When a small droplet is deposited on a smooth surface it spreads across the surface until it reaches an equilibrium droplet shape or until it becomes a film. This allows the dynamic wetting process to be studied at a fundamental level enabling the fluid mechanics of contact line motion to be understood. This understanding is important in many industrial processes, such as printing. However, often a process starts with a liquid film, rather than a droplet, and a change of the environment or some other parameter, can initiate a process of de-wetting, i.e. the recoil or break up of a film on a surface into one or more droplets. The initial film state and its de-wetting from a surface are important for industrial processes, such as spin coated films used in lithography, painting/coatings, printing, heat exchangers, etc. One difficulty in understanding the de-wetting is that it is extremely challenging to initiate the breakup of a film of liquid on a surface in a controlled manner that leads to an ideal droplet state. Dewetting usually leads to a mixture of droplets and puddles making it difficult to study the dynamics of the process or to control the final droplet state. In a recent paper (Science Advances, 2016) we showed a new method using a non-uniform electric field to force a liquid to wet a non-wetting surface. By quenching the electric field, a controlled dewetting into a single droplet state can then be initiated. In this project, we use electric-field induced film formation to study non-naturally occurring film morphologies (e.g. triangular, square and ring droplets) and their de-wetting dynamics into single droplets in a manner, which has never previously been possible. We investigate liquid-in-liquid systems with order of magnitude contrasts in viscosity ratios (from droplets-in-air to liquids-in-liquids to bubbles-in-liquids) thereby elucidating the fundamentals of the fluid mechanics of contact line motion. We also investigate the combination of individually programmable film morphologies into fully programmable arrays of wetting patterns. An ability to finely control liquid films has potential for industrial applications from printing to displays. Finally, we establish a new concept of electric field stabilised surface-localised 2D emulsions where the arrays of droplets or bubbles can be detached from the surface and reattached in a controlled manner.

When a small droplet is deposited on a smooth surface it spreads across the surface until it reaches an equilibrium droplet shape or until it becomes a film. This allows the dynamic wetting process to be studied at a fundamental level enabling the fluid mechanics of contact line motion to be understood. This understanding is important in many industrial processes, such as printing. However, often a process starts with a liquid film, rather than a droplet, and a change of the environment or some other parameter, can initiate a process of de-wetting, i.e. the recoil or break up of a film on a surface into one or more droplets. The initial film state and its de-wetting from a surface are important for industrial processes, such as spin coated films used in lithography, painting/coatings, printing, heat exchangers, etc. One difficulty in understanding the de-wetting is that it is extremely challenging to initiate the breakup of a film of liquid on a surface in a controlled manner that leads to an ideal droplet state. Dewetting usually leads to a mixture of droplets and puddles making it difficult to study the dynamics of the process or to control the final droplet state. In a recent paper (Science Advances, 2016) we showed a new method using a non-uniform electric field to force a liquid to wet a non-wetting surface. By quenching the electric field, a controlled dewetting into a single droplet state can then be initiated. In this project, we use electric-field induced film formation to study non-naturally occurring film morphologies (e.g. triangular, square and ring droplets) and their de-wetting dynamics into single droplets in a manner, which has never previously been possible. We investigate liquid-in-liquid systems with order of magnitude contrasts in viscosity ratios (from droplets-in-air to liquids-in-liquids to bubbles-in-liquids) thereby elucidating the fundamentals of the fluid mechanics of contact line motion. We also investigate the combination of individually programmable film morphologies into fully programmable arrays of wetting patterns. An ability to finely control liquid films has potential for industrial applications from printing to displays. Finally, we establish a new concept of electric field stabilised surface-localised 2D emulsions where the arrays of droplets or bubbles can be detached from the surface and reattached in a controlled manner.

The PRO-BES project (Pioneering Real-time Observations with BioElectrochemical Systems) will undertake simultaneous field trials of real-time water quality biosensors in wastewater treatment works spread across the UK. The biosensors incorporate Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), a type of BES technology, which feature an electrode on which bacteria generate small amounts of electricity relative to their consumption of organic pollution in the wastewater. The project progresses an innovative collaboration between Newcastle University and University of South Wales, and is supported by end-users Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water and Chivas Brothers where the field trials will take place. Building upon prior BBSRC funding, the biosensor will advance from a laboratory proof-of-concept beyond prototype stage towards a fully realised commercial device ready for deployment and scaled-up manufacture. An understanding will be gained of how biofilm microbial communities respond to key operational factors (temperature, flow rate, external resistance) and how changes in biofilm dynamics/activity affect response of the sensor. BES biofilms will be grown using diverse wastewaters from water companies in Wales and North-East England and whisky distilling wastewater in Scotland. Analyses of the biosensors across these trials will enable fundamental understanding of the microbiology and bioelectrochemistry of these devices in addition to providing valuable insights for future research, development and optimisation.

Over thirty six months, this project aims to demonstrate the potential of a highly disruptive zero emission, high efficiency electricity generator concept for use in transport and power generation applications. A Zero-Emission Closed-loop linear-Joule CYcle (ZECCY) engine generator which yields only liquid water as an emission (i.e. no particulates, or gas phase emissions). As such, it is analogous with hydrogen-fuel cell technology but more lightweight, potentially more efficient and based on a well-established UK manufacturing base. This project will demonstrate the true potential of this technology for vehicle applications by: a. Completing the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of a concept demonstrator through the development of an existing test platform b. Gather the evidence required to advance the project successfully by conducting a robust testing programme underpinned by rigorous simulation and performance improvement. c. Establish the future case of ZECCY generator technology through the development of a technical and commercial roadmap to deployment.

Over thirty six months, this project aims to demonstrate the potential of a highly disruptive zero emission, high efficiency electricity generator concept for use in transport and power generation applications. A Zero-Emission Closed-loop linear-Joule CYcle (ZECCY) engine generator which yields only liquid water as an emission (i.e. no particulates, or gas phase emissions). As such, it is analogous with hydrogen-fuel cell technology but more lightweight, potentially more efficient and based on a well-established UK manufacturing base. This project will demonstrate the true potential of this technology for vehicle applications by: a. Completing the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of a concept demonstrator through the development of an existing test platform b. Gather the evidence required to advance the project successfully by conducting a robust testing programme underpinned by rigorous simulation and performance improvement. c. Establish the future case of ZECCY generator technology through the development of a technical and commercial roadmap to deployment.