Invited-2D Materials for Packaging and As Nanoparticle-Surfactants

Our group has carried out systematic study on 2D materials, including liquid crystal phase formations, nanocomposite fabrication, and understanding of Janus platelets as nanoparticle surfactants for Pickering emulsification. I will discuss the discovery of discotic smectic phase, which can be used in more effective industrial sealants, improved food packaging, enhanced electronic displays, and improved fuel cell technology. We also developed method to mass produce Janus nanoplates, first using the model system of Zirconium Phosphate nanoplates, then using clay and graphene Quantum Dots with reduced cost. I will discuss the applications of these nanoplate surfactants to make stable Pickering emulsions and foams, to stable graphene suspensions, for enhanced oil recovery, and for nano-encapsulations.

1. “Hydrothermal synthesis of layered a-zirconium phosphate disks: control of aspect ratio and polydispersity for nano-architecture”, M. Shuai, Andres F. Mejia, Y. Chang and Z. Cheng Cryst. Eng. Comm. 15, 2013, 1970-1977.

2. “Aspect Ratio and Polydispersity Dependence of Isotropic-nematic Transition in Discotic Suspensions” A.F. Mejia, Y. Chang, R. Ng(undergraduate), M. Shuai, M.S. Mannan, and Z. Cheng, Physical Review E 85, 2012, 061708. Figure selected as part of PRE kaleidoscope images, June 2012.

3. “Stable smectic phase in suspensions of polydisperse colloidal platelets with identical thickness” D. Sun, H-J. Sue, Z. Cheng, Y. Martinez-Ratonm and E. Velasco, Physical Review E, 80, 2009, 041704

4. “Gelation via Ion Exchange in Discotic Suspensions” Y. Chang, A.F. Mejia, Z. Cheng, D. Di, and G.B. McKenna, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 2012, 247802.

5. “Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Amphiphilic Nano-sheets” A.F. Mejia, A. Diaz, S. Pullela, Y. Chang, M.S. Mannan, A. Clearfield, and Z. Cheng, Soft Matter 8, 2012, 10245-10253 (Journal cover).

6. “Stabilization of Pickering Foams by High-aspect-ratio Nano-sheets” J. S. Guevara (undergraduate), A.F. Mejia, Y. Chang, M. Shuai, M.S. Sam Mannan, Z. Cheng, Soft Matter 9, 2013, 1327-1336.

7. “Nano-encapsulated PCM via Pickering Emulsification”, X. Wang, L. Zhang, Y. Yu, L. Jia, M. S. Mannan, Y. Chen & Z. Cheng, Scientific Reports 5, 2015, 13357.