using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Individual molecules' conformations is modulated by interaction with the strong electric field near the STM tip. This interaction is being explored for purposes related to Molecular Electronics.

Bioactive Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Glycoprofiling. We are developing assays to distinguish malignant, benign, and healthy cells based on the identities of the carbohydrates presented on their surface. Literature precedent indicates changes in cell surface carbohydrates upon transformation from healthy to various cancerous states. These glycoprofiling assays employ panels of fluorescent nanoparticles functionalized with key lectins to quantify the carbohydrates present at cell surfaces. (In collaboration with Professor Amit Basu).

National Science Foundation: "1D and 2D Cross-linking of Patterned Monolayers: From Molecules to Reactive Templates"; $450,000; 8/15/16 - 7/31/19

National Science Foundation: "1-D and 2-D Patterning of Strongly Physisorbed Monolayers on HOPG: Strategies and Template Applications"; $425,000; 4/1/11 - 12/31/14

National Science Foundation: "Development and Application of Self-Patterned - Self Assembled Organic Monolayers on HOPG: Studying Nanoparticle Interactions in Controlled Geometries"; $416,000; 8/15/06 - 7/31/09

80. Y. Yang, M. B. Zimmt "Shape-​Directed Patterning and Surface Reaction of Tetra-​diacetylene Monolayers: Formation of Linear and Two-​Dimensional Grid Polydiacetylene Alternating Copolymers," Langmuir, 2015, 31, 12408-16.

79. Y. Yang, M. B. Zimmt "Shape Amphiphiles in 2-​D: Assembly of 1-​D Stripes and Control of Their Surface Density," J. Phys. Chem. B, 2015, 119, 7740-48.

78. Y. Xue, M. K. Kim, T. Paskova, M. B. Zimmt, "Odd or Even? Monolayer Domain Size Depends on Diyne Position in Alkadiynylanthracenes," J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, 117, 15856-65.

77. M. K. Kim, Y. Xue, T. Paskova, M. B. Zimmt, "Monolayer patterning using ketone dipoles," Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys, 2013, 15, 12466-74.

76. X. Wei, W. Tong, V. Fidler, M. B. Zimmt, "Reactive capture of gold nanoparticles by strongly physisorbed monolayers on graphite," J. Colloid Interf. Sci.  2012, 387, 221-7.

75. Y. Xue, M. B. Zimmt, “Patterned Monolayer Self-​Assembly Programmed by Side Chain Shape: Four-​Component Gratings,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 4513-16.

74. Y. Xue, M. B. Zimmt, “Tetris in Monolayers: Patterned Self-assembly using side chain shape,” Chem. Comm. 2011, 47, 8832-34.

73. W. Tong, Y. Xue, M. B. Zimmt, “Morphology Control and Monolayer Patterning with CF2 groups,” J. Phys. Chem. C. 2010, 114, 20783-92.

72. Y. Wang, J. C. Gildersleeve, A. Basu, M. B. Zimmt “Photo- and Biophysical Studies of Lectin-Conjugated Fluorescent Nanoparticles: Reduced Sensitivity in High Density Assays,” J. Phys. Chem. C. 2010, 114, 14487-94.

71. W. Tong, X. Wei, Xiaoliang, M. B. Zimmt “Dipolar Control of Monolayer Morphology on Graphite: Self-Assembly of Anthracenes with Odd Length Diether Side Chains,” J. Phys. Chem. C. 2009, 113, 17104-13.  

70. W. Tong, Yanhu Wei, K.W. Armbrust, M. B. Zimmt “Dipolar Side Chain Control of Monolayer Morphology: Symmetrically Substituted 1,5-(mono and diether) Anthracenes at the Solution - HOPG Interface,” Langmuir, 2009, 25, 2913-2923.

69. Y. Wei, W. Tong, M. B. Zimmt, “Self-Assembly of Patterned Monolayers with Nanometer Features: Molecular Selection Based on Dipole Interactions and Chain Length,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 3399-3405.

