Project Info

Assembly of Microparticles for Robots and Composite Materials Under Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields

The primary aim of this project is to understand the combined effect of electric field and magnetic field on the assembly of colloidal microspheres for the application of microrobots and composite materials. Our primary investigation suggests that electrokinetics can significantly control and alter the mode of magnetically guided locomotion and colloidal assembly. The fascinating dynamics of small-scale robots has inspired the research community and the current strides in micro-nano manufacturing, evidently, carry an embodiment for their quest in exploring new effective propulsion mechanisms. While there has been much work in making self-propelled micromotors, recent trends have moved towards the study of external-field guided locomotion subjected to sources such as electric field (E) or magnetic field (B). Since magnetic field gives control over steering and electric field promises rich dynamics, we are inspired to explore means of propulsion of microscale objects tailoring advantages of both sources.

For more information:
Ma, F., et al. (2015). “Electric-field–induced assembly and propulsion of chiral colloidal clusters.” Proceedings of the national academy of sciences 112(20): 6307-6312.

Yang, X., et al. (2019). “The Impact of Stern‐Layer Conductivity on the Electrohydrodynamic Flow Around Colloidal Motors under an Alternating Current Electric Field.” Advanced Intelligent Systems: 1900096.

Yu, H., et al. (2018). “Micro-/nanorobots propelled by oscillating magnetic fields.” Micromachines 9(11): 540.

Demirörs, A. F., et al. (2017). “Colloidal switches by electric and magnetic fields.” ACS applied materials & interfaces 9(20): 17238-17244

Student Preparation

Qualifications

• Motivated to do research
• Willing to attend the group meetings regularly

Student is required to attend the basic lab safety training offered by Environmental Health and Safety at Mines.

Time Commitment

6-9 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

• Interdisciplinary knowledge and experience of chemical synthesis and engineering techniques
• Qualitative and quantitative skill of analyzing data through written and oral presentation
• Knowledge that is transferable to other STEM fields

Mentoring Plan

The graduate mentor will meet the student formally every two days per week to discuss the progress, assign short-term research goal, and teach specific skills needed. The student will be expected to join the weekly group meeting of our research group. The undergraduate researcher, graduate mentor, and I will meet once a week to discuss the research progress.