ARC Centre for Functional Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials are advanced materials constructed with nanoscale building blocks, with molecular precision of control. Such materials possess much improved physical and chemical properties. These properties change with particle size, and can be controlled by manipulating the building blocks. By functional nanomaterials, we mean those nanomaterials having essential functional properties, that are useful in processes such as adsorption, ion-conducting, separation, catalysis, biomaterials and biosensing, not in structural and electronic applications.

The Centre aims to carry out world-class research at both fundamental and applied levels into the synthesis, characterization and application of various nanomaterials; to provide first rate research training contributing to the growth of Australia's human capital; and to establish close research linkages with leading international groups, positioning Australia as a world leader in this emerging field. The programs will lead to innovative techniques and technologies that will underpin new materials and products for applications in clean energy, environmental, and health care industries.

The Centre has its headquarters at The University of Queensland in Brisbane, and a New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Node based at The University of New South Wales. It brings together leading researchers from four Australian Universities with the Centre's Chief Investigators coming from The University of Queensland, The University of New South Wales, The Australian National University and The University of Western Sydney. The Centre also brings together Partner Investigators from four CSIRO Divisions as well as from IBM's Almaden Research Centre and Washington University in St Louis.

Primary Activity