The Department of Physics is delighted to welcome Dr Anna Baldycheva (University of Exeter) to give the eleventh Physics Department Colloquium of Semester 2 2023/24. Please join us to listen to Dr Anna Baldycheva's seminar titled 'Graphene and 2D materials – Truly Smart Materials from computing and health monitoring to building construction and renovation'.
A reception will be held directly after the seminar, where tea and coffee will be provided.
The seminar is open to anyone from the university, students are encouraged to attend.
Title
Graphene and 2D materials – Truly Smart Materials from computing and health monitoring to building construction and renovation
Abstract
Graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials are revolutionising many technologies due to their unique combination of high electrical conductivity, optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, exceptional sensing capabilities and water-repellent properties. Graphene's unparalleled conductivity enables faster electron mobility, making it ideal for advanced computing applications, including next-generation transistors and sensors. Its optical transparency is crucial for photodetectors and transparent conductive films, essential for flexible displays and solar cells.
The mechanical flexibility of graphene allows it to bend and stretch without losing structural integrity, making it perfect for wearable technologies (E-textile) and health monitoring devices. The temperature sensors made with graphene provide real-time data for personalised healthcare, while its sensitivity to environmental changes enhances applications like electronic noses for early decease diagnosis.
In building construction and renovation, graphene offers transformative solutions. Its superior strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility contribute to ultra-strong, lightweight construction materials, improving structural integrity and reducing material consumption. Additionally, super-hydrophobic graphene coatings enhance durability and resistance to environmental factors, extending the lifespan of building materials and promoting energy efficiency. These properties underscore the vast potential of graphene and 2D materials in driving innovations across various industries.
Bio
Dr. Anna Baldycheva is the head of STEMM Lab at the Centre for Graphene Science at the University of Exeter. She completed her BSc (Hons) in Physics at Saint Petersburg University in 2008 and her PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin in 2012. She then joined the Research Lab of Electronics and Microsystems Technology Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Postdoctoral Researcher. In 2014, she accepted a position as a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in 2D Materials at the University of Exeter, where she founded the STEMM Laboratory. STEMM Lab is a highly interdisciplinary research lab focused on applied R&D of smart materials, devices, and systems for real-world applications.
In 2024, Dr. Baldycheva founded INNANO, a spin-out company based on graphene innovations developed at STEMM Lab, which she leads as a CEO. She has authored and co-authored over 130 scientific publications and has delivered 40 plenary, keynote and invited talks to date. Her dedication to advancing science and technology is evident through her roles as a Fellow, Board Member, and Trustee of several esteemed scientific communities and societies. Dr. Baldycheva is a Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) and the Royal Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She serves as a trustee and chair of the EPMS section of the RMS and is the founder and trustee of the STEMM Global Scientific Society. She is also the driving force behind the Women in STEMM Initiative - It's Her!, which has been featured in Forbes and Forbes Tech.
Dr. Baldycheva is the Editor-in-Chief of the InSTEMM Journal, an Associate Editor of Nature Scientific Reports and Discover Nano Journals, and a guest editor for several recognised scientific journals. Her leadership and innovative contributions continue to inspire and advance the fields of graphene science and smart materials.