Research

We study single droplets and particles using different levitation methods such as electrodynamic, acoustic and optical levitation. 

These methods allow us to study single particles in a contactless environment. The environment surrounding the levitated particle can be modified to simulate different atmospheric conditions and processing e.g. via addition of reactants or illumination, or variation of temperature or relative humidity. The particle properties and how they change as a result of the changing environmental conditions can be determined using various spectroscopic techniques coupled to the set-up. Using this approach we can study how physicochemical and optical properties of single particles evolve as a result of  atmospheric transformations.

We study thin interfacial films using Langmuir troughs. Organic films at the air-water or air-solid interface can be studied and information on their surface properties obtained e.g. surface pressure, coverage etc. The trough can be contained and reactions of thin films can be studied through introduction of gas or aqueous phase reactants.

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We also perform neutron and X-ray reflectometry at large scale research facililties. Reflectometry is a surface sensitive method that provides information on film properties perpendicular to the interface. We are able to determine reaction kinetics using such methods.

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These experiments involve travel to national and international research facilities.