Chemical Engineering Seminar

Title: Diffusiophoresis-enhanced instabilities

Abstract:

Diffusiophoresis refers to the movement of colloidal particles in response to concentration gradients of solutes. It provides a convenient mechanism to transport microparticles in regions where convective modes of transport are not possible. Prior work in the literature has utilized it to create membraneless water filters, conduct low-cost zeta potential measurements, and explain the removal of dirt during laundry, among other applications. In this talk, I will emphasize that diffusiophoresis may be more prevalent than generally assumed. In particular, I will focus on the impact of diffusiophoresis to enhance and/or induce (i) Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities, and (ii) reaction-diffusion instabilities or Turing patterns. If time permits, I will briefly discuss our group's work on electrochemical transport phenomena.

Bio: Ankur Gupta is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He serves as the principal investigator of the Laboratory of Interfaces, Flow, and Electrokinetics (LIFE). His research interests include interfacial phenomena, complex fluids, multiphase flows, and diffusiophoresis, with a focus on their applications in the physics of life, energy storage, desalination, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Dr. Gupta's work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, CNN, Daily Mail, Newsweek, The Print, and more than 100 new outlets. Dr. Gupta has been recognized for his contributions to the field and has received several notable awards and grants. These include the Soft Matter Lectureship, Chemical and Engineering News Talented 12, Johannes Lyklema Early Career Award in Electrokinetics, Air Force Young Investigator, AIChE 35 under 35, Dream Chemistry Lecture, NSF CAREER Award, Soft Matter Emerging Investigator Award, and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award from IIT Delhi.