Graphene, the single layered nanomaterial derivative of graphite, has been the focus of research studies across universities and countries. Its unique and superior properties such as strength, conductivity and impermeability to gases offer the potential for numerous applications ranging from medical imaging devices to electrical circuits to touch screens.
The latest initiative to understand graphene and gauge its potential applications is the launch of a collaborative research by Boston University (BU) and National University of Singapore (NUS). The partnership will allow faculty, students and post doctoral researchers from the College of Engineering and physics department at Boston University to study at the NUS Graphene Research Centre (GRC) in Singapore. At the GRC, the researchers will have access to advanced nanofabrication technology and state-of-the-art equipment such as electron beam lithography and atomic force microscopy. The faculty, students and post doctoral researchers from NUS will also have an opportunity to study at BU.
CAS Physics Professor Antonio Castro Neto accepted the post of Center Director because of the opportunity to work in close collaboration with researchers studying different facets of the same material. He believes that science becomes productive by partnering and this program would offer students an international experience. Banco Santander, the Spanish Bank is providing the funding for the collaborative research.