Thomas Nann

Professor Thomas Nann is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany, and has over 25 years of experience in nanoscience and nanotechnology research. His work focuses on nanomaterials for renewable energy storage (e.g., batteries, solar fuel systems) and nanomedicine applications like bioimaging and drug delivery. Nann has led major institutions such as the MacDiarmid Institute in New Zealand and has contributed to over 150 publications, including seminal works on aluminum-ion batteries and quantum dot syntheses.

Education:

• PhD in Physical Chemistry, Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg (1997)
• MSc in Chemistry, Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg (1994)
• Habilitation (Nanosciences) and Venia Legendi, Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg (2004)

Research Interests: Nann’s research integrates nanomaterials with energy and medical challenges. Key areas include:

• Design of high-performance energy storage systems (e.g., aluminum-ion batteries)
• Photocatalytic conversion for solar fuels
• Nanoparticle-based diagnostic tools (e.g., quantum dots for bioimaging)
• Development of multifunctional nanosensors

Grants & Funding:

• A$622,802 (2023–2025): ARC Discovery Project for atomic force microscopy innovations
• A$45,767 (2019–2020): ATSE Bridging Grant for redox flow batteries
• U.S. Army Grant (2019): Solar fuel technology development

Supervision: Mentored over 10 PhD students, including work on supercapacitors, aluminum-ion batteries, and quantum dot applications.

Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in nanomaterials synthesis and energy storage, collaborating with institutions globally. Active in developing novel electrode materials and microemulsion electrolytes for advanced battery systems.