I am a final year PhD candidate studying Surface Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Western Australia under the supervision of Prof. Rob Atkin and Dr. Hua Li, aiming to submit my thesis in September 2024.

My thesis is on the Structure and Lubrication Properties of Soft Matter Systems at Interfaces, which involves studying the structure underpinning soft matter systems such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents. Understanding this structure is key in tuning and controlling the properties of soft matter systems, facilitating their use as high‑performing solvents, lubricants, and electrolytes.

My most recent publication is "Surface-active ionic liquids as lubricant additives to hexadecane and diethyl succinate" in Colloids and Surfaces A. This research involved studying the structure and properties of relatively small amounts of ionic liquids added to base liquids on stainless steel at both the macroscale and the nanoscale, primarily using Rheology and Atomic Force Microscopy.

The main aim of my research is for the Sustainable Production of Lubricants and Electrolytes, by designing economical, environmentally friendly solvents that will improve the sustainability of fluids used in industry and reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse.

Thesis Title:

Structure and Lubrication Properties of Soft Matter Systems at Interfaces

Publications:

• "Self‑assembled nanostructure induced in deep eutectic solvents via an amphiphilic hydrogen bond donor"
• "Nanostructure of locally concentrated ionic liquids in the bulk and at graphite and gold electrodes"
• "Surface-active ionic liquids as lubricant additives to hexadecane and diethyl succinate"

Ongoing Projects:

• "Tuning the nanostructure and tribological properties of a non-ionic deep eutectic solvent with water addition"