Dr Ali Zarbakhsh

Profile

Dr. Ali Zarbakhsh, a Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry and admission tutor for Chemistry at Queen Mary, University of London, possesses an interdisciplinary research background.

His primary focus is on resolving structure-function relationships for self-assembling surfactants and polymeric materials at interfaces. Dr. Zarbakhsh specializes in developing experimental scattering techniques, notably neutron and X-ray methods, to uncover molecular structures at buried interfaces. His current research spans two main areas: soft matter and lubrication. In soft matter, his group concentrates on unravelling molecular conformation at interfaces, particularly in nanogels and amorphous nanosheets for drugs and DNA/RNA delivery, contributing significantly to advancements in cell expansion and bioreactor design. In lubrication, Dr. Zarbakhsh delves into studying the adsorption and tribological properties of lubricant additives at oil-metal interfaces, utilizing sophisticated techniques such as polarised neutron reflectometry. Supported by sources including the European Commission, UKRI, and BP International, his work not only advances fundamental understanding but also offers practical applications in formulation chemistry and industrial processes.

Dr. Zarbakhsh's teaching areas encompass surfactants, interfaces, electrochemistry, colloidal formulations and nanomaterials, reflecting his expertise in these domains.

Undergraduate Teaching

• Essential Skills for Chemists (Tutorials) (CHE100)
• Practical Chemistry (CHE201)
• Advanced Practical Chemistry 1 (CHE301)
• Topics in Physical Chemistry (CHE304U)
• Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry (CHE404U)

Research

Research Interests:

See Ali Zarbakhsh’s research profile pages including details of research interests, publications, and live grants.

Supervision

Current PhD opportunity

• New microbial quality testing for drinking water device