A Manchester researcher has been named as one of the most cited scientists in the world for his studies into ‘wonder material’ graphene.
Professor Craig Banks’ work with graphene at Manchester Metropolitan University has given him worldwide recognition through the Highly Cited Researcher List 2014 having been quoted more than 9,000 times by fellow scientists.
The electrochemist’s work taps into Manchester’s scientific history with the one-atom thick super material, which earned the city a Nobel Prize for physics in 2010.
Professor Banks said: “It is extremely satisfying to be recognised with this accolade for many years of hard work, not only from myself, but my group members past and present and my many collaborators.
“My highly cited work was undertaken on carbon nanotubes and more recently we switched to graphene given the recent Nobel Prize in Physics for graphene.
“As this originated in Manchester, it was a nice extension of our work.”
Professor Banks started to build up the impressive body of work in 12 years ago and has since gone on to amass almost 300 papers.
Graphene was first produced in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov at the University of Manchester, and has since become a key component of many everyday products.
Andy Murray, the poster boy for graphene tennis racquets, said: “It gives me the power I need without compromising on my creativity on court.”
Graphene’s potential is limitless including drinkable water all over the world, unbreakable phone screens and even cures for paralysis.
International Graphene Week, a significant conference celebrating research into graphene, will be held at the University of Manchester in 2015.
James Baker, Business Director of Graphene@Manchester, said: “It is fitting that such a prestigious event as Graphene Week should be held in Manchester, the home of graphene.
“The conference will follow on from the official opening of the £61m National Graphene Institute, which will be the national hub for graphene research and commercialisation in the UK.”
Predicted to attract more than 400 scientists and £700,000 for the local economy, the event is set to be of great benefit to Manchester, both as a city and a centre of research.
Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, added: “We are thrilled that the prestigious Graphene Week 2015 will take place in the city where the material was discovered.
“We look forward to welcoming scientists from across the world as they share their latest research and discuss emerging applications.”
To learn more about International Graphene Week click here or visit the event’s official website.
Picture courtesy of MMU, with thanks
