Fluids are ubiquitous in nature and transport of fluids plays an essential role in sustaining many activities across multiple scales. The mode of fluidic transport therefore also spans multiple length scales. Moreover, despite largely aqueous in nature, natural fluids exhibit complexity, dynamics and structures that have yet to be replicated synthetically. In this talk, I will share our works in designing approaches to form, manipulate and direct aqueous solutions. In particular, I will focus on unique properties of aqueous multiphase systems that may serve as model systems for understanding their natural counterparts. I will conclude by discussing how these systems can potentially inspire biomimetic and biomedical applications.
Professor SHUM received his B.S.E., summa cum laude, in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, and S.M. and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a core member in the Biomedical Engineering Programme at the University of Hong Kong, and Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at the University of Hong Kong. He is also the Director of the Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre in Hong Kong. He leads a group studying soft matter and microfluidics. His research interests include liquid–liquid phase separation, emulsions, microfluidics, emulsion-templated materials and soft matter.
Clean water and clean air are vital for public health. This project focuses on developing high-efficiency and environmentally sustainable filters for removing harmful air/water pollutants. The team has developed novel architectures and functionalities for the filters to achieve high permeance, high removal efficiency, and excellent reusability.
