This doctoral project focuses on the controlled fabrication and correlative 3D characterization of hierarchically structured, optically active supraparticle assemblies. The candidate will generate colloidal clusters through confined self-assembly in emulsion droplets using microfluidics, forming well-defined building blocks from polymer or silica nanoparticles. These clusters will be assembled into two- and three-dimensional architectures with tunable optical properties arising from structural color. The research will establish workflows combining microspectroscopy, electron tomography, and X-ray nano/micro-CT to correlate structural order with photonic response. Structural coloration will be tailored by coating the assemblies with high-refractive-index materials such as TiO₂. Through close collaboration with microscopy and materials projects, the candidate will explore how nanoscale structure controls macroscopic color phenomena. The results will provide design principles for bio-inspired, non-toxic, and dynamically tunable photonic materials.
Supervisor
