Mission

Main research interests are powder synthesis, powder characterisation, colloidal processing, sintering of ceramics and atomistic modelling of surfaces and interfaces..

Mission - controlling the interaction of surfaces and interfaces ubiquitous in powder technology. From solid-liquid interfaces found during precipitation or powder suspensions to grain boundaries in sintered ceramics. The interfacial interactions are investigated at an atomistic level using classical energy minimisation and molecular dynamic simulations as well as thermodynamic speciation in solution. The interactions between particles in suspension is a strong theme – be it in de-agglomeration of nanosized powders, the dispersion of cementitious materials or self-assembly during precipitation. Using either inorganic or organic additives the interfacial properties and interactions between particles and development of microstructures can be modified and controlled. This knowledge and control of interfacial interactions has lead to controlled morphology and self-assembly of nanostructured calcite and oxalates; the more efficient dispersion of cement (new dispersants devloped in collaboration with industry); the production of transparent polycrystalline alumina; and novel nanoparticles and porous nanostructured particles for photocatalytic antibacterial applications. His interaction with industry has involved product analysis and development leading to commercially successful products such the transparent nanoceramic ink-jet paper “Instant Dry” (ILFORD SA)

Travail en cours

1. From Atomistic and Thermodynamic Modelling to Transparent Polycrystalline Alumina and microstrcutural characterisation.
2. Atomistic Simulation in Cementitious Systems
3. Nanoparticle tracking and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy non-smoking volunteers
4. Non-invasive continuous monitoring of the interactions between nanoparticles and aquatic microorganisms

BIOGRAPHIE

Dr. P. Bowen after gaining his BSc in Physics at Imperial College (UK), he obtained his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in the field of catalysis from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1982, He then worked at the BP Research Centre, Sunbury, UK, for 4 years in applied surface sciences before moving to Switzerland and EPFL in 1987. He has been at the Powder Technology Laboratory, in the Materials Institute since its conception in 1988. He has over 150 publications and has written an undergraduate book on ceramic synthesis and processing.

Education:

1976-1979 Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London. B.Sc. Honours in Physics.

1979-1982 Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Cambridge. Certificate of Postgraduate Studies in Chemistry. Thesis: A Mössbauer Study of Some Clay Minerals and their Surfaces.

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. Thesis: An Iron-57 and Tin-119 Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study of Some Graphite Intercalation Compounds and Carbon Supported Iron Catalysts.

Professional Experience:

1983-1986 Research Scientist (Physical Chemist), New Technology Division, British Petroleum Company plc, BP Research Centre, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 7LN, England.

1987-1988 Engineer, Ceramics Laboratory, Département des Matériaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

1988-2008 Research Associate/lecturer (MER), Powder Technology Laboratory (Present) Institute des Matériaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.