Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar 2025-Dr. Panagiota N. Natsi (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras)

Abstract

In this presentaion, the role of the solid-electrolyte interfacial surface as a determining factor in crystallization, precipitation, and surface modification processes in Chemical Engineering systems with environmental, biomedical, and catalytic applications will be presented. Initially, the precipitation and crystallization of calcium carbonate in aqueous and non-aqueous systems will be discussed, with emphasis on the activity of biological substrates (microalgae) and on the role of dispersions of immiscible organic solvents such as dodecane. Subsequently, struvite precipitation via electrochemical processes will be presented, highlighting the role of the electrode–electrolyte interface. This will be followed by an analysis of biological calcification in polymeric biomaterials (hydrophilic contact lenses and polymers with antimicrobial activity), with emphasis on surface charge and surface chemical groups, which act as active sites for the development of crystalline phases, as well as on surface modification with graphene oxide as a method for controlling crystal growth. Catalytic systems will also be presented, focusing on the chemistry of surface functional groups and the role of the interface in the activity and dispersion of the active phase on the surface. Finally, reference will be made to emulsions and interfacial tension measurements in cosmetic systems (dispersions of sunscreen oils in aqueous media), highlighting the importance of interfacial physicochemistry in liquid–liquid dispersions (emulsions). The talk will conclude with the presentation of my future research directions in the engineering of polymeric and colloidal systems.

Speakers Short CV

Dr. Panagiota Natsi is a Chemical Engineer holding a PhD from the University of Patras. She completed her undergraduate studies in 2014 and obtained her MSc degree in 2016, specializing in Energy and Environment. In 2021, she was awarded her PhD, with a research focus on biological calcification, and in particular on the formation and growth of calcium carbonate in microalgae.

She has teaching experience at both undergraduate level and in international academic environments, including independent teaching of courses such as Organic Chemistry at Liaoning University of Technology (China) and Natural Disaster Management and Climate Change at the University of Patras. In addition, she has served as a teaching assistant in core Chemical Engineering courses (Physical Chemistry, Polymers, Mass Transfer) and has actively contributed to the co-supervision of numerous undergraduate diploma theses and postgraduate dissertations.

Since 2021, she has been working as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras. Her research activities focus on crystallization processes, salt scaling, biological calcification, phosphorus recovery from aqueous waste streams, catalytic processes, and the development of advanced materials and coatings. She has a strong background in chemical analysis and materials characterization techniques and has participated in several national and European research projects (ELIDEK, INVALOR, PERAN, ERASMUS+).

Dr. Natsi is the author/co-author of 15 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and 2 book chapters (119 citations, h-index: 6, Google Scholar, 5-12-2025), and has delivered more than 50 presentations at international and national conferences. Her work has received international recognition through awards and distinctions.