Alan Lyons

Using natural surfaces as inspiration, the Lyons group fabricates nanoscale materials with unique wetting, catalytic, and/or optical properties. We study reactions and properties at the solid-liquid-gas three-phase interface and collaborate with companies with the goal of transitioning our inventions into industrially relevant innovations. The lab is focused on the following two areas: . Nanomaterials for Photovoltaics: Soiling of solar cover glass causes significant energy losses. Dew condensed on the surface further exacerbates soiling. We develop superhydrophobic anti-soiling coatings that increase water droplet mobility and so reduce soiling. By adding hydrophilic features along the top edge of the glass, sufficient dew is harvested so that the condensed water can be used for cleaning. Thus, we study the effect of material surface chemistry and structure on optical, wetting, adhesion and chemical reactivity properties. Nanomaterials for Killing Bacteria: Using singlet oxygen as an antimicrobial agent is challenging because of the short lifetime of this reactive oxygen species. We fabricate nanomaterials that deliver airborne singlet oxygen by embedding photosensitizers into the superhydrophobic surface. Isolating the photosensitizer limits patient exposure to the drug and prevents pathogens from developing resistance. We collaborate with the Harvard Medical School to evaluate efficacy using in-vivo animal models.