Thermodynamics of liquids

We study the interactions, ordering and dynamics of liquids and their interfaces using molecular simulation, liquid-state theories and experimental physical chemistry. One of the objectives is to understand and design alternative solvents and technological fluids (electrolytes, lubricants) for more sustainable chemical processes and devices. 

• Ionic liquids These low-melting organic salts offer enormous possibilities as solvents for separations, reactions and materials processing, and also as electrolytes for energy-storage devices or as lubricants or plasticisers. Ionic liquids are highly-structured, complex fluids with sophisticated interactions and can be based on a broad variety of chemical groups. Modelling the interactions of ionic liquids and understanding how the molecular structures determine their properties are challenges we address in view of their design. Our work on ionic media also concerns porous liquids and eutectic solvents. See the web pages of the IL Group.

• Interfaces of liquids with nanomaterials:The interfaces of ionic and molecular liquids with nanoparticles, nanotubes and atomically-thin two-dimensional materials (graphene, MoS2, etc.) are studied with the objective of designing solvents for exfoliation and electrolytes for devices including supercapacitors, liquid-gated transistors and sensors.