The research group Physics of Nanostructured Materials (group speaker Jani Kotakoski) is part of the research focus Complex Nanoscale Matter of the Faculty of Physics. The group studies the fundamental physics of novel materials under dimensional constraints as well as novel low-dimensional materials. This includes investigations of their formation, structural evolution and of the physics of their unique properties. Multiscale phenomena of metals, alloys and polymers with micro/nanocrystalline structures, as well as carbon nanostructures including graphene membranes are in the focus of research. The research group comprehensively tackles structure-property relationships, physical mechanisms of complex defect configurations and their interactions. Systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium including micro/nanocrystalline, disordered and glassy structures are investigated. The three research focuses of the group are Complex Systems and Hybrid Materials, Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Materials. The group aims at carrying out research in a sustainable fashion minimizing the use of materials and energy.

 News and Events

29.05.2026
 

Together with 10 other groups from the University of Vienna, PNM participates in a pilot project for greening research

11.11.2025
 

Eugen Kozyrau successfully defended his MSc thesis on November 11, 2025.

09.10.2025
 

Barbara Mayer successfully defended her MSc thesis on October 8, 2025.

08.10.2025
 

Christian Rentenberger of the PNM group started together with the Montanuniversity Leoben and ACR Materials the Project GARFIELD.

03.10.2025
 

After six years at PNM, Harriet Åhlgren was appointed associate professor at Uppsala University.

03.10.2025
 

After five years in the research group Dynamics of Condensed Systems, Erhard Schafler and colleagues rejoin the PNM group.

Press releases

05.06.2025
 

Novel insights into atomic-scale phase transitions in real materials

03.06.2025
 

An innovative combination of methods enables the precise localization of individual atoms in ultrathin materials.

06.05.2025
 

New property of graphene revealed by ultra-clean airless measurement Environment