Particle-Stabilized, Bicontinuous Emulsions with Nanostructured Domains

Abstract

The shaping of liquids opens a whole new paradigm of applications in various fields such as additive manufacturing, chemical processes, energy storage, and membrane-based applications. In my PhD project, I investigated different methods of shaping liquids. I focused on two approaches, first by external means such as gravity or hydrodynamic forces to deform the equilibrium shape of the liquid and further stabilize the deformed shape with a thin film of particles at the interface. With this approach, we introduced a new facile method of structuring liquids in all liquid systems. Second, I used the internal remodeling of a liquid solution to generate a high surface area liquid mesh of oil and water channels called bijel. My research enhanced our knowledge of the different factors that affect bijel structure and made it possible to control the structure and scaling more effectively. This study also promoted the research on the flow properties of fluids in the liquid channels and particularly the interfacial applications such as catalysis and separations. Finally, To take advantage of the high interfacial area between the liquid phases we introduced particle-based functionality in the bijel as a microreactor. We added catalytic alumina to the liquid interface for carrying out the chemical production of high-value epoxy compounds. To summarize, through my PhD research I used particles based stabilization of various liquid architectures having potential to be the host material for various applications in chemical and energy storage industry.