Funding for Soft Matter Charge Sensor project Ben Erné

NWO awards funding to research project Open Technology Programme

Dr. Ben Erné

Yogurt and wet baby diapers

Yogurt, ketchup, paint, shampoo, and wet baby diapers are all examples of soft matter - materials that are neither completely solid nor liquid. The development and continuous improvement of these products require extensive expertise, both in industry and science. One key property that influences the functionality of soft matter – such as its stability - is its electric charge. However, no reliable technique currently exists to measure this charge accurately. While several methods are available, each has its limitations. This lack of precise measurement techniques poses challenges for the further development and quality control of commercial products.

Connecting with industry

In the project An Electric Charge Sensor for Soft Matter, physical chemist Ben Erné will develop a new type of sensor designed to quickly and accurately measure the charge of soft matter. He will collaborate with , a company in Ede focused on advancing food and health products,  in Geleen, which helps industrial clients improve products and processes, and  in Delft, a sensor development company. "The goal is to create a functional prototype of the sensor," says Erné. "NIZO and Nanoscolo will integrate prototypes directly into their daily operations, ensuring that the final product is perfectly aligned with industrial needs."

Concept

The idea for the sensor originated in part from Professor Albert Philipse, co-applicant of the project. Although now retired, he will help with the theoretical aspects of the work. In 2015, Philipse introduced the concept of a sensor that measures the charge of soft matter based on the Donnan effect - a phenomenon where ions are unevenly distributed across a membrane due to charged molecules being unable to pass through it. The research team will now bring this concept to life by developing a practical, working sensor.

"NIZO and Nanoscolo will integrate prototypes directly into their daily operations, ensuring that the final product is perfectly aligned with industrial needs"