Nanomaterials Science

Do you want to learn how to design, make, model, and use nanomaterials to find solutions for the transition to a sustainable society? And perform cutting edge interdisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry and physics?

Nanomaterials for Sustainability

Nanomaterials have unique size-dependent properties that can be tailored by controlling the shape and surface of nanoparticles, porous materials, nanocomposites and their interfaces. In this two-year Master’s programme, you will gain in-depth knowledge and research experience with novel nanomaterials and their synthesis, structure, design, modelling, and properties. Your studies will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and skills required to predict, design, understand, and manipulate the properties of nanomaterials, paving the way toward their application in e.g. energy-efficient lasers and LEDs, solar energy harvesting devices such as solar cells and luminescent solar concentrators, batteries, renewable hydrogen and ammonia production, and conversion of CO2 to renewable fuels and chemical building blocks. Through your courses and research work, you will participate in the exciting field of nanomaterials science and develop fundamental knowledge about various applications. Additionally, you can also choose to do an internship at a foreign university, research institute or company.

The programme is build around the three M’s (Make, Measure, and Model). They play a central role in all research projects which are hosted by the different groups of the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, namely;

• Condensed Matter & Interfaces
• Physical & Colloid Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
• Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis
• Nanophotonics
• Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics

Contribute to a sustainable society

The combined talents and expertise of material scientists, chemists, and physicists are essential to meet the scientific and technological challenges of today’s society. Our Master’s programme offers you a challenging and scientifically diverse learning environment where you will acquire both the knowledge and the skills to successfully tackle the complex multidisciplinary problems associated with our transition to a sustainable society. 

Why in Utrecht

• The prestigious Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science provides the teaching staff and research facilities in the programme.
• An interdisciplinary approach to the programme’s main theme, which provides you with a broad perspective of the field of nanomaterials, excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability. 
• Strong links to academia, research institutes and companies, which offers multiple opportunities to bring knowledge into practice.
• Networking with national and international contacts of excellent scientists within the Debye Institute who are often world-leading in their fields.

Which chemistry programme is for you?

Utrecht University offers two Master's programmes in Chemical Sciences. Check which programme best fits your interests.

• 

  Nanomaterials Science

  At the interface between Chemistry and Physics

  Main themes are Colloids and bio-inspired materials, Catalysts and energy materials, Nanophotonics and quantum materials

  You will learn how to make, model and use nanomaterials to find unique solutions for the transition to a sustainable society

  Chemistry is put in a fundamental and interdisciplinary perspective

• 

  Sustainable and Circular Chemistry

  At the interface between Chemistry and
  Health, Environment & Society 

  Main themes are Molecular chemistry, Materials science, Catalysis, and Sustainability

  You will learn how to design novel, safe, and sustainable routes for making (new) chemicals and materials. 

  Chemistry is put in a broader, systems perspective