Research
Our research intersects the multidisciplinary fields of energy, surface science and engineering, and thermofluidics, and we investigate experimentally how surfaces and bulk material properties can be engineered to beneficially interact with micro/nano-scale and interfacial transport phenomena. Armed with this new understanding, we create novel materials and processes facilitating the development of transformative nanotechnologies for applications at the water-energy nexus and in healthcare. To achieve these goals, we employ state-of-the-art micro/nanofabrication techniques, interfacial optical methods, and theoretical modeling capabilities to gain mechanistic insight into complex thermodynamic and transport processes.
From fundamentals of crystallization fouling on nano-materials to rational design of scale-phobic surfaces
Crystallization fouling, a process where scale forms on surfaces, is pervasive in nature and technology, negatively impacting the energy conversion and water treatment industries. Despite significant efforts, rationally designed materials that are intrinsically resistant to crystallization fouling without the use of active methods like antiscalant additives remain elusive. In this project, guided by interfacial thermofluidic and thermodynamics theories, and employing advanced experimental methods in the areas of surface nanoengineering and diagnostics, this project will develop an integrated knowledge-base for how engineered surfaces can beneficially interact with interfacial transport phenomena in order to significantly advance antiscalant surfaces. Connected to this are cutting edge materials fabrication techniques and considerations to the development of surfaces for future applications. This project is supported by an external page ERC Starting Grant.
Topographic patterning of non-planar metallic surfaces
Implant fibrosis is managed with interfaces presenting ordered topographic features in the microscale. The implementation of these arrays must be obtained on non-planar surfaces, a process which is not yet optimal. We will address this issue by the development of optimized fabrication processes.This project is a collaboration between MTSN and Hylomorph AG, a medtech startup company and is supported by an external page Innosuisse project.
Towards fundamental understanding of bulk nanobubble metastability and the influence of external fields
Nanobubbles on surfaces and in bulk liquids are expected to dissolve quickly due to the fast kinetics of dissolution, which is driven by high Laplace pressures. Despite this, previous work has shown how surface nanobubbles can overcome this problem and be stabilized by contact line pinning. Recent work supports the existence of nanobubbles in bulk liquids. However, absent a surface, the mechanism of the surprising stability of bulk nanobubbles must be very different from surface nanobubbles. Various mechanisms of stability have been proposed, but none of these mechanisms for bulk nanobubble stability are currently accepted. Furthermore, knowledge, experimental evidence, and insight into the influence of environmental conditions on stability and transport is absent, but is needed, in order to significantly improve our mechanistic understanding. This is the case despite its clear importance and ability to advance the state-of-the-art to many natural, scientific, and technological applications spanning drug delivery, water treatment, and energy conversion. Therefore, in this experimental project, we study open fundamental questions related to the stability and transport behavior of nanobubbles in bulk liquids—focusing on important, but not well understood effects of environmental conditions—through experimental investigations. The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to create an integrated knowledge-base for how environmental conditions can control the formation, metastability, and transport of bulk nanobubbles. This work is supported by an external page SNF Project.