Andreas Walther started his PhD in Axel Mueller's group in January 2006 within the framework of the SONS Program (SONS-AMPHI) and the MC RTN Polyamphi (www.polyamphi.org).
His research is focused on investigations of so-called Janus particles of various architectures. Janus particles possess the unique feature of having a non-centrosymmetric architecture. Therefore, they had initially been termed according to the roman goddess Janus.
Janus particles of different architectures, spherical Janus micelles (1), two types of Janus cylinders (2,3) and Janus discs (4)
The particles of interest can be subdivided into several classes, i.e. spherical, cylindrical and disc-like Janus particles. Janus particles are a very interesting class of novel materials. Due to their inherent compartmentalization into segments of different chemistry or polarity, they can undergo self-assembly processes into complex and well-defined superstructures on different length scales. Furthermore, the non-centrosymmetric corona leads to a strengthened and enhanced adsorption at liquid/liquid or liquid/solid interfaces, making them highly interesting candidates for applications as future surfactants in emulsions or dispersions. In addition, their two sides enable them to act as highly specific biosensor, as nanorheological probe, switchable device materials or as delivery agents in biomedical applications. The results of his research have been published in Journal of the American Chemical Society (2007, 129, 6187).
His poster 'Janus Discs' can be downloaded here (pdf)
