Nanoscience and nanotechnology

Elucidating material properties at the molecular and atomic scale allows us to design novel materials and create new nanoscale devices.

Our understanding is being translated into solar energy harvesting technologies, photonics and semiconductor quantum devices for ultra-secure communication as well as new polymers and other compounds for industry and healthcare.

News and features

Cutting the cost of solar energy with spray-on perovskite cells

A new generation of spray-on solar cells has the potential to increase the efficiency and cut the costs of renewable energy technology.

5 November 2018

Faster photons could enable total data security

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have solved a key puzzle in quantum physics that could help to make data transfer totally secure.

17 July 2018

Researchers edge closer to functioning quantum computer

Scientists may be one step closer to building a large scale quantum computer thanks to new findings from researchers at the University of Sheffield.

2 May 2018

UK's highest business accolade awarded to Sheffield physicists

Ossila Limited, a company pioneered by physicists at the University of Sheffield, has been awarded one of the highest accolades given to UK businesses.

25 April 2018

Beyond graphene: 2D materials and the future of electronics

Researchers from Sheffield and Manchester are leading in the exploration of two-dimensional materials for use in photonics, following a new £1.2m grant funded by the Engineering and Sciences Research Council.

16 October 2017