Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar 2025-Dr Georgios Mathioudakis (Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH) / Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT))

Abstract

Advanced materials have the potential to provide the innovative solutions required for a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive industry. The rapid development of advanced materials, together with complementary non-conventional analytical techniques, is a key driver in addressing modern societal challenges—from health protection and food safety to the monitoring of “persistent” pollutants and smart energy management. In this context, the present talk focuses on the multidimensional development, evaluation, and characterization of polymers and advanced composite materials with multifunctional properties, as well as on the design, optimization, and application of colloidal systems as platforms for ultrasensitive detection of chemical substances and bioactive molecules. The development processes and characterization of polymeric and hybrid nanocomposite materials are examined in high-demand applications, such as their use as biostatic and antimicrobial coatings, the fabrication of breathable polymer membranes for construction roofing films, and the creation of smart food-packaging materials incorporating complexing agents and functioning as quality indicators. At the same time, emphasis is placed on the development and modification of noble-metal colloidal systems with controlled design and optimized–stabilized plasmonic “hot spots” for highly selective and sensitive detection of pollutants at extremely low concentrations (ppt), employing and tailoring Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). This approach enables the particularly demanding quantitative detection of chemical compounds, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals, even within complex biological and environmental matrices. Overall, the research direction integrates polymer science with nanotechnology, colloid chemistry, and advanced spectroscopy in a unified and synergistic framework.

Speakers Short CV

Dr. G. Mathioudakis is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH) / Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT). He holds a B.Sc. in Materials Science, an M.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology (Interdepartmental Program in Polymer & Composite Materials Science and Technology), and a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Dissertation: Characterization of innovative polymeric materials with potential controlled biostatic activity, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras), funded by FORTH/ICE-HT. His research interests focus on: the preparation, investigation, and modification of colloidal suspensions, and their use as analytical platforms for the quantitative detection of various chemical compounds (e.g., pharmaceuticals, organic pollutants, perfluorinated substances, etc.) at very low detection limits using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). The study and characterization of polymers, and the preparation and evaluation of (nano)materials and nanocomposites. The study and quantification of the potential release of chemical substances into selected simulants through spectroscopic analysis (UV/Vis and SERS). He is co-author of 25 peer-reviewed research articles (h-index: 7), has contributed to over 50 presentations at international and national conferences, and has participated in the implementation of five European and national competitive research projects. He has served (a) for seven academic semesters as an Adjunct Lecturer with full teaching responsibilities for the courses Industrial Plastics and Industrial Metals and Alloys at the Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, and (b) for the academic year 2024–25 as Adjunct Teaching Staff in laboratory courses at the Departments of Chemistry [Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and 3D Printing] and Physics [Physics Laboratory II (Mechanics – Fluid Mechanics)].