Research
How do you keep a cleanroom clean?
Research 15 December 2016
The air inside a cleanroom is one million times purer than the air we breathe each day. The National Graphene Institute (NGI) boasts 1500 square meters of cleanroom space but what is a cleanroom and how do you keep it clean?
One year into a graphene PhD and making science engaging
Research 1 December 2016
One year into her PhD Fiona Porter talks about her experience in the Graphene NOWNANO Centre for Doctoral Training programme (CDT), and the importance of public events to engage people with science. Having been introduced to nanochemistry during my Masters project at the University of Oxford, I wanted to continue in this area for my PhD, […]
The right place, at the right time – the journey to a PhD
Research 24 November 2016
The Graphene NOWNANO CDT programme was a case of the right opportunity presenting itself at the right time. Studying for my A-levels in Bolton, I had one of those over-enthusiastic and motivational teachers who really cared, both about her subject, and the progress of the students she was teaching. She would highlight areas outside of […]
The highs and lows of a PhD
Research 13 May 2016
My name’s Matt Holwill, I grew up in North Wales before doing a combined Bachelors and Masters in Physics at the University of Exeter. After that I wanted to do a PhD and came here to Manchester as a member of the Graphene NOWNANO Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). Can you give an outline of […]
Graphene Patenting
Applications 26 April 2016
Some people have been curious as to why The University of Manchester didn’t patent graphene. Clive Rowland, CEO of UMI3, explains. The University of Manchester neither discovered nor invented graphene; rather it was the place where this extraordinary material was first isolated from graphite and correctly identified as graphene late in 2003. Graphene had been known about […]
Graphene membranes- creating the perfect barrier
Research 15 April 2016
Out next blogger is James Dix, who is currently studying for a PhD in the NOWNANO Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). Originally from Bristol, he went on to study a Joint Honours Masters Degree in Chemistry and Physics in Durham, graduating in 2013. His speciality is in the area of graphene oxide membranes. Could you […]
Biosensors, drug delivery and diabetes
Research 21 March 2016
Joe Butcher a PhD student in the Graphene NOWNANO Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme. Talks to us about his work on biosensors and how they could revolutionise medical applications. Can you give an outline of the kind of research that you do (in layman’s terms), and particularly how it relates to graphene? I’m trying […]
Graphene NOWNANO PhD – A view from the halfway point
Research 10 February 2016
An interview with Philip Thomas, a PhD student enrolled in the Graphene NOWNANO CDT programme. In layman’s terms, how does your work relate to Graphene? The fundamentals of graphene, in terms of the physics, are generally understood. There are all kinds of other 2D materials that we’re discovering; recently phosphorene has attracted a lot of […]
Welcoming President Xi Jinping of China to the NGI
Applications 19 November 2015
On Friday 23 October 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the University. There was no doubt that day would be a big day. Fortunately, after planning and rehearsing for quite a long time, I wasn’t feeling that nervous. I arrived early in the morning, but there was already a crowd of thousands opposite the National […]
Is graphene harmful?
Applications 7 October 2015
At The University of Manchester many areas of graphene research are studied: composites and coatings, electronics, energy storage… One field of research, currently being conducted here is biomedical applications. Although within the initial stages this area of graphene research has the potential to make a significant impact on people’s lives through drug delivery, cancer therapies […]