Physics Colloquium: Fluid phase strategies for new colloids
Physics Colloquium
Fluid phase strategies for new colloids
Dr. Jairo A. Diaz
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering, RIT
Abstract:
Millions of “building blocks” can self-assemble into much larger structures capable of creating rich emerging properties (e.g., cells forming tissues, particles forming crystals). In particular, colloidal particles hold promise to rapidly access metastable regions in phase diagrams, offering unique opportunities to extend the number of realizable self-assembled structures. In this talk I will present strategies to design shape and program binding information for colloids in bulk. I will share particular examples where both surface (DNA decoration) and the interior (crosslinking density) of colloids can be modified in the fluid phase to achieve high molecular control. Further transition to the solid phase freezes-in colloidal designs for further assembly. The molecular precision in colloidal designs open new windows for rapid nanoscopic decoration, and expands the number of tools to efficiently encode self-assembly instructions.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Jairo Díaz is an assistant professor of Chemical Engineering and program faculty for physics and materials science in RIT. Dr. Díaz specializes in the experimental study of soft matter (e.g., liquids, gels, etc.). As a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Soft Matter Research (CSMR) in New York University (NYU), Dr. Díaz focused on the fabrication and self-assembly of DNA-coated colloids working with Prof. Pine. Together with NYU Prof. Grier and Prof. Hoyos from the ESPCI-CNRS in France, Dr. Díaz also investigated the hydrodynamic phenomena involved during the acoustic levitation of emulsion droplets. Dr. Díaz further extended his training in soft matter to biological systems working with Prof. Elbaum-Garfinkle at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) Structural Biology Initiative at The City University of New York (CUNY). Dr. Díaz received his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Colombia, Bogota, and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Purdue University. His doctoral research was primarily focused on controlling the self-assembly of chiral cellulose nanocrystals to control thermal and optical properties of thin films used in organic electronics. His work has enabled new avenues for the exploration of soft materials, deserving recognition from Purdue University, the Materials Research Society, and the Simons Foundation.
Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. Those with interest in the topic.
To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
This is an RIT Only Event
Interpreter Requested?
No