Personal details
- Name
- Professor Nunzio Motta
- Position(s)
- Professor
Science and Engineering Faculty,
Chemistry & Physics - Discipline *
- Condensed Matter Physics, Nanotechnology, Materials Engineering
- Phone
- +61 7 3138 5104
- n.motta@qut.edu.au
- Location
- View location details (QUT staff and student access only)
- Identifiers and profiles
-
- Qualifications
-
PhD (Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa)
- Professional memberships
and associations - Australian Institute of Physics (member)
- The Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network (AUSNANO)
- Australian Research Network for Advanced Materials (ARNAM)
- Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society (member)
- Material Research Society (member)
- Researchgate
- Surface and 2D Materials Group Webpage
- Keywords
-
Epitaxy, Growth, Nanotechnology, Graphene and Nanotubes, Organic Photovoltaics, Quantum Dots, Semiconductors, Solar Cells, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Ultra High Vacuum technology
* Field of Research code, Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), 2008
Biography
As a physicist, I am interested in searching for answers to the fundamental questions of nature. In 1991 I was the first scientist in Italy to achieve atomic resolution in Ultra High Vacuum by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. Even today, I am still fascinated by the fact that we are able to look at, and move, individual atoms on surfaces. I love to see how they arrange in ordered structures and form materials with incredible properties, when we set the right growth conditions. I study also their microscopic composition and their chemical bonds with a range of spectroscopy techniques using laboratory sources and synchrotron radiation. My dream is to create materials to improve our environment, using our powerful nanotechnology tools to develop new solar cells, energy storage devices, and gas sensors.
Education
- PhD, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, 1986
- BE (Hons I) in Physics, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 1983
- Surface Science, Material science, Nanotechnology
- Semiconductors, 2D Materials, Graphene
- Gas Sensors, Solar cells, Supercapacitors
Recent Funded Projects
- Xe-plasma dual beam for advanced future materials. Chief investigator: N.Motta. Funding Source: ARC. Funding: $ 1,100,000. Year 2018.
- National Facility for Nanoscale Characterisation of Luminescent Materials. Chief Investigator: Matthew Phillips. Source: ARC. Funding: $ 542,000. Year 2018.
- Establishing Advanced Networks for Air Quality Sensing and Analyses. Chief Investigator: L.Morawska. Funding source:ARC. Funding: $ 445,000. Year 2016-2018.
- Graphene Based Thin film supercapacitors. Chief Investigator: N. Motta. Funding source: QLD government – Chinese Academy of Science. Funding: $ 125,000. Year 2016-2018.
- Encapsulating Quantum Dots into ZnO Nanorods for Advanced Photonics and Laser Applications Chief Investigators: N.Motta. Funding source: AOARD. Funding US$ 100,000. Year 2014-2016 (2 years).
Career History
- 2015-Present: Professor, Queensland University of Technology , Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Chemistry Physics and Mechanical Engineering.
- 2010-2015: Principal research fellow, Queensland University of Technology , Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Chemistry Physics and Mechanical Engineering.
- 2004-2009: Adjunct Associate Professor, Queensland University of Technology, School of Engineering Systems
- 2001-2004: Associate Professor, Università Roma TRE, Department of Physics
- 1984-2001: Assistant professor, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Department of Physics
Publication records
This information has been contributed by Professor Nunzio Motta.
Teaching
Coordination
- Physics Major
- Nanotechnology minor
Teaching areas
- Physics
- Atomic and molecular physics
- Solid State Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Computer controlled instrumentation
Units
- PVB 203 Experimental Physics (Sem 1)
- PVB 301 Materials and Thermal Physics (Sem 1)
- PVB 302 Classical and Quantum Physics (Sem 1)
- ENN 531 Advanced Materials and Engineering Applications (Sem 1)
- PVB 304 Physics Research (Sem 2)
This information has been contributed by Professor Nunzio Motta.
Experience
Supervision of HDR students
Prof. Nunzio Motta currently supervises PhD and MSc students in the following areas:
Growth and characterization of 2D Materials
- Hybrid 2D materials synthesis for nanoelectronics and photovoltaics applications. Graphene based heterostructures, combining graphene with other two dimensional materials, have been recently proposed in order to overcome the limitation of graphene in 2D electronics. The hybridisation of graphene with other two dimensional materials opens up the possibility of engineering the band gap and realising synthetic two-dimensional alloys and topological insulators. PhD projects available in this area.
