Liquid marbles
ApplyProject Description
Interestingly, when a drop of water is rolled on a powder comprising hydrophobic particles, of size varying from nanometer to millimeter, particles adsorb onto the liquid-vapor interface, creating what are knownas'liquid marbles'.1 Those liquid marbles can roll around on flat surfaces - hydrophobic or hydrophilic, collide with each other without releasing water, or coalesce when pushed harder.Recently, we observed that the rates of evaporation of water from liquid marbles could be higher or lower in comparison to bare water drops depending on the choice of hydrophobic particles. To understand what factors control these phenomena, we will conduct systematic experiments varying sizes, and surface chemistries of the particles. We will also apply analytical models of mass transfer to explain the experimental findings. References:1. https://www.nature.com/articles/35082026
Program -
Environmental Science and Engineering
Division -
Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Center Affiliation -
Water Desalination and Reuse Center
Field of Study -
Environmental and Materials Science
About the
Researcher
Himanshu Mishra
Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Engineering
- Biomimetics
- Chemistries and electrification at water-hydrophobe interfaces
- Surface forces (hydrophobic interactions, DLVO, structural forces)
- Superhydrophobic sand mulches and soil amendments for arid land agriculture
Desired Project Deliverables
The VSRP intern will work with a senior graduate student and learn the following skills:Laboratory experiments: wet chemistry (silanation of glass beads), optical imaging
Theory: data analysis, data plottingWe expect the intern to be driven by curiosity, hard working, and thrive in a multicultural work environment.