Prof. Joan Rosell-Llompart
University Rovira i Virgili (Spain)
A brief long walk through electrospray physics research
Abstract:
The tiny droplets released from electrified Taylor cone-jets, known as electrosprays, have unique uses: from mass analysis of biomolecules, to colloidal thrusters for microsatellites, to high efficiency coatings for energy devices, to pharmaceutical micro and nano particles, and beyond. Over this backdrop of application, we will review historical and recent research as we uncover key facts about the droplets’ generation, evolution and transport in electrosprays. Through the contributions by us and others, both experimental and theoretical, we will give a perspective on the current paradigm: what we’ve learned that is well established, as well as remaining questions and challenges.
Biography:
He graduated in physics in 1987 from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Before and during his PhD (Yale University, 1994), he worked with Prof. J. Fernández de la Mora on aerodynamic focusing, inertial impaction, electrospray atomization, and differential mobility analysis. As postdoc associate with Prof. John B. Fenn at Virginia Commonwealth University, he did research on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In 1996 he joined Aradigm Corporation (California, USA) to develop liquid micro-jet technology for inhalation drug delivery. There, he co-discovered with Prof. A. Gañán-Calvo (Universidad de Sevilla, Spain) the "flow blurring" fine liquid atomization regime. Since joining Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in 2004 as ICREA Research Professor, his research has focused on electrospray and electrospinning for the manufacturing of nanomaterials; and recently also on COVID transmission in schools. He currently leads the Droplets, intErfaces, and floWs (DEW) lab at URV.