Dr Enrico Della Gaspera

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
RMIT University

We live in a society where electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, solar panels, LED screens) are deeply integrated within our lives. These devices rely on either expensive materials or costly fabrication processes, and sometimes both, which are the main bottlenecks for the widespread adoption of these devices. Dr Della Gaspera’s research is devoted to the use of widely available, cheap and non-toxic materials along with simple fabrication methods such as printing and spraying, for the development of next-generation electronic technologies. Recently he has focused on transparent electrodes, which are the components that allow your mobile phone to have a touchscreen display, and solar panels to be able to extract the electricity generated from sunlight. He has also developed materials and technologies for printed circuits on plastics, which will constitute the backbone of fully flexible, stretchable and rollable electronics.

During his PhD, Enrico visited local high schools to promote STEM disciplines and explain the importance of scientific research to make an impact on society. Since then he has participated in various outreach initiatives such as ScienceWorks’ “Inspiring Scientists”, and the Fresh Science program, presenting his research activities to children, teenagers and families. He has also mentored a visiting high school student at CSIRO and helped him prepare some simple nanoparticles.