(557f) Nanoconfinement-Induced Transitions from Linear to Non-Linear Dynamics of Condensed Matter Ranging from Biological to Geological Ones

The properties of molecules and macromolecules when confined at nanometer scales differ greatly from their bulk properties owing to the introduction of symmetry breaking, structural frustration and confinement-induced entropy loss in the system. This talk will describe how different degrees of nanoconfinement alter the structural organization and interfacial properties of soft matter ranging from non-biological to biological ones to geological ones. In the first part of this presentation, nanoconfinement mediated intermolecular interactions of two types of ionic liquids and their rheological properties will be discussed in conjunction with the analysis of molecular orientation, organization, and assembly at the interfaces. In the second part of the talk, mechanisms on how biomacromolecules such as silk fibroin proteins self-assemble into hierarchical structures at the multiple-length levels will be explained. Finally, how dynamics and relaxation processes of geocolloids transition to display from linear to nonlinear behaviors as the nanoconfinement proceeds will be discussed with perspectives of colloidal interactions. The presentation will conclude with some outlooks on new fundamental insights for the rational design of novel interfacial materials and also for the assessment of colloidal transport of energy-related contaminants in the subsurface environment.