Enhancing research capacity, driving local potential Research centres and academic institutions active in the field of nanostructures stand to benefit from European-wide collaboration and the exchange of experience and know-how. Energy © Shutterstock The 'Carbon nanohorn-based hybrid materials for energy conversion; reinforcing and expanding the research potential of carbon-nanostructures laboratory to a regional and European kernel of excellence' (Nanohost) project is working to boost and further develop the research potential of the Carbon-Nanostructures Laboratory (CNSLab). This is located in the Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute (TPCI) at the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) in Athens, Greece. The EU-funded project's scientific goal is the experimental and theoretical investigation of certain functionalised carbon nanostructures, especially nanohorns, and their technological suitability for use in energy conversion systems. Project partners have already achieved substantial reinforcement of the CNSLab through a wide range of activities. Experienced researchers have been recruited, while interaction between lab staff and collaborating teams or other scientists have driven know-how and experience exchange. New acquisitions and upgrading of research equipment will enable CNSLab to remain at the forefront of this competitive field at international level. Also, the laboratory's staus has been strengthened nationally and internationally through the promotion and exchange of ideas and knowledge via a website, publications, participation in related initiatives and its own organisation of the 'International Conference on Carbon Nanostructured Materials - Cnano'09' on the Greek island of Santorini in 2009. Nanohost activities have helped to better integrate the CNSLab team in the European Research Area (ERA) through the formation of scientific collaborations as well as boosting already existing collaboration schemes. The project has also already contributed significantly to developments and integration in the fields of nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies and energy. Team members expect that on completion of the project, the research capacity and further development of CNSLab will be strengthened even further by producing new science and technology, developing needed research infrastructures, and promoting links with leading EU laboratories.
