Recent years have witnessed a tremendous surge in the use of composite materials across multiple research communities. Composites, which involve an innovative combination of different materials, enable synergistic enhancement of the properties of individual components. For example, nanoparticle-hydrogel composites can exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to the hydrogel itself, and at the same time improve the stability of the nanoparticles against aggregation. Exciting strategies involving a rational selection of hybrid or composite materials to modulate interfaces have further opened new directions in the field of materials discovery with unique bulk and interfacial properties. In our group, we plan to harness the plurality of bulk and interfacial properties offered by organic-inorganic composites to fabricate functional materials, with potential applications in green enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, programmable and multi-responsive emulsions, multi-functional gels and fibers.

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A second aspect of the research in our group is on the exploration and development of advanced soft matter systems and smart materials with liquid crystals. The central theme in this direction is to translate the anisotropic characteristics of liquid crystals into autonomous and adaptive technologies that mimic biological systems. Potential applications include advancing the development of smart and versatile materials tailored for critical healthcare applications, such as smart fibres, wearable actuators, autonomous transport and administration of pharmaceuticals, nutrients and even living cells.