Research areas

• Nanophosphors, photoluminescent materials, inorganic and organometallic materials, Mössbauer Spectroscopy.
• Bottom-up nanotechnology to produce environmental catalysts, smart tracers, antimalarial surfaces, efficient photocatalysts, anticoagulation agents, novel biofuels and networks for CO2 capture and utilisation.
• Synthesis, characterisation and processing of novel inorganic and polymer materials
• Engineered Materials Ceramic Powder Processing
• Biodegradable and compostible plastics
• Bio-market / Pharmaceuticals
• Development and application of in-house modification/development of twin screw compounding technology
• Electro-active transparent and luminescent elastomers and plastics
• Development and Uses of (Bio)degradable MaterialsElectro-active transparent and luminescent elastomers and plastics
• Development and modification of nanocomposites
• Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), Organic Photovoltaic Cells (OPVs), Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFTs).
• Solar (photovoltaic) cells. Anglo –Indian Initiative.
• Processing of soft solids to the production of polymers highly-loaded with metals and ceramics for applications in the aerospace, automotive and defence industries.
• Environmental and biological sensing chemical interaction of materials with surfaces that can be applied to chemical sensors .
• Fabrication of Neutron Sensors for applications in the Nuclear and oil industries
• Electro-active transparent and luminescent elastomers and plastics
• Particle Physics
• Photonics
• Grid computing and holographic research
• Space research, medical research, particle physics and radiation dosimetry

The Displays, Electronics and Lighting division has its roots in the Centre for Phosphors and Display Materials, formerly at the University of Greenwich, which moved to Brunel in 2006 along with the Centre’s current director, Prof. Jack Silver. Research areas include OLEDs, alternating current luminescence (ACEL) and phosphors as LED colour convertors.

• Academic staff: Dr George Fern, Prof Poopathy Kathirgamanathan and Prof Asim Ray.

• Visiting professors : Prof John Fyson, Prof Dan den Engleson, Prof Chris Winscom and Dr Anthony Lipman.

• Research Staff: Dr Terry Ireland and Dr Paul Marsh.

Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles and Nanocatalysts:- As a part of materials science, the study of matter at the nanoscale has seen an upsurge in interest in recent years, a change which is reflected at the Wolfson Centre.  Current work in this area includes pollen-based titania nanoparticle coatings for bullet casings which label the hands of those who have touched them, allowing subsequent identification (New Scientist, 16th June 2012). Nanoparticle phosphors and display materials for lighting and display industries and for plastic electronics.

• Academic staff: Dr George Fern and Prof Poopathy Kathirgamanathan. 
• Visiting professors: Prof Tim Bushell, Prof Dan den Engleson, Prof Chris Winscom, Prof Paul Sermon and Dr Anthony Lipman.
• Research Staff: Dr Terry Ireland, Dr Paul Marsh

Research aims to improve manufactured polymers by understanding and controlling composition and structure. We bring together expertise in the field of polymer processing with a wide range of industrial techniques, including unique mixing and injection moulding techniques developed here. Current and recent projects include research into fire retardant textiles, biodegradable packaging and the formulation of biofuels. Work on moulding and extrusion processes has generated a significant portfolio of patents and intellectual property rights, which is reflected in a number of commercial licenses and spin-out ventures.

• Academic staff: Dr George Fern and Prof Karnik Taverdi.
• Visiting Professor: Prof Edward Kosier.
• Research Staff:  Dr Paul Marsh and Dr Terry Ireland.