Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly based on electrostatic interactions and hydrogen-bonding provides a versatile method to create composite thin films from a variety of materials including synthetic polymers, nanoparticles and biomacromolecules. By tuning assembly parameters such as ionic strength, pH and temperature of solutions, it is possible to precisely control the physicochemical properties of LbL thin films. Our group focuses on investigating the fundamental aspects of nanoparticle-containing LbL thin films as well as their applications in separations, renewable energy, and drug delivery.




Anti-fogging and anti-reflection thin films based on LbL assembly of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles







Microfluidics deals with the study of fluid flows at sub-millimeter (10-3 m) scale. At this length scale, the surface tension and viscous effects of fluid dominate flow phenomena. Our group utilizes glass-capillary microfluidic devices to generate monodisperse droplets with precisely controlled dimension and morphology. These droplets are used as templates to assemble various nanomaterials and polymers into functional suprastructures such as capsules and microparticles. We are interested in exploring applications of these structures in drug delivery, encapsulation and bioimaging.