68. Y. Wei, W. Tong, C. Wise, X. Wei, K. Armbrust, M. B. Zimmt, “Dipolar Control of Monolayer Morphology: Spontaneous SAM Patterning,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 13362-33.

67. M. Koebel, M. B. Zimmt, “Temporal position encoding photoacoustics: A technique for surface absorber mapping,’ J. Appl. Phys. 2005, 98, 116104-6.

66. M. Koebel, M. B. Zimmt, “Photothermal Readout of Surface-Arrayed Proteins: Attomole Detection Levels with Gold Nanoparticle Visualization,” J. Phys. Chem. 2005, 109, 16736-43.

65. Yeh, J. I., Zimmt, M. B., Zimmerman,A. L. Nanowiring of a redox enzyme by metallized peptides. Biosens. Bioelec. 2005, 21, 973-78.

Troisi, Alessandro; Ratner, Mark A.; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Dynamic Nature of the Intramolecular Electronic Coupling Mediated by a Solvent Molecule: A Computational Study. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2004), 126(7), 2215-2224.

Wei, Yanhu; Kannappan, Kavita; Flynn, George W.; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Prochiral Anthracene Derivatives on Graphite: Chain Length Effects on Monolayer Morphology. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2004), 126(16), 5318-5322.

Zimmt, M. B.; Waldeck, D. H. Exposing Solvent's Roles in Electron Transfer Reactions: Tunneling Pathway and Solvation. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2003), 107(19), 3580-3597.

Wolpaw, Adam J.; Aizer, Ayal A.; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Synthesis of self-orienting triptycene adsorbates for STM investigations. Tetrahedron Letters (2003), 44(41), 7613-7615.

Kapusta, Peter; Machalicky, Oldrich; Hrdina, Radim; Nepras, Milos; Zimmt, Matthew B.; Fidler, Vlastimil. Photophysics of 3-Substituted Benzanthrones: Substituent and Solvent Control of Intersystem Crossing. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2003), 107(46), 9740-9746.

Nadeau, Jocelyn M.; Liu, Min; Waldeck, David H.; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Hole Transfer in a C-Shaped Molecule: Conformational Freedom versus Solvent-Mediated Coupling. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2003), 125(51), 15964-15973.

Kaplan, R.; Napper, A. M.; Waldeck, D. H.; Zimmt, M. B.. The Role Played by Orbital Energetics in Solvent Mediated Electronic Coupling. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2002), 106(10), 1917-1925.

Cooley, Laura F.; Han, Hai; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Evaluation of Electronic Coupling in a Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Molecule: A Fluorescence Polarization Anisotropy Investigation. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2002), 106(6), 884-892.

Napper, Andrew M.; Read, Ian; Kaplan, Ruth; Zimmt, Matthew B.; Waldeck, David H. Solvent Mediated Superexchange in a C-Clamp Shaped Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Molecule: The Correlation between Solvent Electron Affinity and Electronic Coupling. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2002), 106(21), 5288-5296.

Napper, Andrew M.; Read, Ian; Waldeck, David H.; Kaplan, Ruth W.; Zimmt, Matthew B.. Electron Transfer Reactions of C-shaped Molecules in Alkylated Aromatic Solvents: Evidence that the Effective Electronic Coupling Magnitude Is Temperature-Dependent. Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2002), 106(18), 4784-4793.

Camille and Henry Dreyfus Distinguished New Faculty Awardee, 1987-92

Presidential Young Investigator Award, 1989-95 

Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Awardee, 1993-98

Phillip T. Bray Award for Excellence in Teaching, Brown University, 1994, 2005

National Science Foundation Grant Extension for Special Creativity, 1995

Grammaticakis-Neumann Prize: Swiss Section, European Photochemical Assoc., 1996

Barrett Hazeltine Citation for Teaching Excellence from the Senior Class, 1998, 2005

Electron Donor-Acceptor Gordon Conference, Chair 2006

UCS Award for Teaching Excellence, 2004, 2006

Royce Family Professor of Teaching Excellence 2011-2014

Harriet W. Sheridan Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and Learning, 2011

American Chemical Society