Enabling functional materials with modelling and microscopy

She uses advanced electron microscopy and quantum mechanical simulations to predict and study the structure and chemistry of materials at the nanoscale.  This information is then used to understand the macroscopic properties of these materials, leading to improvements in existing systems and the design of new materials.  Dr Nicholls' main areas of current research include:

• The combination of electron microscopic techniques (EELS, STEM) with modelling (density functional theory, development of software)
• Carbon nanomaterials, including doped graphene and nanotubes
• Transparent conducing oxides
• Materials used in nuclear applications, such as zirconia
• Catalysts for use in fuel cells

Dr Nicholls' work is done in collaboration with several research groups within Oxford Materials, Engineering and Chemistry, as well as researchers at Cambridge, UCL, SuperSTEM and Johnson Matthey.