- Graphene synthesis on SiC nanostructures for next-generation electronics and gas sensing. This project aims at studying the growth of Graphene obtained by heating crystalline SiC nanostructures at high temperature (1200-1350 C) in Ultra High Vacuum. The aim is to understand and master the growth mechanism, in order to obtain a seamless single graphene sheet on nanostructures suitable for electronic and sensing. References: Growing Graphene on semiconductors, Nanotechnology, 2017, 28 (34), p. 345602. Carbon, 2015, 98, pp. 307-312. Carbon, 2015. 91(0): p. 378-385. Carbon, 2014. 68: p. 330-336. Carbon, 2014. 68: p. 563-572. PhD projects available in this area.
Supercapacitors, Energy storage
- Carbon Based Supercapacitors Supercapacitors can provide a higher power density but a smaller energy density compared to traditional chemical batteries, which make them very attractive for applications where instantaneous power is required. We are working at high performance supercapacitors by using all carbon electrodes. References: Nanotechnology, 2016. 27(16): p. 165402, Journal of Power Sources, 2015. 274: p. 823. PhD projects available in this area.
Solar energy
- New nanomaterials for Solar cells We are exploring the development of low cost alternative solar cells by using new nanomaterials: conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles, ternary compounds and perovskites. The understanding and the optimization of the electronic and physical interactions between polymeric donors and acceptor material is a crucial step towards higher efficiency. References: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C, 115, 6324, (2011), Solar Energy, 106 p. 23-37 (2014). PhD projects available in this area
Gas sensing
- Electrospun nanomaterials for gas sensing. PhD projects available in this area.
Professional service
- Associate editor for: Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, Advanced Device Materials, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology.
- Referee for the International reviews: Applied Physics Letters, Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, Nanotechnology IOP, J Phys D, ACS-Nano, Nano letters, Advanced Functional Materials, Sensors, Scientific Reports, Carbon
- Referee for French PhD theses (INSA-Lyon, Universitè J.Fourier-Grenoble)
- Assessor for research proposals: ARC ; CEA (france); NSERC (Canada); Qatar foundation,
Conference organization
- Organising committee Wagga wagga 42nd Condensed Matter and Materials Meeting, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 30 January – 02 February 2018.
- Conference Chair NanoS-E3 International School and Workshop, Brisbane, QLD, 26-29 September 2017.
- Conference Chair NanoS-E3 International School and Workshop, Kingscliff, NSW, 26-29 September 2017.
- Conference Chair NanoS-E3 International School and Workshop, Arlie Beach, QLD, 15 – 20 September, 2013.
- Conference Chair NanoS-E3 International School and Workshop, Kingscliff, NSW, 12-13 september 2011
- Conference Chair NanoS-E3 International School and Workshop, Couran Cove, QLD 23-28 September 2007
This information has been contributed by Professor Nunzio Motta.
Publications
- Morawska L, Thai P, Liu X, Asumadu-Sakyi A, Ayoko G, Bartonova A, Bedini A, Chai F, Christensen B, Dunbabin M, Gao J, Hagler G, Jayaratne R, Kumar P, Lau A, Louie P, Mazaheri M, Ning Z, Motta N, Mullins B, Rahman M, Ristovski Z, Shafiei M, Tjondronegoro D, Westerdahl D, Williams R, (2018) Applications of low-cost sensing technologies for air quality monitoring and exposure assessment: How far have they gone?, Environmental International p286-299
- Fusco Z, Rahmani M, Bo R, Verre R, Motta N, Kall M, Neshev D, Tricoli A, (2018) Nanostructured dielectric fractals on resonant plasmonic metasurfaces for selective and sensitive optical sensing of volatile compounds, Advanced Materials p1-11
- Piloto C, Shafiei M, Khan H, Gupta B, Tesfamichael T, Motta N, (2018) Sensing performance of reduced graphene oxide-Fe doped WO3 hybrids to NO2 and humidity at room temperature, Applied Surface Science p126-133
- Pham H, Wu Z, Ono L, Manzhos S, Feron K, Motta N, Qi Y, Sonar P, (2017) Low-cost alternative high-performance hole-transport material for perovskite solar cells and its comparative study with conventional SPIRO-OMeTAD, Advanced Electronic Materials p1-9
- Wang B, Liu J, Zhao Y, Li Y, Xian W, Amjadi Pour M, MacLeod J, Motta N, (2016) Role of graphene oxide liquid crystals in hydrothermal reduction and supercapacitor performance, ACS applied materials & interfaces p22316-22323
- Zarotti F, Gupta B, Iacopi F, Sgarlata A, Tomellini M, Motta N, (2016) Time evolution of graphene growth on SiC as a function of annealing temperature, Carbon p307-312
- Liu J, Mirri F, Notarianni M, Pasquali M, Motta N, (2015) High performance all-carbon thin film supercapacitors, Journal of Power Sources p823-830
- Gupta B, Notarianni M, Mishra N, Shafiei M, Iacopi F, Motta N, (2014) Evolution of epitaxial graphene layers on 3C SiC/Si (1 1 1) as a function of annealing temperature in UHV, Carbon p563-572
- Notarianni M, Liu J, Mirri F, Pasquali M, Motta N, (2014) Graphene-based supercapacitor with carbon nanotube film as highly efficient current collector, Nanotechnology p1-7
- Notarianni M, Vernon K, Chou A, Aljada M, Liu J, Motta N, (2014) Plasmonic effect of gold nanoparticles in organic solar cells, Solar Energy p23-37
For more publications by this staff member, visit QUT ePrints, the University's research repository.
