Ice research: skating 3D printing and icicles
Our ice research spans from controlling ice formation and geometry to understanding why ice is slippery and how its surface evolves. A recent line of
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Crystallization and Self-Assembly
Crystals are everywhere, shaping both the natural and human-made world. We explore crystallization in its many forms—from intricate structures in nature and salt damage in artworks and historic buildings to designing new materials with tailored properties.
Our research spans scales from micro to macro: from nanocrystal self-assembly to the nucleation and growth of inorganic salts in droplets and confined environments such as porous materials.
A central theme is understanding classical nucleation and growth mechanisms alongside non-classical crystallization pathways, particularly in the presence of additives such as polymers and surfactants, ion mixtures, and different surfaces. These interactions are key to controlling crystal structure, dynamics, and function.
Banner: A crystal, but not as we know it! Rozeline Wijnhorst et al., Softness of hydrated salt crystals under deliquescence, Nature Communications (2023).Research domains
Applied research
From fundamental crystallization to real-world applications Our research connects fundamental insights into crystallization with real-world challenges, from protecting cultural heritage against salt damage to developing
Dynamics of Crystal Nucleation and Growth
Crystals are everywhere: in rocks, in everyday products, and even in the devices we use. Their ordered atomic architecture gives rise to striking shapes and