The i3N Associated Laboratory is in the news in Nature Custom Research Media, with two articles related to Science and Technology Infrastructure "Innovative Portuguese research centre offers material benefits" and the research that is carried out "Roll up for a post-silicon future".
The Director Elvira Fortunato presented the Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N), develops advanced functional materials.
Being an Official Associated Laboratory, i3N is a partnership between the Lisbon Pole, Materials Research Centre, CENIMAT, of the NOVA University of Lisbon and the Aveiro Pole, Semiconductor Physics, Optoelectronics and Disordered Systems, FSCOSD, of the University of Aveiro. Scientist Elvira Fortunato has headed the institute since 1998. In 2008, she led a team that developed the world's first paper transistor: a flexible, ecological and low-cost alternative to silicon.
As Professor Rodrigo Martins, FCT/Nova Full Professor, Materials Scientist and i3N Member, says: "We think we can explore materials such as metal oxides to replace silicon, which would have many advantages".
Professor João Veloso from the University of Aveiro, is developing functionalised nanoparticles that can act simultaneously as a label and a medicine: "This nanoparticle will fix itself in the place that we want to treat. And it is possible to see the treatment process and observe at the same time the impact of the treatment". They have succeeded in developing a PET with super-resolution technology (easyPET technology) that can efficiently assess the effect of these nanoparticles on the subject.
Having as one of the goals to develop stronger relationships with society to promote public awareness, engagement and understanding of advanced materials and nanoscale science, Professor Elvira Fortunato states that "We are trying to improve the world" and that using new materials to meet the challenge of living more comfortably and respecting the environment will bring sustainable products to shape the future.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)