CSGI - Center for Colloid and Surface Science

Overview

Research on hard matter focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, and the study of solid interfaces. Fundamental and applicative knowledge in these topics, in fact, provides a robust standpoint to plan and deliver results in various fields, ranging from energy production/storage/saving to sensoristic, biological, biomedical, and environmental applications. Just to mention few of the main research lines carried out at CSGI, nanostructured thin films are used as probes for enhanced drug detection, while opportunely doped or modified inorganic nanostructures can trap and transport macromolecules to cure pathologies; nanoparticles of metals and oxides can be incorporated in polymer matrices and used as biocides against antifouling, or deposited on plastic surfaces for the production of optoelectronic devices. Hard matter is also employed in the formulation of construction materials or for the consolidation of cultural heritage objects, another field with high socio-economic relevance.