Dr. Rob Pullar

Contact

Marie-Curie Fellow, IESL-FORTH

Address:

Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL)
Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas (FORTH)
P.O. Box 1385 Vassilika Vouton Heraklion 71110 Greece

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Phone: 30 2810 391874

Fax: 30 2810 391305

Scientific information

Scientific information:

Subject area:

Metal-Oxide Based Magnetic/Multiferroic Nanocrystals and Superlattices

Research:

I am a part of the European project NANOTAIL, in collaboration with the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL-CNR) in Lecce, Italy, and the Centre d’Elaboration de Matériaux et d’Etudes Structurales (CEMES-CNRS) in Toulouse, France. My interest is the design, synthesis and characterisation of novel “hybrid” nanocrystals combining different properties (dielectric / electrical, magnetic, optical). By optimising the chemistry of such nanocrystals, or by applying magnetic or electrical fields, large scale superlattices or superstructures consisting of individual nanocrystalline components can be formed, via a self assembly process. Such nanoscale materials can exhibit novel capabilities arising from the combination of properties as well as from the interactions established through their interfaces. The project’s primary aim is to develop reliable synthetic procedures using “wet chemistry” techniques in order to control the shape, size, monodispersity and composition of the nanocrystals/hybrids. Self assembly into superlattices or ordered superstructures will be an essential step for real-world application of such materials. These new nanomaterials can impact many technological fields: microelectronics and robotics, telecommunications, computing, magneto-optical data storage, sensors, biological sensing/labelling and medical delivery or monitoring systems.

 

Career:

BSc (Hons) Chemistry

University of Leicester, UK. Project on fluorination of rhenium.

MSc Inorganic Chemistry

University of Wales, Bangor, UK. Research MSc on synthesis of substituted carboranes.

2000: PhD in Materials Engineering

University of Warwick, UK. Sol-gel synthesis from aqueous and organic routes of hexaferrites and other ceramics, manufacture as fibres, composites, thick films and nanopowders.

2000-2004: Research Fellow &

2004-2007: Senior Research Fellow

London South Bank University, UK. Synthesis, measurement and properties of microwave dielectric ceramics, especially niobates, and combinatoirial synthesis of ferroelectric ceramics.

2007-2008: Research Fellow

Department of Materials, Imperial College London, UK. Multiferroic and magnetoelectric ceramic composites consisting of hexaferrite and dielectric/ferroelectric components.

10/2008-05/2009: Marie-Curie ToK-DEV Research Fellow

IESL FORTH, Crete, Greece. "Synthesis and self assembly of magnetic nanocrystal superlattices and structures".

 

Personal:

I have recently arrived on Crete, but plan to make the most of living on this beautiful island by exploring the local culture, history, nature, sea, viniculture and cuisine. I am a potter and ceramics artist/sculptor, and also practice photography and writing, as well as enjoying art, literature, film and music. I also greatly enjoy cooking, and look forward to learning some new Cretan recipes. I greatly enjoy travel and new experiences, and have a particular passion for southern Europe (I speak fluent Italian).