Nanosciences
Nanosciences investigates the fundamental and functional properties of atoms, molecules and objects on the nanoscale. These properties are often completely different from the macroscopic properties but can still have a big impact on the behaviour of a given product or living cell.
For example, the minuscule displacement of atoms on an interface could significantly affect a given material's binding energy, fragility or electrical conductivity. On the surface of a small particle, such displacements can fundamentally influence its catalytic properties, while the electrical conductivity of a carbon nanotube depends on its exact atomic structure and its internal structure can in turn determine its chemical and mechanical properties.
For example, the minuscule displacement of atoms on an interface could significantly affect a given material's binding energy, fragility or electrical conductivity. On the surface of a small particle, such displacements can fundamentally influence its catalytic properties, while the electrical conductivity of a carbon nanotube depends on its exact atomic structure and its internal structure can in turn determine its chemical and mechanical properties.
Nanosciences in the Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Sciences Nano Excellence Centre draws together a large experimental group focusing on electron microscopy and an equally large group focusing on theory and simulation. Constructing a research spearhead around Nano was an obvious step. Together with a third group, whose interests include surface modelling, these teams join forces in many interdisciplinary projects. Many other techniques, including those used in spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance, are also applied in the nanoscale field. Other groups contribute to the development of new nanostructures.
Collaboration
Seventeen members of the Tenured Academic Personnel (including five research professors and one member of staff from the IOF) and around 50 researchers are currently working on nano-related subjects, both theoretical (through computer simulation) and experimental. We also see that our colleagues in Biology, Bio-engineering, Medicine and Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences are increasingly coming into contact with nano issues. We have strong ties with the university colleges, where the study and application of nanomaterials is also a priority. Because of the intrinsic quality of their research and their international reputation in a wide range of subjects, our researchers are able to raise funds via various channels such as Methusalem, Hercules, the European Commission, the IAP, SBO, FWO, IWT, WOG, and so on.
It is clear that this new scientific discipline can transcend the limits of departments and even faculties. Physicians, chemists and biologists are likely to concentrate mainly on gaining fundamental knowledge and understanding of how matter works at the nano level; doctors, pharmacists, materials scientists and (bio-)engineers, meanwhile, are likely to focus on its applications. The application of nanotechnology is beginning to play an increasingly important role in making our industry more sustainable. In human science, too, questions about nanotechnological risks and ethics are starting to provide food for thought.
It is clear that this new scientific discipline can transcend the limits of departments and even faculties. Physicians, chemists and biologists are likely to concentrate mainly on gaining fundamental knowledge and understanding of how matter works at the nano level; doctors, pharmacists, materials scientists and (bio-)engineers, meanwhile, are likely to focus on its applications. The application of nanotechnology is beginning to play an increasingly important role in making our industry more sustainable. In human science, too, questions about nanotechnological risks and ethics are starting to provide food for thought.