NEST Nanomaterials Engineering for Sustainable Technologies
The NEST group, led by Jonathan Quinson, is interested in the synthesis, characterization and applications of (nano)materials, towards more more sustainable technologies.
Synthesis. The core of the NEST activity is to develop new and revisit old synthetic concepts of known and new (nano)materials, to understand better how they form, to develop more sustainable preparation strategies and to ultimately make the most of their unique properties.
Characterization. NEST is lucky to collaborate with research groups helping the team to provide new insights into nanomaterials formation and/or properties.
Applications. The materials developed by NEST are broadly relevant, from medicine to catalysisand in particular energy conversion.
Find out more here: https://nestresearchlab.com/
Research Line 1 – Synthesis of nanomaterials
The main objective of this research line is to challenge the classical way to obtain nanomaterials, to propose new model systems to better understand how (nano)material form. Ultimately, this will lead us to (new) advanced materials. To date our focus has been on colloidal syntheses of metallic nanomaterials.
Research Line 2 – Heterogeneous catalysis and energy conversion
The main objective of this research line is to assess the catalytic properties of the materials developed in NEST. A particular focus is on energy conversion. The topics of interest here are on how to better integrate material in technologies and how the right synthesis can help to do so.
Research Line 3 – Higher throughput, automation and Artificial Intelligence
This research line is not the core expertise of NEST but the synthesis concepts developed by the team are relevant for this area of research. The idea is that simpler and more sustainable syntheses of nanomaterials can be a key to facilicate bridging the gap between conventional syntheses of nanomaterials and automation and data-driven discovery of new materials and catalysts.
- Surfactant-free nanomaterials (RYC2023-042920-I) - Value: 368 000 euros
- InTalent: 69 000 euros
Quinson has been involved in various outreach activities in the past, e.g. Talks at Science Fairs, Organizing Science Picture Competitions (ARTiS), organizing debates on Sustainability, organizing events for kids around science and participating to debates with high school students. Lately the group join the STEMbach initiative.
- Quinson has been a member of the Danish Young Academy of Science, Technology and Innovation (YATSI).
- Quinson has been a board member of the Danish Electrochemical Society.
- Quinson has been a panel member for beamtime allocation at ESRF.
- Quinson has a strong commitment to education and career development and bridging the gap between industry and academia, for instance with contribution to Nature Careers.
NEST is always looking forward to hear from other research groups, students and partners, see more on its website: https://nestresearchlab.com/
