Research

Basic and need-driven materials science at the international forefront, empowering sustainable technologies with positive impact on society, and training future leaders in society, industry, and academia in Sweden.

Materials Science

Advanced materials science must necessarily rely on design combined with simulation/theory, synthesis, nano-structuring, processing, characterization, and evaluation of properties. From a sustainability point of view, it is also highly relevant to assess the materials flows from reactants to waste, i.e., how process waste and energy needs can be minimized in the recycling of critical materials, how mining of materials can be achieved with minimal detrimental environmental impact, and how to identify greener routes from mineral to material. Many challenges of our society are coupled to the transformation, storage, and distribution of energy.

Environmental impact

Technologies with small environmental impact primarily operate by the conversion of sunlight, water and wind to electrical power. Moreover, electrification of transport demands advanced batteries and fuel cells based on non-fossil fuels, with the ability to efficiently store energy. Hydrogen and other energy carriers are likely to contribute more to society and industry in the future, which calls for materials for reliable conversion, transport, and storage of energy.

The basic and need-driven materials science of WISE, is conducted within four thematic areas. The thematic areas are distributed across five different materials research areas.

WISE Matrix