Monash Centre for Atomically Thin Materials established
MCATM Co-Director Professor Dan Li (Faculty of Engineering) and Director Professor Michael S. Fuhrer (Faculty of Science).
A ground-breaking new centre at Monash is set to take materials research to a new level of granularity.
The Monash Centre for Atomically Thin Materials (MCATM) is a joint collaboration between the Science and Engineering faculties designed to become an international research hub based in the southern hemisphere.
Led by Professor Michael Fuhrer, Faculty of Science, and Professor Dan Li, Faculty of Engineering, the Centre was officially approved by the University this year. MCATM will allow Australia to be a key initiator in the emerging atomically thin materials industry. Graphene in particular has gained widespread commercial use, driving industrial transformation. Notable companies investing in graphene include Samsung, Intel, IBM and Airbus. There is similar potential for the technology to revive Australia’s manufacturing industry, adding significant value to an emerging graphite mining industry.
“Interest in atomically thin materials is growing both locally and internationally. Until now, there has been no such centre in Australia,” said Professor Fuhrer.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Monash to take the lead in this important field, fostering partnerships with industry and international researchers and providing a platform for the training of early career researchers and students,” he said.
MCATM co-director Dan Li said the organisation would make a significant contribution to Australian manufacturing and mining industries.
“Engineered novel atomically thin materials have the potential to enable a range of disruptive technologies. They are the ultimate engines for driving multiple industrial transformation.” Professor Li said.
Graphene research is well underway, with several Australian graphite research companies and start-ups taking the initiative. Although research is still in its early stages, scalable production of graphene from graphite is being pursued by companies across the globe. The two-dimensional material has the potential to disrupt real-world applications, with a growing interest across both the academic and business community.
Atomically thin materials are building blocks of matter, which are generally one or a few atoms thick. They are often used to form working elements of solid-state electronic devices such as digital displays and touch screens. One such material, graphene, is a strong conductor of electricity and is useful in the creation of computerised products. Atomically thin materials are also used for a range of other properties and functions, such as thermal conduction, in battery electrodes, as membranes and filters, and more.
Visit the MCATM News and Events page for recent highlights of the MCATM members in the media. The Centre has recently held its first Industry Engagement event on Graphene Innovation for High-Tech Manufacturing. MCATM is also hosting an international conference in October with the participation of Nobel Laureate Sir Konstantin Novoselov, who will also give a public lecture at the Monash Clayton campus.
More information on the Monash Centre for Atomically Thin Materials.