Functional Nanomaterials

Our key concepts
Energy and environment
Energy storage

Description

The Functional Nanomaterials Group designs and engineers nanomaterials with optimized functionalities and applies them in energy conversion, energy storage and environmental remediation technologies.

Our efforts are mainly focused on the synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles, and their assembly and use in different energy conversion technologies. In particular, we have pioneered strategies to produce complex multinary chalcogenides, phosphides and oxides and on their application in thermoelectric energy conversion, Li-S batteries and electrocatalysis. 

A major outcome of our work has been the production of bulk materials with world record ZT values, which would allow up to 60% higher energy conversion efficiencies than current commercial devices. We have also developed innovative techniques to manipulate the surface chemistry of colloidal nanocrystals and assemble them into clusters, thin films, gels and bulk nanocomposites. 

Our laboratories are equipped with the all the necessary set-ups to undertake every stage in the development of nanomaterial-based energy conversion devices, including nanomaterials synthesis, manipulation and fabrication of macroscopic structures and devices, material functional characterization and device test.

The laboratory equipment photos of Functional Nanomaterials research group are available in Multimedia Gallery.

<strong>SYNTHESIS</strong>

• Colloidal nanocrystals and quantum dots

• Nanowires, nanotubes

• 2D materials

• Magnetic nanoparticles

• Reactive inks

• Thin films

PROCESSING

• Surface functionalization

• Nanoparticle assembly, composites

• Textured nanomaterials

• Nanoparticle-based inks and gels

• Supercritical drying

• Rapid hot press

• High resolution rapid 3D printing

APPLICATIONS

• Thermoelectrics

• Fuel cells

• Li-S and metal-air batteries

• (Electro-, photo-) catalysis

• Fuel synthesis

• Environmental remediation

• Functional coatings