Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Physics, chemistry, surface engineering, soft matter
Supervisors: Dr
Craig Priest
Description: At the nanoscale, liquid behaviour is
dominated by interfaces which can lead to quite unusual physical
behaviour. These effects may be enhanced where the liquid exhibits a
degree of molecular organisation, i.e. liquid crystals or ionic liquids,
which must conform to the nanoscale dimensions of the liquid itself.
Liquid crystals (LCs) are well-known for their use in LCD devices
(especially flat screen displays) and their potential for use as
powerful, autonomous sensors. The optical response observed on LCD
televisions is due to the crystal-like alignment of LC molecules,
induced by confinement between two plates (i.e. the screen) that can be
switched by external electrical fields.
This project will investigate the behaviour of liquid crystals within
the confinement of nanochannels and surface structures, and form part of
a wider program of research focused on understanding fluid behaviour in
confinement. The student will make use of the advanced fabrication
techniques at the SA node of the Australian National Fabrication
Facility and carry out experiments with liquid crystals and simple
liquids in nanochannels and structures. The knowledge gained during this
project will inform the development of novel microfluidic sensors that
are highly-sensitive, portable, and require no power to operate.
1. Forsberg, P. S. H.; Priest, C.; Brinkmann, M.; Sedev, R.; Ralston,
J., Langmuir 2010, 26, 860.
2. Priest, C.; Albrecht, T. W. J.; Sedev, R.; Ralston, J., Langmuir
2009, 25, 5655.
3. Priest, C.; Sedev, R.; Ralston, J., Physical Review Letters, 2007,
99, 026103.
4. Guo, W.; Herminghaus, S.; Bahr, C., Langmuir 2008, 24, 8174-8180.
5. Cadwell, K. D.; Lockwood, N. A.; Nellis, B. A.; Alf, M. E.; Willis,
C. R.; Abbott, N. L., Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 2007, 128,
91-98.
