Couplings at the Nanoscale

The research topic concerns processes at the nano- to the micro-scales to predict the onset and dynamics of pattern formations and material properties on larger scales. Such processes occur in both geological and biological systems. To understand this, the research will be focused on studying geological processes such as creep of minerals, nano-crystallization, and fluid-rock interactions. Approaches use molecular dynamics simulation and machine-learning framework to model frictional processes along nano-scale solid surfaces. Researchers perform laboratory experiments to measure forces exerted by crystals growing in tight confinement and track collective interactions of cells during morphogenetic evolution. The results can be used to solve environmental problems such as the storage of carbon dioxide using mineral trapping, the formation of minerals that can be used in the green shift, and advance knowledge in biophysics.