MISSION
The research carried out in the PCF group under my (co-) supervision is aimed at understanding how microscopic phenomena at the solid-liquid interface can influence the macroscopic behavior of particle suspensions, including both kinetic and thermodynamic aspects. Dissemination of the obtained insights via peer reviewed papers and conferences is an integral part of this research. I also consider it important to enthuse students and young researchers, and prepare them for a career in either science or engineering.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Self-assembly of complex colloids
Colloidal interactions like electrostatic, van der Waals or entropic (e.g. polymer depletion) forces offer a powerful toolbox for designing and synthesizing new colloids, which acquire functionality via the presence of different colloidal units within the self-assembled particle. Examples are photocatalytic properties due to a co-presence of semiconductor and noble metal units, controlled surface-roughness via a controlled surface-assembly on a host particle, lock-and-key colloids, and more. The assembly process and the resulting functional interactions are studied with 3D optical microscopy, SEM, AFM, rheology, etc.
Mineral dissolution and carbonation
The dissolution of olivine rock and its subsequent carbonation into thermodynamically stable magnesite, offers a promising pathway for CCS technology but needs significant improvement of the rate and efficiency of the chemical conversion. The dissolution can be accelerated by natural organic additives and slowed down by surface alteration layers. In concentrated slurries and sediments, the confined nature of the fluid can significantly change the reaction kinetics via the altered concentration gradients near the reacting particles. This is studied with Confocal Raman Microscopy, SEM, AFM, etc.
CURRENT TEACHING
Soft Matter Physics
Advanced Colloids and Interfaces
Characterization of NanoStructures
Soft & Biological Techniques
Sports Physics consultancy
KEYWORDS: Solid-Liquid Interfaces, Colloids, Suspensions, Rheology.
Expertise
Material Science
- Surface
- Particle
- Contact Angle
- Wettability
Chemistry
- Oil
- Wetting
- Water Type
- Ion
Organisations
Guided PhD students (past 10 years):
A.D. Le (2023), B. Ilhan (2021), S.S. Nair (2021), M. Haagh (2020), A. Narayanan (2020), A.M. Pit (2017), B. Bera (2016), L. Wang (2016), S. Ghosh (2015)
Other UT PhD committees (past 10 years):
A. Paul (2023), M.A. Junker (2023), H. Shi (2019), I. Stojanovic (2016)
External PhD committees (past 10 years):
I. Azizov (2022, Trondheim), M. Saadat (2021, Trondheim), Y. Gong (2017, Trondheim), C. Buchcic (2016, Wageningen), B. van Ravensteijn (2015, Utrecht), H. Monteillet (2015, Wageningen)
Sabbaticals at:
Univ. Bonn, Prof. Thorsten Geisler-Wierwille (2025)
Univ. of Pennsylvania, Prof. Daeyeon Lee (2018)
Publications
2024
2023
2022
Research profiles
Courses:
Soft Matter Physics
Advanced Colloids and Interfaces
Characterization of NanoStructures
Soft & Biological Techniques
Sports Physics consultancy
Supervision:
BSc: L Baljint (2024), M Reuvekamp (2023), MSc: J Schoppink (2019)
External Graduation committees:
BSc: C Evers (2024), E ten Hove (2024), MSc: H Stokkel (2024), H de Wolf (2020), P Nicolella (2018)
Courses academic year 2024/2025
Courses in the current academic year are added at the moment they are finalised in the Osiris system. Therefore it is possible that the list is not yet complete for the whole academic year.
Courses academic year 2023/2024
- 193599010 - Internship
- 193599039 - Master Thesis: Physics Aspects
- 193599089 - Master Thesis: General Aspects
- 201700185 - Internship
- 201700187 - Soft and Biological Techniques
- 201800083 - Advanced Colloids and Interfaces
- 201800344 - Master's Assignment: Physics Aspects
- 201800345 - Master's Assignment: General Aspects
- 202000716 - Bachelor Assignment
- 202001413 - Soft Matter Physics
- 202001414 - Physical Biology
Address
University of Twente
Horst Complex (building no. 20), room ME158
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands
University of Twente
Horst Complex ME158
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
Netherlands
Organisations
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