Final Report Summary - FIELDGRADIENTS (Phase Transitions and Chemical Reactions in Electric Field Gradients)
The ERC project FIELDGRADIENTS is a research on the influence of spatially non-uniform forces on the thermodynamics of liquid systems. It opens up new understanding to the equilibrium and dynamics of systems with external forcing, especially electric ones. Fundamental insight was gained on phase transitions and wetting phenomena. This helped us find new ways to stabilize colloidal suspensions (which are very common in everyday life) and to control the rate of chemical reactions with an electric switch. The basic knowledge gained by this project will in the long-term find uses in numerous applications. In addition, the project has enabled us to train good people and disseminate their knowledge and know-how in the public in Europe.