Glass surfaces have unique properties. Depending on the molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and temperature, molecules or atoms at the surface can adopt structures and dynamics that are not favored in bulk. For example, the mobility at the surface can be faster, molecules can adopt preferred orientations at the interface, and the density can be affected by the existence of a surface or interface. Through physical vapor deposition, these properties can be imprinted into the glass as every molecule has a chance to spend some time at the free surface and sample the configurational space that corresponds to the surface. <br/><br/>In this talk, I will detail my scientific journey in understanding the physics of glass surfaces and unfolding their unique properties. I will show how understanding these properties allows us to design molecules and vapor-deposition conditions that can produce glasses with a unique network and anisotropic structures or have density and mechanical properties that are unique. We also show that under certain conditions, we can access glass phases that do not otherwise exist.

Glass surface properties and how it can be used to produce unique materials

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.