Paschalis Alexandridis

PhD

Paschalis Alexandridis.

Paschalis Alexandridis

PhD

Paschalis Alexandridis

PhD

Research Topics

Self-assembly; directed assembly; complex fluids; soft materials; colloids; nanomaterials; interfacial phenomena; polymers; surfactants; particles; formulations; biomass processing; plastics recycling; PFAS separations

Biography Publications Teaching Research Media Latest News

Professor Alexandridis' research aims to create and manipulate molecular organization at the nano-scale and organization at the micron-scale of nano-objects via (a) the self-assembly of amphiphiles in a variety of conformations and length-scales, and/or (b) the use of prescribed external fields to direct macromolecules, assemblies, and/or particles.

Amphiphiles such as block copolymers, surfactants, lipids and proteins, posses moieties with an affinity for different environments. This molecular design enables amphiphiles to spontaneously organize: self-assembly. Self-assembly is an energy-efficient process that leads to functional, high value-added products with desired compartmentalization, compatibilization, rheological, and interfacial properties. Nano-scale objects resulting from self-assembly or (bio)synthesis (e.g., cells, nanoparticles) can be organized over larger length-scales, often in a hierarchical fashion, via the application of external fields (flow, electric): directed assembly.

Research interests

  • Self-assembly of amphiphiles in solution: thermodynamics and dynamics
  • Phase behavior and structure of block copolymers
  • Polymer dissolution and solvent transport in nanostructured polymers
  • Solvents as structuring or reaction media – Water – Ionic liquids
  • Associating polymers and polymer-surfactant interactions in aqueous solutions
  • Adsorption of amphiphiles on surfaces and on colloidal particles
  • Small-angle scattering characterization of polymers, micelles, and lyotropic liquid crystals
  • Rheology of complex fluids and structure-property relationships
  • Emulsions and microemulsions – Oil dispersants
  • Environmental impact of surfactants and polymers
  • Pharmaceutical formulations and controlled release applications
  • Waterborne coating formulations and solvent effects
  • Plastics recycling – Valorization of plastic waste – Molecular Recycling – Chemical Recycling
  • Block copolymer-nanoparticle composites – Polymer electrolytes
  • Templated nanoparticle synthesis
  • Nanoparticle organization via external fields (directed assembly)

Projects