The Soft Materials Group, directed by Professor Christopher Li, studies materials having complex structural and dynamic properties between those of solid crystals and fluids. Materials belonging to this category are polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, gels, and foams. The group studies soft matter, combining it with low dimensional nanoparticles to achieve tailored hybrid materials. The fascinating properties of these unique material systems enable a wide spread of applications in the fields of energy, biomedical, optoelectronics, and nanocomposites.
Research Focus Areas
- Composites
- Energy
- Health and Medicine
- Nanomaterials
- Polymers
- Structural Materials
- Sustainability