Examples of synergy leading to innovations in materials science

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the translation of science into viable commercial products in an academic environment. It is shown that by combining knowledge of science with experience of industrial problems, it is possible to devise solutions that are able to attract funding, not only for the underlying research but, also, to start spin-out companies. A wide range of problems and solutions are discussed, including carbon nanotubes and batteries, inert anodes, sensors and, finally, wound healing. All these can be directly related to the problems many industrial nations are facing, such as storage and generation of electrical energy, green processing of materials, and the problems with an ageing population.

Keywords:

• Lithium-ion batteries
• Inert anodes
• Sensors
• Oxygen
• Wound healing

Acknowledgement

This paper is a revised version of the paper published in the proceedings of Fray International Symposium on ‘Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment’ edited by F. Kongoli, published by FLOGEN STARS OUTREACH, 2012.

I am very grateful to former and present members of my research group for performing the experimental work and for financial support from EPSRC, DARPA, EAORD, ONR, British Titanium plc., Metalysis Ltd, the University of Cambridge Challenge Fund, various Venture Capital Funds and those who work in the spin-out companies.