Research

Surface Science

The Foster group does surface chemistry and experimental physical chemistry. We use optical spectroscopies, such as diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and scanning probe microscopies, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), and combination techniques, such as a Raman microscope, to study chemical reactions and processes happening at complex interfaces.

The group has three main areas of focus:

1. Green / Environmental Chemistry Surface science of metal oxide and metal impregnated nanoparticles to investigate heterogeneous catalytic processes and environmental remediation

2. Materials Science Development of novel core-shell nano/microspherical particles and their characterization  

3. Smart Nanoparticles Development of biodegradable liquid metal nanocarriers as potent cancer theranostic agents