Discourse: Nanoparticles in functional materials (Theatre)

This page is for ‘in person’ Theatre tickets only. For livestream tickets, Both in person and online ticket holders will have access to the event recording.

In this Discourse, Chemist Ivan Parkin will cover the history, synthesis and applications of nanoscaled materials, as nanoparticles and coatings in functional materials. Tracing the history of nanoparticle creation, some of their unique physical properties and their applications in thin film coatings on glass and in medicine, he will detail the synthesis and characterisation of the world’s first commercial self cleaning glass coating- Pilkington Activ.

Through a series of demonstrations, the talk will guide us through some of the most important historical and leading-edge uses for nanoparticles, including how gold nanoparticles show synergistic enhancement of dyes to destroy common hospital pathogens, how surfaces can be modified to be hydrophobic, superhydrophobic and super hydrophilic through surface modification with nanoparticles, plus the use of nanoscaled coatings gas sensing and ultrasound probes.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Ri's

Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - consider joining today.

Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.

The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image by Steve Johnson

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Royal Institution