We have developed superhydrophobic sand mulches in our laboratory towards reducing the loss of water from arable soils.
We are creating omniphobic (or omniphilic) coatings via micro- or nano-fabrication techniques for prevention of biofouling and scaling. We are also curious about wetting of natural surfaces, such as flowers, spider webs, and wings of butterflies.
Our experiments provide simultaneous measurement of normal (or shear) forces and distances between surfaces down to angstrom level. Typical forces of interaction include hydrophobicity, electrostatics, van der Waals, hydration, and hydration. We are also applying computational tools to understand the molecular basis of these forces.
We are investigating proton transfer reactions (e.g. catalysis, polymerization, and acid-base neutralization) and speci fic ion eff ects at the air-water interface—an archetypical interface between water and hydrophobic media. Resulting insights will enhance our understanding of chemistries in clouds and at the interface of oceans and the atmosphere. in lms of water are also implicated in contact electri cation at solid interfaces, e.g. PTFE and aluminum.