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In order to create the materials of the future, we first need to be able to look at them more closely. Join us as we unearth the secrets behind surface chemical microscopy, explore new materials for automotive batteries and have a look at how terahertz spectroscopy is creating '21st-century' materials.
Compere
John Cooper
(Comedian and illustrator)
Returning for comparing duties is John Cooper. John is a stand up comedian and illustrator, with a fascination for communication. He's performed at over one hundred theatres around the UK, delivered workshops on how to build confidence through comedy and appropriate use of humour at work. He's not a scientist, but his natural curiosity for the interesting and unusual led him to getting involved with the Pint of Science festival in 2018.
Surface chemical microscopy
Dr Nicholas Lockyer
(Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry, Analytical Measurement and Physical Chemistry Section)
Surface chemistry determines how a material interacts with its environment, be it packaging for consumer goods or a biomedical implant. Analytical techniques to probe the very surface of materials are therefore of key importance in many areas of technology and in a wide range of industries including healthcare and manufacturing. My research includes the development and application of analytical instruments to probe surface chemistry, using high-energy ion beams, lasers and mass spectrometry, to measure the mass and distribution of individual atoms and molecules in 2D and 3D.
Smaller, faster, smarter: using THz radiation to create ‘21st century’ devices
Dr Jessica Boland
(Lecturer in Functional Materials and Devices)
As our reliance on technology continues to increase, the demand for smaller, faster, more energy-efficient devices is constantly growing. Just think how much thinner your phone has become in the past few years! Nanomaterials are rapidly finding their way into our everyday lives. However, if we want to create ‘21st-century’ devices, we need to understand their fundamental properties. How fast are electrons moving in the material? How efficient are they at converting light to electric current? This is where terahertz spectroscopy comes in.
Zap! And your car is fully charged
Dr. Richard Fields
(Research Associate)
Transferring to fully electric vehicles is essential for a clean, low carbon future. This talk will start with an overview of fundamental EV technologies such as electrified drive trains, batteries, and fast charging capabilities. Beyond this, you will learn potential futures these technologies have, what capabilities they enable (such as sub 5-minute recharge) and how our society will have to adapt to enable their adoption. This transfer to EVs will revolutionise the way in which societies across the world work, it is best to be well informed before we fully embark on this journey.
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