Nanocomposite thin films – understanding interactions at the nano-to-meso scale to enable control of material properties

我的研究计划是为了了解和洞察复杂的系统-界面、纳米颗粒、具有几个组件的复合材料-以便能够合理或系统地设计所需的特性。两个大体积相之间的界面--无论是固体、液体还是气体--不仅用于分离它们，而且还决定了它们之间的相互作用和传输。表面无处不在，从微观到分子水平了解发生在表面上的过程是许多化学和生物系统的关键。不幸的是，对于一个完整的理论模型来说，它们太复杂了。然而，复杂性意味着有机会创造许多不同类型的形态，从而产生属性。问题是如何系统地和可重复地解决这一问题。

My research program is about getting understanding and insight into complex systems – interfaces, nanoparticles, composites with several components – so as to be able to rationally or systematically design desirable properties. The interface between two bulk phases – be they solid, liquid, or gas – serves not just to separate them, but also determines interaction and transport between them. Surfaces are ubiquitous, and a microscopic-to-molecular level understanding of processes that occur in them is key to many chemical and biological systems. Unfortunately, they are too complex for a full theoretical model. However, complexity means there is opportunity for the creation of many different types of morphology and, hence, properties. The question is how to address this systematically and reproducibly.