An Asian Research Network (ARN) has been formed by the Hanyang University of Korea and RIKEN of Japan in collaboration with other institutes and universities in Asia. This network has been launched to reinforce a strong education and research collaboration throughout Asia.
Recently, carbon nanotubes were used to produce touch sensors. An ink solution, which modifies its colour when exposed to UV rays or heat, resulting in printable electronic circuits, has also been synthesized.
Choi Eunsuk’s team has synthesized touch sensors using thin films of carbon nanotubes, which are electrically conducive with optical transparency in thin layers. This may lead to production of electronic items like television or e-paper which can be rolled up.
Likewise, Jong-Man Kim and his group has devised an ink solution that alters its colour repetitively when exposed to UV rays or heat. The chance of electronic circuits to be printed has been increased due to this innovation. This integration of the circuits into materials like paper will be advantageous to industrial producers.
The collaboration began as an alliance between two universities. This has been developed into a network by Prof. Haiwon Lee who serves as the Director of the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology in Hanyang University, South Korea. Some of the ARN members include National University of Singapore, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Samsung Electronics and Chinese Academy of Sciences. The members are jointly working in 'Fusion Technology Center' at Seoul in South Korea.