Analysis of liquid structure thermal anomalies

My thesis work is focused on providing insights on fluid properties and guidance on how solvent system behaviors might be altered, improved, and customized for specific applications, such as energy storage,¹ lubrication,² and drug delivery.³ Specifically, I investigated the dynamics within ionic liquid (IL) systems. Ionic liquids are classified as salts, typically composed of one positively charged cation and one negatively charged anion that, due to their large asymmetric ion size, are commonly liquid at room temperature.⁵

To understanding fluid properties my experiments involve varying the temperature in fluid samples and measuring how the molecular environment changes. I have investigated different fluid compositions, including a pure IL and a combination of water and IL, in order to determine the effect temperature has on the structure of different IL environments. I’ve further investigated the thin fluid films and bulk fluid films with the added stimulus of temperature to measure differences in molecular environments. Phase transitions, such as freezing or melting, within fluids can be characteristic and diagnostic of interactions taking place.

Additionally, during my graduate studies I received a research grant from the National Science Foundation allowing me to work with Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), which utilizes IL in their manufacturing processes. During my time at NFW, I aided in the investigation of efficient IL use and IL monitoring protocols. Through my research, observing fluid systems under stress, several novel molecular findings were discovered and put into use in an industrial setting.