Ben Erne

Dr. Ben Erne is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, affiliated with the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. He has held a permanent scientific staff position since 2000, following his PhD (1991-1995) on electrochemistry of photoanodes (awarded KNCV-Van Arkel prize) and post-doctoral work at École Polytechnique and Institut Lavoisier in Paris (1995-2000).

His research focuses on the physical and colloidal chemistry of electrical double layers, with applications in sustainable technology. Key areas include:

• Magnetic nanoparticles and ferrofluids for density separation technologies
• Thermodynamic characterization of electrical double layers in porous electrodes
• Development of charge sensors for colloids and proteins
• Interfacial phenomena in aqueous systems and polymer solutions

Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on experimental thermodynamics, colloidal stability, electrochemical characterization, and nanomaterial applications. Recent work shows increasing focus on energy storage systems and sustainable separation technologies.

Awards & Honors:

• KNCV-Van Arkel prize for PhD research (1995)

Teaching responsibilities span physical chemistry courses across bachelor's and master's programs, including coordination of Physical Chemistry curriculum and honors programs. He chairs OAC-Nanomaterials Science and serves on the board of the Soft Matter section at the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (KNCV).

Leads research at the Physical and Colloid Chemistry laboratory, focusing on experimental characterization of colloidal systems and electrode interfaces, with applications in sustainability pathways.