Little Things Make A Big Difference

Cancer is the second main cause of death globally. However, thanks to the fast development of nanomedicine, defeating cancer at an early stage is now possible. Smart nanoparticles allow us to find single cancer cells for prompt detection. Treatment of cancer is being successfully performed via hyperthermia activated by an external switch mechanism. In this talk, we will discuss how novel core-shell nanoparticles combine both near-infrared (NIR) light-based imaging and magnetic heat treatment capabilities in the same device.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face in the 21st century. The need for clean energy has never been greater, and it is a challenge that science is rising to meet. Clean energy boils down to two goals, energy harvesting and energy storage. These goals demand better solutions, effectively a need for wonder materials. By understanding and building upon the oddities and craziness of theoretical physics and Quantum mechanics, I will talk about how we are designing these materials such as solar cells and rechargeable batteries for electric cars, in the hope of better future.

Materials only one atom thick are revolutionising several research fields, from electronic components to medical diagnostics. But what are these materials and why are they so special? In this talk I will try to answer these and other questions by giving an overview of our research in Exeter. I will then try to peep into what the future technology may look like, spanning from solar cells to wearable computers and smartphones.