Seminar on "Heterogeneous Interfaces: Revolutions Through Smart Tweaks"

Tingyi Liu

Date: 

Thursday, March 3, 2016 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Location: 

ESB 2001

Speaker: 

Dr. Tingyi "Leo" Liu, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UC Los Angeles

Interfaces influence how different matters interact with each other. In contrast to the bulk phase of the matter, interfaces are heterogeneous with characteristics at micro/nano-scales. However, study of interfacial physics and the subsequent engineering are generally quite challenging and further complicated because of their interdisciplinary nature. Taking the advantage of micro- and nanofabrication, we are armed with a powerful tool to better understand the fundamentals behind complex phenomena in diverse disciplines, as well as to elegantly solve practical issues through smart design to greatly transform interactions. 

In this talk, I will introduce my research on the science and engineering of heterogeneous interfaces. I highlight the synergy of classic microfabrication with basic physics leading to a dramatic leap forward. Through a concrete example, Superomniphobic Surfaces, I demonstrate how interfacial micro/nano-structures render any material surfaces super-repellent to all liquids, including those completely wet even the most hydrophobic materials such as Teflon. In addition, I also introduce other projects that unveil interfacial sciences and engineer interfaces, such as dynamic Cassie-Baxter model, liquid metal Galinstan, and micro-rotary stage with liquid-ring bearings.

Bio: Biography: Tingyi “Leo” Liu received his B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou China in 2009, M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2011 and 2014, respectively. His research focuses on utilizing micro and nano fabrication to study diverse interfacial phenomena and to engineer the heterogeneous interfaces for interdisciplinary applications. During his Ph.D. with Prof. CJ Kim in UCLA Micro & Nano Manufacturing Lab, he focused on meniscus shape engineering with his major contributions include the first realization of a truly superomniphobic surface that repels all liquids while made of any material types. In 2015, he started his current postdoc with Profs. Pei-Yu Chiou and Michael Teitell conducting collaborative research on flexible electronic devices for single-cell manipulation towards cancer immunotherapy. 

Event Type: 

Seminar