We are a young University of Calgary research group, under the direction of Professor Milana Trifkovic, in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

The group has a focus on the design and characterization of novel materials with applications in the energy sector. Examples of these materials include polymer nanocomposites, nanoparticle stabilized emulsions, bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels), and newly developed bicontinuous intraphase emulsion gels (bipjels). We have developed the tools to perform advanced characterization on these materials including the use of a novel high temperature “confocal rheology” setup. We also utilize photonic force microscopy to perform microrheology and study droplet-droplet interactions.

Another area of interest in the treatment of oil sands tailings, particularly focused on the effect additives on the flocculation process and how they can be used to enhance the dewatering process. We are also interested in the optimal control of sustainable microgrids and their integration into the conventional energy sector. Our diverse team allows for many perspectives and approaches to solving not only these challenging problems, but many others as well.