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Liquids Under Confinement In 2D-MATERials

Project description

New study could offer more clues about the interaction between fluids and 2D materials

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are a class of crystalline materials consisting of a single layer of atoms that have been of interest to physicists as much for their unique physics as for their plethora of potential applications. During their synthesis, liquids often get trapped between these materials and rigid substrates or between layers of Van der Waals structures. The way confined liquids influence the 2D structure is still far from being fully understood. The EU-funded LUCiD-Mater project will develop advanced mathematical models to shed more light on this interaction. The models will give researchers extremely valuable input on optimising 2D material fabrication as well as on controlling and exploiting trapped liquid droplets.

Objective

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are a relatively new class of thin materials consisting of a single layer of covalently bonded atoms. The unprecedented characteristics of 2D materials have already led to the observation of new physics and lend themselves to a wide range of technology-focused applications. Both in the fabrication process and in applications, liquids frequently interact with 2D materials. In particular, droplets often become trapped between these thin materials and a rigid substrate, or between layers of vdW structures. However, the details of this trapping (or confinement), how the liquid becomes confined and its effect on the rest of the structure has been under-appreciated.

We propose to develop mathematical models of this confinement in a number of scenarios motivated by recent experiments. The analysis of these models will give new insights into the optimization of various fabrication methods, as well as suggesting new methods through which the presence of trapped liquid droplets can be controlled and exploited. To meet the proposed objective, we will build on the fellow’s experience in the mechanics of 2D materials and their interfaces and the supervisor’s experience in the mechanics of slender structures and their interaction with liquids to propose integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-technique approaches.

The fellow would be based in the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and would benefit from being integrated into both the intellectual and social life of the group. The fellowship will extensively broaden the fellow’s knowledge of the modelling of thin film/liquid systems and expand his network and collaborations through performing the project. Besides, the designed training activities of this fellowship will consolidate his skills in teaching, supervision, research communications, and project management. These invaluable experience will significantly contribute to the fellow’s medium- and long-term career development.

Fields of science

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution
€ 224 933,76
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 224 933,76