Wednesday, 5 March 2025 11:00am – 12:00pm

This seminar will be delivered in Chemistry Lecture Theatre 4

Speaker: Professor Markus Retsch

Host: A/Prof. Markus Muellner

Title: Controlling Light and Heat with Colloids and Polymers

Abstract
Structured functional materials derived from colloidal self-assembly offer unprecedented control over light and heat interactions. In this talk, I will explore how the mesoscale architecture of these materials plays a crucial role in determining their macroscopic properties, with a focus on thermal transport and optical phenomena.

The interplay between material composition, particle morphology, and mesostructure enables precise manipulation of energy flow at various scales. I will demonstrate how this control can be leveraged to address challenges in diverse fields, ranging from electronic thermal management to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

By examining systems such as hybrid Bragg stacks, binary particle mixtures, and gradient colloidal ensembles, I will illustrate the profound impact of nano- and microstructure on heat conduction, thermal radiation, and light propagation. These insights open new avenues for designing materials with tailored thermal and optical properties.

Furthermore, I will discuss innovative approaches to harnessing these principles for practical applications. These include the development of high-performance thermal insulation, passive cooling technologies, and novel optical sensing methods. Such advancements have significant implications for electronic packaging, energy conservation, and safety monitoring in various industries.

Throughout the presentation, I will emphasize how a fundamental understanding of colloid and polymer physics can lead to transformative solutions for current technological challenges. By bridging the gap between nanoscale phenomena and macroscale functionality, this research paves the way for a new generation of smart, responsive materials capable of controlling light and heat with unprecedented precision.

Bio
Prof. Markus Retsch earned his degree in Polymer and Colloid Chemistry from the University of Bayreuth in 2006. Following this, he pursued his Ph.D. at the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, focusing on colloidal assembly structures. He completed his Ph.D. at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz in 2009 before spending 2.5 years as a postdoc at MIT. In 2012, he became a Junior Professor for Polymer Systems at the University of Bayreuth. Dr. Retsch has received prestigious honors, including a Lichtenberg professorship in 2013 and an ERC starting grant in 2016. Currently holding the chair for Physical Chemistry I at the University of Bayreuth, his research centers on mesostructured materials for energy conservation and conversion, utilizing innovative colloidal assembly strategies. He also serves as vice-dean of the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences, and deputy spokesperson of the CRC1585 “MultiTrans”.