Research at SCMlab
At LSCM we are interested on the one hand in studying complex polymer-based systems to unravel their structure-properties relationships, and on the other hand to apply the acquired knowledge in the bottom-up design of new materials with predefined properties.
Our design strategies take inspiration from natural materials, which fascinate us with their complexity, performance and adaptiveness.
As a general approach, we combine ensemble and multiscale non-destructive methods, such as light and X-ray scattering, with single-molecule techniques, such as scanning probe and fluorescence microscopy. We complement the experimental observations with Scheutjens-Fleer self-consistent field computations, Mean-field theories such as Flory-Huggins theory, reaction network theory and kinetic modeling. We also use well-established synthetic routes to prepare model systems and composite materials.
We are currently opening three research lines in:
Biomimetic high-performance membranes
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Liquid-liquid phase separation of amphiphilic molecules
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Hierarchical materials with controlled disorder
