Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Murat Barisik (photo by Angela Foster)
A research study involving University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Murat Barisik was the cover story for a recent issue of Small—a prestigious nanoscience and nanotechnology journal.
Barisik collaborated with researchers from the University of Ulsan in South Korea and the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur to explore fluid dynamics at the nanoscale. Their study, “Applied Electric Field Effects on Diffusivity and Electrical Double-Layer Thickness,” offers new insights into nanoscale fluid behavior with potential implications for next-generation energy storage technologies.
Barisik, Md Masuduzzaman (University of Ulsan), Dr. BoHung Kim (University of Ulsan) and Dr. Chirodeep Bakli (IIT Kharagpur) explored fluid motion under an applied electric field in nanoconfined spaces. Using molecular simulations, the researchers uncovered a critical shift in fluid behavior offering new insights into optimizing nanofluidic systems where precise ion transport and electrolyte behavior are crucial.
“Our research provides a deeper understanding of how electrolytes respond to electric fields, which is essential for improving the efficiency of next-generation batteries and supercapacitors,” Barisik explained. “By harnessing these principles, we can lead to faster charging, longer lifespans and higher energy densities.”
Barisik said this international collaboration highlights the importance of global partnerships in advancing energy storage technology.
“As the demand for efficient and scalable energy storage grows, the study offers promising steps toward the future of high-performance energy systems,” he said.
Published by Wiley, Small is recognized as a leading forum for interdisciplinary research at the nano- and microscale, spanning chemistry, physics, engineering and life sciences. The journal is known for highlighting groundbreaking advancements in nanotechnology, organic electronics and advanced materials such as graphene.
Last month, Barisik learned that a project he leads as principal investigator, “Nanotechnology in Engineering,” was selected by the UTC Research Institute as an awardee for the FY2025–2028 Center for Excellence in Applied Computational Science and Engineering Convergent Research Initiative—a program supporting multidisciplinary research to advance applied computational science and engineering at UTC.
This project focuses on advancing UTC’s research in nanotechnology with applications in energy, bioscience and defense. A multidisciplinary team from five departments will collaborate with the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and local industry partners to use computational modeling, material design and machine learning in developing advanced nanomaterials. Key research areas include energy storage, biodegradable materials and thermal protection for hypersonic systems.
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UTC Mechanical Engineering program
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