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

01.07.2025
 

After five months at PNM, Eva-Maria Odörfer is leaving the PNM group.

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

01.04.2025
 

After almost seven years at PNM, postdoctoral researcher Dr. Alexander Markevich is leaving the PNM group.

28.03.2025
 

Shrirang Chokappa successfully defended his MSc thesis on March 27, 2025.

14.03.2025
 

Fabian Kraft successfully defended his MSc thesis on March 13, 2025.

Press releases

18.06.2021
 

Properties of materials are often defined by imperfections in their atomic structure, especially when the material itself is just one atom thick, such...

21.10.2019
 

The identification of new chemical bonds is crucial for the design of new material structures. A team led by Jani Kotakoski at the University of...

14.10.2019
 

Researchers from Aalto University and the University of Vienna have published the article "Graphene substrate improves the conductivity of carbon...