Awards
Awards and recognition
- Type
- Committee Role/Editor or Chair of an Academic Conference
- Reference year
- 2017
- Details
- Chairman of the NanoS-E3 School and Workshop (Nanotechnology for Sensor, Electronics Energy and Environment) 2007-2011-2013-2015-2017. The NanoS-E3 School and Workshop is an established periodic meeting bringing together leading international researchers to present their activities and foster cooperation in the field of nanotechnology, focussing in the areas of sensors, electronics, energy and environment.
- Type
- Other
- Reference year
- 2017
- Details
- Order of the Star of Italy: this distinction, which qualifies as a second civilian honor of the State, represents a particular honor on behalf of all those, Italians abroad or foreigners, who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.
- Type
- Editorial Role for an Academic Journal
- Reference year
- 2013
- Details
- Associate editor for Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
- Type
- Fellowships
- Reference year
- 2013
- Details
- Queensland International Fellowship Microscopic studies of new gas sensing materials for solar powered nanosensors. Funding 3 months Scientific visit to University of Roma Tor Vergata
Research projects
Grants and projects (Category 1: Australian Competitive Grants only)
- Title
- Establishing Advanced Networks for Air Quality Sensing and Analyses
- Primary fund type
- CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
- Project ID
- LP160100051
- Start year
- 2017
- Keywords
- Title
- A novel multiscale modelling technique to explore mechanical deformation of nanowires in high-performance devices
- Primary fund type
- CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
- Project ID
- DP130102120
- Start year
- 2013
- Keywords
- Nanowire; Multiscale modelling; Surface effect
- Title
- Development of gas selective membranes (for intra-ruminal capsules)
- Primary fund type
- CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
- Project ID
- 01200.006
- Start year
- 2013
- Keywords
Supervision
Current supervisions
- Investigating the Surface and Porosity of Graphitic Electrodes for Supercapacitors
PhD, Principal Supervisor
Other supervisors: Professor Ken Ostrikov, Associate Professor Jennifer MacLeod - Photo Assisted Amperometric Sensing of Electrospun Tungsten Oxide Nanofibers
PhD, Principal Supervisor
Other supervisors: Dr Mahnaz Shafiei, Dr Tuquabo Tesfamichael, Associate Professor Prashant Sonar - Investigation of Organic - Inorganic Nano Hybrid Materials for Aluminum Ion Batteries
PhD, Associate Supervisor
Other supervisors: Professor Ken Ostrikov, Professor Anthony O'Mullane - Improvement of Perovskite Solar Cells Performance and Stability via Molecular Engineering using Newly Developed Organic Hole Transporting Materials
PhD, Mentoring Supervisor
Other supervisors: Associate Professor Prashant Sonar, Professor Hongxia Wang
Completed supervisions (Doctorate)
- Carbon Nanomaterials for Room Temperature Gas Sensing (2016)
- Epitaxial Graphene Growth on 3C SiC by Si Sublimation in UHV (2015)
- Synthesis and Applications of Carbon Nanomaterials for Energy Generation and Storage (2015)
- Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Graphene Oxide-Polymer Nanocomposites (2015)
- Development of Gas Sensing Technology for Ground and Airborne Applications Powered by Solar Energy: Methodology and Experimental Results (2014)
- An exploratory study of the potential of resurfacing articular cartilage with synthetic phospholipids (2013)
- Controlled Synthesis of Inorganic Semiconductor Nanocrystals and their Applications (2013)
- Controlled Growth of Carbon Nanotubes for Electronic and Photovoltaic Applications (2011)
- Optical and microscopic study of a polymer-nanotube mixture for organic photovoltaic applications (2010)
- Carbon nanotubes for organic electronics (2008)