The Williams group does interdisciplinary research with an emphasis on “Dealing with the Big Stuff”.  We work with macromolecules, nanoparticles, microparticles, supramolecular assemblies, and their interactions with surfaces.  These materials are extremely difficult to analyze and test because they are usually present as complex mixtures with distributions in physicochemical properties.  The information obtained using non-separation based analytical methods is limited since measurements are made on the entire mixture and average values are obtained.  Conclusions drawn from tests of property-performance relationships are also limited because it is not clear whether one or multiple components of the nanomaterial mixture contribute to the desired material properties. 

The broad objectives of our research program are:

●     Study transport processes important to separations in liquids.

●     Develop novel separation and characterization techniques that address the challenges associated with heterogeneous nanoscale systems and complex mixtures, e.g., degree of polymer branching, chemical composition, size distribution and stability of supramolecular assemblies, shape and surface chemistry of particles.

●     Employ these new techniques to isolate and study ‘purified’ fractions for detailed investigation into synthesis routes, interactive behavior (systems science) in solution and at interfaces, and property-performance relationships.  Application areas span material science (polymers, nanoparticles, membranes, CMP slurries), pharmaceutics (non-viral vectors for gene therapy), and homeland security (pathogenic microorganisms).

●     Develop scientists with the skills needed to work effectively in the 21^st century, e.g., capable of designing practical solutions from a fundamental perspective, interdisciplinary experience, work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

      The suite of techniques that we develop and work with include field-flow fractionation, liquid chromatography, light scattering, single particle counting, and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry.