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

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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.