2003 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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University of Ulster
James Mc Laughlin
Nanotechnology Research at the University of Ulster

The Nanotechnology Research Institute at the University of Ulster

Nanotechnology Research at the University of Ulster (UU), in conjunction with The Northern Ireland Bioengineering Research Centre (NIBEC), is internationally recognised for its work on the biosensors, photocatalysis, and advanced functional materials research and technology transfer. This expertise has been extended to cover nanoscale research, which is further supported by the newly established Nanotechnology Research Institute at UU. The Institute is currently involved in several European projects developing biosensor arrays, surface modification and photoelectrochemical cells. We are also establishing a joint UU and Queen's University Belfast Centre of Excellence, focused on nanotechnolgy and knowledge based solutions for industry in the 21st century.


Our targets have been
  • �Design, fabrication and characterisation of sensors for biomedical and environmental applications. The sensors group has strengths in the areas of ac impedance, cyclic voltammetry, potentiometry, and in their use in the characterisation of materials and interfaces. Specialisms include electronic nose devices, smart sensors and implantable electrodes/arrays.

  • �Investigation of ultrathin carbon nanolayers as produced by Dense-Plasma systems, including Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc, for application to magnetic storage technology.

  • �The use of nanoscale photocatalytic TiO 2 (Titanium dioxide) in the treatment and purification of water.

  • �Development of 'smart biomaterials' with specific biofunctionality capable of tissue regeneration and repair.


New Developments
Research is currently underway on the development of smart nanotubes that are bio-engineered and tailored-designed so as to accomplish detection of environmental micro- organisms and biomolecules with high sensitivity and specificity. The group aims to exploit novel TiO2 based nanotube photocatalysts for photocatalytic destruction of environmental pollutants.

Contact: Professor James Mc Laughlin, NIBEC Assistant Director,
NIBEC Building, Block 25, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 OQB;
Tel: (44) (0) 2890 368933, Secretary: 44 (0) 2890 366329; Fax: (44) (0) 2890 366863;
E-mail: [email protected] ; Web: http://www.nibec.ulst.ac.uk/ and http://www.nanotecni.com/