InspiringFuture - Bioinspired nanoengineering of robust films: Multifunctional interfaces for enabling a sustainable future

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Scientific breakthroughs into surfaces/interfaces with high overall durability are critical to meet humanity's aspirations for sustainable development. With this context, I seek to undertake fundamental research to nanoengineer new bioinspired liquid-repellent films featuring resistance to sustained high-speed impact, fatigue and continuous flow (shear). My specific objectives are to:1) nanoengineer robust and flexible films with amphiphobicity (i.e. repellence to water and low surface tension liquid) built through thickness2) nanoengineer multi-layered amphiphobic film with mechanical anisotropy and energy dissipative mechanisms for impact/fatigue tolerance3) develop new insights into visco-elasto-plastic failure of the amphiphobic films using electron microscopy integrated nanomechanical tests and exploit them to engineer robust piezocatalytic films 4) perform first high-speed (~350 m/s) liquid/solid particle impact experiments on robust amphiphobic films, demonstrate their anti-icing, anti-scaling and optical transparency potential and to exploit robust piezocatalytic films to introduce continuous flow water remediation for pollution and disease control.The proposed protective nanoengineered films offer a substrate-independent solution for impact/erosion issues that plague transport systems, wind-turbines and offshore installations, and infrastructure exposed to harsh weather. These applications will also benefit from passive anti-icing/scaling potential of our films. With optical transparency, the films may prevent contamination of windows/windshields and handheld devices (e.g. phones/tablets). Furthermore, the piezocatalytic films may be retrofit to industrial/domestic pipes to enable continuous water remediation - this will reduce water waste and the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden, and potentially save millions of lives/year. Overall, the fellowship will contribute to sustainable development and meeting the European Green Deal targets.