Project Info


Developing Brewster Angle Microscopy at Oil-Water Interfaces

Joseph Samaniuk | samaniuk@mines.edu

Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) is a valuable imaging tool for observing single-molecule thick films at a fluid-fluid interface. This imaging technique helps to probe the structure of films formed from polymers, particles, proteins, and/or phospholipids, which is important for biological systems, the energy industry, and for answering fundamental scientific questions. To perform BAM, a laser beam is pointed at a fluid-fluid interface at precisely the total internal reflection angle of the system, and a camera collects any spectrally reflected light. Changes in structure of the film at the molecular scale result in changes in the amount of collected light, so that film structure can be directly observed and studied. One challenge with commercial BAM systems is that most are only designed to operate at and air-water interface. Developing a system and technique for performing BAM imaging at an oil-water interface will allow us to study a wide variety of films that are especially relevant to the energy industry.

For more information:
Goggin, D.M., H. Zhang, E.M. Miller, J.R. Samaniuk, “Interference provides clarity: Direct observation of 2D materials at fluid-fluid interfaces,” ACS Nano, 14 (1), 777-790, 2020.

Goggin, D.M., J.R. Samaniuk, “Dynamics of pristine graphite and graphene at an air-water interface,” AIChE Journal, 64 (8), 3177-3187, 2018.

Grand Challenge: Make solar energy economical

Student Preparation


Qualifications

No background knowledge in this area or experience in performing research is needed, but the individual who takes on this project must be self-motivated and interested in learning about and performing experimental work. They must be willing to work with senior-level undergraduate students and graduate students who already work within this research area.

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

Time Commitment

20 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

You will gain hands-on laboratory skills and experience working in an experimental laboratory environment. You also develop a knowledge of the relevant forces in colloid and interface science, and an understanding of why this research is industrially and scientifically important.

Mentoring Plan

The student will attend our weekly laboratory group meetings, and also meet with the professor and one of the graduate students on a weekly basis.