WIN Seminar: Juliane Simmchen

Photocatalytic active matter for collection and degradation of microplastics

The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) is pleased to present a seminar with Juliane Simmchen, Associate Professor (Reader) from the University of Strathclyde and TU Dresden. 

This seminar is titled "Polysaccharides-based hydrogels and films containing nanocapsules for drug delivery," and will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM in QNC 1501. Registration is required!

Abstract

Environmental contamination is a major global challenge, and especially emerging pollutants such as microplastics have gained global attention. Since there is no large scale solution for microplastic removal once present in a water body, several new technologies are being discussed to help solve this problem. Among them are self-propelled, photocatalytic micromotors, that have proven to effectively collect passive colloids into raft-like structures, a strategy that works beautifully on the microscope scale. To shift this approach further towards application, we develop scalable micromotors that combine the ability to collect microplastics with the photocatalytic degradation of polymeric materials.

Biography 

Juliane Simmchen studied Chemistry in Dresden and Naples. She decided to switch to Nanotechnology for her Ph.D. at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Then she joined the Sanchez’ group at the MPI for Intelligent Systems for a short postdoc. After moving back to Dresden, she was granted a prestigious Freigeist fellowship to set up an independent research group in Physical Chemistry. In 2022 she accepted a Reader position (Associate Prof.) at the University of Strathclyde. Her research interests are focused on active matter, from material development to biohybrids.