Dynamic Liquid Colloids (DLCs): Principles & Applications

• Applicant: Dr. Lukas Zeininger
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 427873626

Multiphase complex emulsions comprising two or more immiscible phases and multiple exquisitely sensitive interfaces offer a unique platform for the creation of dynamic and stimuli-responsive “smart” materials that will find abundant applications. The vision of the underlying basic science proposal is the development of fundamental concepts for the stabilization, manipulation, and applications of dynamic liquid colloids (DLCs). By making use of a simplified and precise production of dynamic liquid colloids and by utilizing novel polymers, molecules, and molecular switches as structural controlling elements, we will chart unexplored territories in liquid colloid science that will enable to develop a deep understanding of the processes at the interface, the interactions between soft materials (e.g., polymers, colloids and biologicals, etc.) near or at interfaces and to gain fundamental insight into DLC thermodynamics and dynamics. We will design active surfactants based upon innovative molecular and polymeric designs and develop fundamentally new concepts towards the facile generation of integrated systems with tailored properties and functionalities. These will endow the design of new dynamic forms of DLCs that can be used to fabricate new liquid-based chemo & biosensors, precision 3D objects, structured optical coatings, and the creation of new active elements with unprecedented autonomous capabilities. A full understanding of the underlying optical properties of DLCs in combination with their ability to respond to their environment will empower the creation of novel transformative analytical devices that provide the sensitivity to detect single molecules, proteins, enzymes, and pathogenic bacteria. We will demonstrate how intricate and switchable internal structures can be controlled and locked by chemically, electrically, magnetically, or photochemically influencing the sensitive droplet interfaces. DLCs will be designed to undergo programmed assembly or disassembly and will enable the creation of complex patterns, functional thin-films as well as meso- and macroscale assemblies for the development advanced optical and electrical (meta-) materials. The teachings from these efforts will enable the scalable manufacturing of a variety of complex, uniform, or dynamic structures. DLCs that respond to light, electrical fields, magnetic fields, and chemical reactions will be used and converted into autonomous systems that undergo surface-encoded translation or to achieve triggered and directed DLC self-propulsion. The challenges revealed by concurrently pursuing applications, will, in turn guide basic our fundamental studies on DLC thermodynamics and dynamics. With the resources provided by an Emmy-Noether fellowship, we are poised to deliver a wide range of transformational science that will progress the state of the art in dynamic liquid colloids.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups