Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research program will investigate the relation between structure and function of nature-inspired materials that are based on the motion of water and ions in nanoscale pores. Surface charging and other electrostatic phenomena are dominant drivers of charged fluid flow in these confined domains, giving rise to unusual transport features that can be exploited in a range of nanofluidic materials and devices.Examples are nanofluidic diodes whose operating principle is similar to that of solid semiconductor diodes, with the distinct difference that the former solely operate with electrolytes. Moreover, in terms of shape and functionality, charged nanochannels are reminiscent of biological ion channels, except the latter are soft and, hence, deformable. It is exactly this interplay between the charging phenomena and shape deformation that generates the unique features of such biological components.Therefore, an exciting way forward is the development of soft nanofluidic devices whose shape changes dynamically with operating conditions. In addition to the control of electrolyte motion, this may also facilitate precise handling of macromolecules immersed in the electrolyte, a much desired goal of lab-on-chip technologies.While potential applications only begin to emerge, theoretical models can guide experiments and predict new physical phenomena in an area where much progress is yet to be made. The main goal is the development of consistent continuum models to analyse the interaction between the fluid motion of electrolytes and the dynamic morphology of the soft, charged pore walls. The coupling among these pores will also be studied so as to predict properties of macroscopic porous materials such as new ion-conducting membranes and composite electrodes. This research will open up a new area of study where a combination of analytical methods and computations promises new insights into fundamental processes of fluid flow at small scales.The over-arching vision is to establish theoretical tools that aid in the design of novel, functional materials, finding application in electrochemistry, biological systems and nanofluidic devices. Canada has developed a strong reputation for leading-edge research in electrochemistry and biophysics, and this research will help expand the country's capacity and expertise in these areas. It is anticipated that new ideas will spin off from this work that may result in innovative device technology.