Tuning nanoscale self-assembly and morphological transition in amphiphilic blends
Ketan C. Kuperkar
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT)
GUJARAT (INDIA)
June 29, 2026
2 p.m.
In-person and online: C2-361
Abstract: Amphiphiles, whether block copolymers (BCPs) or surfactant in blend mixtures exhibit varied and complex nanoscale self-assembly in aqueous solution environment, arising from the competition between electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic packing. Yet systematic correlations between the association and micellar morphology remains limited. Our research investigates the composition and temperature dependent self-assembly in amphiphilic system using clouding study, the scattering techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). These blends led to the emergence of diverse and interesting solution behavior, as evidenced by notable changes in relative viscosity (ƞrel) of the solution, hinting at possible micellar growth or morphology transition. The rheological measurements further confirmed the emergence of viscoelasticity/ gelation in regimes dominated by cylindrical and wormlike micelles. The scattering measurements inferred a sequential evolution of aggregate morphology progressing from spherical to ellipsoidal micelles to cylindrical and wormlike micelles, followed by unilamellar (ULV) and multilamellar (MLV) vesicles as ascertained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations which confirmed the effective interactions between the blended micelles. Thus, our results yields a profound understanding and further aims to provide a robust framework for designing tuneable amphiphilic-based soft materials.
Dr. Ketan C. Kuperkar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India, where he has been serving since September 2013. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and has established a distinguished research career in the areas of surfactant science, polymers, colloids, materials chemistry, computational simulations, drug delivery systems, and deep eutectic solvents.
With an h-index of 27 and an i10-index of 57, he has published more than 120+ research articles, edited 02 books, and authored 07 book chapters. Dr. Kuperkar has successfully supervised 09 Ph.D. scholars and over 40+ M.Sc. dissertations, while currently guiding 03 doctoral students. He is actively involved in externally funded research projects in India.
His professional recognition includes the prestigious W. F. James Chair Visiting Professorship in Canada (2026), a Staff mobility grant to Romania (2026), a neutron scattering beam-time award in ANSTO, Australia (2024), HORN Research Fellowship in Japan (2023), a postdoctoral fellowship from KEK and J-PARC, and a Research Associateship from the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, India.
He serves on the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports, is an Associate Editor of the Indonesian Journal of Materials Science, and is an elected Executive Committee Member of the Indian Society for Surface Science and Technology. Dr. Kuperkar has also organized numerous national and international conferences and training programs, and delivered several invited and expert lectures worldwide.