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Horst Complex

dr. M.H.G. Duits (Michael)

Associate Professor
TNW-CE-PCF
Horst Complex ME158
m.h.g.duits@utwente.nl
+31534893097
Business card

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

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