KABlab at Boston University

Interrogating numerous length scales requires new approaches as existing Edisonian techniques are hopelessly outmatched by the vast parameter space. We apply two emerging techniques to address this, (1) the development of novel nanocombinatorial approaches that leverage scanning probes to interrogate and pattern small scale materials and (2) autonomous research systems in which automation is partnered with machine learning to vastly accelerate the rate of knowledge generation. 

• A Bayesian Experimental Autonomous Researcher for Mechanical Design, Science Advances (2020)

• Machine Learning in Nanoscience: Big Data at Small Scales, Nano. Lett. (2020)

• Photoactuated Pens for Molecular Printing, Adv. Mater. (2017)

• Quantifying Liquid Transport and Patterning Using Atomic Force Microscopy, Langmuir (2017)

Nanoparticles are fascinating and useful materials that can exhibit extraordinary properties. When interacting, collections of particles can lead to the emergence of novel bulk properties and form smart fluids whose properties change with applied fields. We study the properties of individual particles such as their polarizability and connect them to a continuum picture of smart fluids to rationally design new methods of assembly and smart fluids more generally. Systems of interest include liquid marbles, magnetorheological fluids, and electrohydrodynamic effects.

• Dielectrophoresis of Air, Appl. Phys. Lett. (2020)

• Shear Thickening Prevents Slip in Magnetorheological Fluids, Smart Materials and Structures (2020)

• Measuring Nanoparticle Polarizability using Fluorescence Microscopy, Nano. Lett. (2019)

• Elasticity and Failure of Liquid Marbles: Influence of Particle Coating and Marble Volume, Soft Matter (2017)

Nature uses structures with many length scales to form extraordinary materials using otherwise mundane constituents. We take inspiration from this and seek to identify the most effective ways to combine materials in three dimensional arrangements. Projects in this area include fundamental studies of polymer nanomechanics, developing novel ways to pattern soft polymers, and the design of macroscopic structures for superlative properties such as energy absorption. 

• Stiffness of HIV‐1 Mimicking Polymer Nanoparticles Modulates Ganglioside‐Mediated Cellular Uptake and Trafficking, Advanced Science (2020)

• Confinement Induced Stiffening of Elastomer Thin Films, J. Phys. Chem. B (2018)

• Patterning Porosity in Hydrogels by Arresting Phase Separation, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces (2018)

• Polymer Nanomechanics: Separating the Size Effect from the Substrate Effect in Nanoindentation, Appl. Phys. Lett. (2017)