SIUC Physics Seminar
School of Physics and Applied Physics, Southern Illinois University--Carbondale
2026 April 17 Friday 4:00 PM:
Physics Seminar in Neckers 440
Title: Small Structures, Big Impact: What Makes 3D Nanoporous Microribbons So interesting?
Speaker: Annie Yojaira Vargas-Lizarazo
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University--Carbondale
Abstract:
3D nanoporous micro-ribbons are nanoporous organic-silicon oxide microparticles with
large surface area and Janus water contact angle. They are easy to modify with a wide range
of metallic, non-metallic, and organic species in one single-step, providing enhanced
functionality and self-assembling properties. In this talk, I will discuss the chemistry and
physics of the formation of 3D nanoporous micro-ribbons by thermal shock of a pre-cured
polymer. Thermal shock generated high stress in the films, causing crack and delamination
of the polymer films into micro-ribbons. The micro-ribbons length varies from 5 mm to 50
mm and have a thickness between 7 µm and 20 µm, which is smaller than a standard human
hair diameter (~50 µm). The physical and chemical characteristics of 3D nanoporous
microribbons allowed the self-assembling of micro-ribbons at the water-oil-air interface. The
physical and chemical characterization using electron, optical, and fluorescence
microscopy and spectroscopy, surface tension, capillary force, density, viscosity, water
contact angle and porosity measurements, enhanced understanding of the self-assembly
process of micro-ribbons. The self-assembly behavior was observed to be highly dependent
on the interactions of the micro-ribbons with solvents (water and oil). The self-assembly
phenomenon facilitated the formation of highly viscous gel, which is implemented for the
separation, purification, and extraction of oil, microplastics, metal ions, and
microorganisms aqueous mixtures. This is a big achievement for microscale particles!
Biography:
Annie Vargas-Lizarazo completed her bachelor’s degree in Food Chemistry and her Masters in
Chemistry in the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia. Now, she is a PhD
candidate in the School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences at Southern Illinois University. She
works with Dr. Punit Kohli on the development and application of functional materials. She aims
to integrate research products with society’s current demands. Her research interests include the
fabrication of cost-effective materials for sustainable concentration and recovery of critical
minerals from non-traditional sources, the synthesis of 3D nanoporous structures for application
in water remediation technologies, and the design of metal coatings for antimicrobial devices. She
is an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Microscopy Society of America
(MSA) and has been recognized for her accomplishments in teaching and research.
Last updated on
by K V Shajesh
(kvshajesh@gmail.com).