Research

We work on the studies of a wide variety of nanostructured materials, aiming to understand the physical properties of these nanomaterials and how these properties are influenced by the morphology, stoichiometry and structures of these nanomaterials. Some of the nanomaterials that we work with includes but not limited to, 0D silver and gold nanoparticles, 1D carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, 2D tungsten disulfide, molybdenum disulfide, graphene, graphene oxide etc.

Ever since, we started to place greater emphasis on nanomaterials to develop more synthesis routes to obtain new type of nanostructures. Our current research interest is understanding the structural assembly and growth mechanism of the nanostructures, in order to achieve greater control in the material composition, physical structure, physical properties and functionality. We are also interested in the synthesis of new classes of nanomaterials and exploring different methods such as using our focused laser beam system (Six-Veined Excalibur), to incorporate two or more different nanostructures together with controlled architecture.

Apart from the more traditional nanomaterials, we are also working on upcycling sustainable materials where they are uniquely functionalised for targetted applications such as energy storage, chemical sensing and steganography.  Some of the sustainable materials include hard carbon (from tyre waste), fish scales and even human hair