Colloidal Assembly and Non-Equilibrium Interactions
Forces and interactions at the nanoscale play a crucial role in the assembly of colloidal particles. In environmental systems, such assemblies influence key processes like flocculation and sedimentation in water and wastewater treatment. While equilibrium interactions are relatively well understood, the behavior of colloidal systems out of equilibrium—especially when driven by external stimuli—remains a frontier area. Building on the PI’s Ph.D. research on microparticle motion in magnetic and electric fields, our group investigates particle–particle and particle–active matter interactions both in and out of equilibrium. We use experimental models inspired by water purification processes to explore these dynamics. This work informs strategies for cleaner water and microbial control and also deepens our insight into colloidal assembly, non-equilibrium dynamics, and the physics of soft matter systems.
Novel Approaches for Particle Detection in Complex Environmental Systems
Characterizing engineered nanoparticles and microparticles is essential to understand their occurrence, environmental fate, and toxicity. This task is challenging due to their diverse size, morphology, and composition, as well as the complexity of environmental media. Our group addresses these limitations by leveraging colloidal interactions to develop characterization methods that improve sensitivity and expand the measurable range of particle properties. These advances enable more accurate environmental monitoring and health risk assessment while expanding our understanding of how colloids behave under realistic, dynamic conditions.
Membrane Transport for Oil-Water Separation
Oil–water separation is a critical challenge in industrial wastewater treatment, particularly in the Texas region due to discharges from oil and gas operations. To improve separation efficiency and selectivity, we investigate transport processes within membranes through both experimental studies and modeling. Our work focuses on how fluid–solid interactions govern flow regimes and influence separation performance. These insights guide the design of improved membrane materials and fabrication strategies, paving the way for more efficient water treatment and a richer comprehension of interfacial transport in multiphase environments.