Microfluidic systems show great promise for the synthesis of nanomaterials that possess extremely well controlled size, size distribution and shape. Indeed, microfluidic technology provides better control of the reaction conditions than batch-wise synthesis techniques. This is the key to controlling the product characteristics and quality. In addition, new milestones can be realized through the development of smart surfaces formed from the assembly of these nanomaterials. The primary focus of my research group is to focus on the synthesis of nanomaterials by microfluidic methods and the development of these smart surfaces on which nanomaterials are patterned by using microfluidic techniques. These smart surfaces can be used in applications such as energy harvesting and biosensing applications.

During my PhD studies, I obtained practical experience in microfluidics, surface physics and nanomaterial synthesis technology by developing micro-fabrication processes, working on droplet transport on textured surfaces, designing microreactors for nanoparticle synthesis, characterizing the properties of synthesized nanomaterials and printing those materials on substrates. I am enthusiastic about using my experience in microfluidics and nanomaterial technology to establish and direct an interdisciplinary research program focused in the following areas:

Design of Fully Integrated Microfluidic Reactors: Microreactor technology currently focuses on synthesizing nanoparticles in a very controlled environment such that they are monodisperse and at the desired size. Therefore fully integrated microfluidic platforms in which nanoparticles are both synthesized and functionalized such that they can be used in applications such as biodetection and bioseparation are important. Functionalization in a microreactor will improve the quality of these particles since monodisperse size distributions and precise mixing at controlled concentrations can be achieved. 

Smart Surfaces Created by Microfluidic Networks: Developing of microfluidic networks for assembling nanomaterials on substrates to create smart surfaces is another research interest. By using this network, different nanoparticles can be assembled on the same substrate at precise locations. This method is a mechanical way of assembling nanoparticles therefore it is independent of substrate material and does not require chemical modification of the surface.