Research Interests
  1. Single molecular chiral recognition on metal surfaces

    Chiral recognition at the single molecular level is a fundamental aspect in molecular biophysics and of central importance in the pharmaceutical industry. I am interested in the fundamental mechanism of single-molecular chiral recognition of planar-organic molecules with hydrogen bonding on metal surfaces. Recently, I developed a theoretical model to explain the chiral recognition of PVBA on Ag(111), but not on the Pd(111) observed by UHV STM. The substrate-adsorbate interaction is found to be important in deciding the chiral recognition of PVBA on both Pd (111) and Ag(111).
    1. B.I. Kim , “Chiral Recognition of a Single Chiral Molecule PVBA on Ag(111) and Pd(111)”, Langmuir (Accepted) ( PDF)
    2. B.I. Kim , C. Cai, X. Deng, S. S. Perry, “Adsorption-Induced Chirality Influences Surface Orientation in Organic Self-Assembled Structures: an STM Study of PVBA on Pd(111)”, Surf. Sci. 538, 45(2003). ( PDF)

  2. Molecular scale investigation of bioactive surfaces

    Single-molecular manipulation of proteins using smart (dynamically-controllable) surfaces is critical in biomaterials-based therapies. I am interested in unraveling the factors that control complex functions (i.e. protein transport, separation and detection) using photo and thermal activation by scanning-probe microscopy. In my former research group at Sandia, in collaboration with Arizona State University, I was involved in realizing the switchable and reversible control of interfacial interactions between proteins and biomolecular interfaces in complex biological fluids using photo and thermal activation. Specifically I studied the fundamental mechanisms for adsorption and desorption of proteins on a switchable bio-active surface in aqueous solutions using IFM. The successful research remarkably impact methods to functionalize the surfaces of micro-channels and micro-fluidic devices.
    1. B. C. Bunker, B. I. Kim, J. E. Houston, S. T. Picraux, R. Rosario, A. A. Garcia, M. Hayes, and D. Gust, “ Direct Observations of Photo-Switching in Tethered Spiropyrans Using the Interfacial Force Microscope,” Nano Letters 3, 1723(2003). ( PDF)
    2. D. L. Huber, R. P. Maginell, M. A. Samara, B.I. Kim, and B. C. Bunker, “ Programmed Adsorption and Release of Proteins in a Microfluidic Device”, Science 301, 352(2003). ( PDF) Related News Article

  3. Interfacial water structure and its application
    Water is a pervasive environmental component whose interactions with surfaces are critical to system performance in a wide range of emerging nanotechnologies. I am interested in studying the water structure in local and confined spaces, which is extremely important for understanding interfacial phenomena in water at nanometer scales. I am also interested in applying this understanding to water-based-nanolithography.
    1. B. I. Kim , U. H. Pi, S. Yoon and Z. G. Khim, “ Lithography by Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscope with Electrostatic Force Modulation”, Appl. Phys. A 66, S95(1998).
    2. B. I. Kim , J. W. Hong, G. T. Jeong, S. H. Moon, D. H. Lee, T. U. Shim and Z. G. Khim, “ Effect of Mg(OH) 2 On YBa 2Cu 3 O 7 Thin Film on MgO Substrate Studied by Atomic Force Microscope”, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B12(3), 1631(1994).

  4. Nanotribology: chemical modification of interfacial mechanical properties
    Control of frictional and interfacial adhesion properties is of extreme importance in saving energy in mechanical systems and developing microelectrical mechanical machines. I am interested in the functionality of the chemical modification of frictional properties with a class of lubricant. Scanning-probe microscopy will provide more opportunities for the fundamental understanding of molecular scale configurations and their interactions. The advantages of this approach include the presence of a single microasperity (the tip), operation in the wearless regime of friction, and the opportunity for the functionalization of both the tip and the surface.
    1. B. I. Kim , S. Lee, R. L. Guenard, L. C. Fernandez-Torres, S. S. Perry P. Frantz and S. V. Didziulis, “ Chemical Modification of the Interfacial Frictional Properties of Vanadium Carbide Through Ethanol Adsorption”, Surf. Sci.(2001) 481, 185(2001). ( PDF)
    2. L. C. Fernandez-Torres, B.I. Kim, S. S. Perry, “ The Frictional Response of VC(100) Surfaces: Influence of 1-octanol and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol Adsorption,” Tribology Letters 15, 43(2003).

  5. Magnetic-force microscopy of semiconducting magnetic thin films
    A major step towards realizing spintronics is the search for an ideal magnetic semiconductor with tunable ferromagnetic behavior over a wide range of doping. I am interested in investigating the effect of carrier manipulations on the behavior of ferromagnetic nano-domains using MFM. I have extensive experience from the construction of MFM to its application to the imaging magnetic domains on magnetic thin film surfaces.
    1. J. Philip, A. Punnoose, B. I. Kim, K. M. Reddy, S. Layne1, J. O. Holmes, B. Satpati, P. R. Leclair, T. S. Santos and J. S. Moodera, “ Carrier-Controlled Ferromagnetism in Transparent Oxide Semiconductors,” Nature Materials 5, 298-304 (2006) ( PDF). Related News Article
    2. B. I. Kim , J. W. Hong, J. I. Kye, Z. G. Khim and S. Yoon, “ Construction of Magnetic Force Microscope and its Application to Magnetic Multilayer Films,” J. Kor. Phys. Soc. 31, S79 (1997).

  6. R apid detection and analysis of bio-molecular interactions
    Combining new experimental techniques with nanoscale bio-organic self-assembled materials will produce ample opportunities to explore new bio-chemical phenomena and may impact future technologies. I am interested in combining state-of-the-art communication skills and nano-mechanical systems for the rapid detection and analysis of bio-molecular interactions. For simple bio-sensing and actuation applications using nanomechanics, I would like to use a cantilever of the scanning-probe system with phase coherent techniques to provide enhanced sensitivity.
    1. B.I. Kim , “ Direct Comparison between Phase Locked Oscillator and Direct Resonance Oscillator in the Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy under Ultrahigh Vacuum,” Rev. Sci. Inst. 71, 5035 (2004). (PDF)
    2. J. W. Hong, B.I. Kim, J. I. Kye and Z.G. Khim, “ Effect of Electrostatic Force and Tapping Mode Operation of Atomic Force Microscope,” J. Kor. Phys. Soc. 31, S83 (1997).