Research Themes
Theme 1: Nanofabrication and Devices
Whilst nanotechnology is tremendously diverse, nanofabrication is the key for engineering nanostructures since it allows precise control over device dimensions and properties. There are two approaches to nanofabrication each with strengths and weaknesses. Traditional “top down” methods are critically constrained by resolution and diffraction limits, and new approaches are needed. Here we will explore such new approaches in areas of optical nanolithography and cluster-based self-assembly where we have proven track records. We will also apply more traditional nanofabrication techniques to new electronic, optical and magnetic devices. Theory and simulation will be used to inform and stimulate our experimental investigations.. More...
Theme 2: Electronic and Optical Materials
Researchers in this theme are internationally recognised for their ongoing leading contributions to research in high-Tc superconductors, strongly correlated electron systems, semiconducting and metallic nitrides, glass ceramics, conducting polymers and surface enhanced Raman scattering.. More...
Molecular materials find diverse applications and researchers in this theme have expertise in many of these, including: molecular magnets, solar energy and electroluminescent materials, functional surfaces and supramolecular assemblies. Our challenge now is to further develop molecules and use our knowledge in the construction of larger (>100 nm) assemblies whether on a surface or as a three-dimensional structure. These larger ordered systems are critical to success in a number of applications including solar cells, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), sensors and magnets. More...
Soft matter is where physics meets chemistry, and where physics and chemistry meet biology. Nature elegantly harnesses the special physics of the nano-world and performs ‘bottom-up’ processing with aplomb, generating smart, functional, viscoelastic matrices: from molecules to materials. Soft materials and complex fluids are ubiquitous not only in biology, but also in industrial arenas as diverse as oil recovery, food technology, cosmetics and personal care products, electronic devices, and biotechnologies, such as microfluidics and targeted drug delivery. More...
Theme 5: Inorganic Hybrid Materials
Theme 5 research will develop new inorganic hybrid materials whose hierarchy of nano-, micro- and macro-scaled features will give rise to new chemical, physical and biological functionality. Our goals are supported by a record of excellence in fundamental, strategic and applied inorganic and conducting polymer materials chemistry, underpinned by strong interactions with industry and long standing international strength and leadership in nano-structured materials including inorganic-natural fibre hybrid materials, conducting polymers, solid state and advanced ceramic science, thin film and coatings science, and in the applications of solid state NMR and surface analysis techniques to materials research.
Theme 6: The intersection of Nanoscience and Biology
The biological, biomedical and medical applications of advanced materials and nanotechnology are some of the most exciting, novel and potentially, most life-enhancing. Understanding and exploiting the promise of biological systems is a complex and challenging task which is best addressed through a multidisciplinary approach. This theme combines a group of researchers who together, and with their collaborators, have a unique set of skills and facilities to tackle research problems at the intersection of nanoscience and biology. More...
