Structure of Nanoconfined water
The behavior of water and its interaction with solid surfaces at the micro and nanoscale is a matter of continuously growing scientific interest. The properties of water in confined geometries are relevant in areas ranging from tribology to biology and atmospheric science. There are controversial results on the fluidity of nano-confined water and the role of surface chemistry and topography is still unclear. Furthermore, the structure of water is believed to hold the key to understand protein folding. The goal of this project is to use state of the art atomic force microscopes to investigate the structure of nano-confined water and its interaction with surfaces at the nanoscale. Students involved in this activity will learn how to use technological relevant instrumentation and how to elaborate a creative and interdisciplinary thinking.
