Abstract:

Droplet physics has traditionally been associated with classical problems such as heat transfer and phase change processes—areas of enduring significance. However, as societal challenges evolve, so too must the scope of droplet research. In this talk, I will present a forward-looking vision for droplet physics, highlighting its potential to address emerging and critical challenges across three interconnected themes: a sustainable future, a healthy future, and advanced manufacturing for the future.

During my PhD, I co-pioneered the design of lubricated surfaces, which has greatly shaped the development of super-repellent surfaces, with important anti-fouling and heat transfer applications [1, 2]. I will demonstrate how optimizing droplet dynamics on lubricated surfaces can revolutionise water harvesting technologies, paving the way for a more sustainable future [3, 4]. In healthcare, lubricated surfaces can be used as anti-fouling coatings for endoscopes. Finally, I will introduce an electrospray-in-a-drop technique—a potentially transformative approach to advanced manufacturing—that enables precise micro- and nanoscale fabrication with minimal environmental impact [5]. This technology is also an interesting alternative to the more conventional microfluidics/nanofluidics technique.

By bridging fundamental principles with transformative applications, droplet research is set to redefine its role in addressing the critical challenges of tomorrow, shaping a more sustainable, healthy, and technologically advanced future.

1.            T-.S. Wong, …, J. Aizenberg, “Bioinspired self-repairing slippery surfaces with pressure-stable omniphobicity,” Nature (2011)

2.            D. Daniel, ..., J. Aizenberg, “Oleoplaning droplets on lubricated surfaces”, Nature Physics (2017)

3.            M.Lin, ..., D. Daniel*, “Emergent collective motion of self-propelled condensate droplets”, Physical Review Letters (2024).

4.            S. Ahmad, …, D. Daniel*, S. Yang, Q. Gan*, “Lubricated Surface in a Vertical Double‐Sided Architecture for Radiative Cooling and Atmospheric Water Harvesting”, Advanced   Materials (2024).

5.            M. Lin, ..., D. Daniel*, “Evaporation-driven electrosprays in charged drops on lubricated surfaces”, Preprint (2024). DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.27778.90565

Biography:

Dan Daniel is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he leads the Droplet Lab. He earned his PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard University in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Joanna Aizenberg, following a BA in Physics (First Class Honours) from the University of Cambridge in 2010.

Dan is renowned for his pioneering work on droplet dynamics on lubricated surfaces, with applications ranging from anti-fouling surface coatings to atmospheric water harvesting. He has received international recognition for his contributions to droplet science, including the IACIS Emerging Investigator Award (2022), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Soft Matter Emerging Investigator Award (2024), and American Physical Society’s (APS) Gallery of Fluid Motion and Soft Matter Awards (2023, 2024).

ALL INTERESTED ARE WELCOME