Using wood waste in high-tech electromagnetic and biotechnology research

The work explores the potential of wood waste as an innovative, eco-friendly solution to a growing environmental challenge. This research has the power to not only protect sensitive electronics but also contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting a circular economy

Professor Valeria Nicolosi views an image of graphene — a pure carbon material extracted from graphite, discovered almost 20 years ago.  Picture: Naoise Culhane Photography

It's been in use for thousands of years as a construction material, for weapons, and as fuel... so wood might not immediately spring to mind for use in high-tech work such as bioengineering projects or electromagnetic developments. 

But wood derivatives are actually key in two projects which just secured European Research Council proof of concept awards.