Soft Materials and Interfaces

Research Profile

We strive to understand and engineer the basic physical and chemical properties of micro and nanoparticles, or colloids, and of complex fluid interfaces to develop new materials and processes. Our research encompasses the development of new characterization techniques and the development of model systems at the microscale, which we can interrogate to control macroscale properties. We have recently focused on three main properties: roughness (1), softness (2) and asymmetry (3).

• Surface roughness (1) affects a broad range of different phenome-na, where interparticle contacts are essential. We have produced “raspberry-like” particles with tunable surface chemistry and topography and demonstrated the production of new types of emulsion stabilizers or the tailoring of the shear-thickening response of dense pastes.
• By controlling the softness (2) of the interactions between colloids confined at a fluid interface, we disclose new routes for the realization of complex two-dimensional materials, with potential for surface patterning and nanolithography.
• Compositional and geometrical asymmetry (3) is at the basis of micro and nanoscale active materials. By exploiting nanopatterning and capillary forces, we produce asymmetric active colloids that can convert external energy sources into directed propulsion, enabling a broad range of applications in delivery, transport and control at the microscale