TU Graz · University of Bari
Thin films · Sensors · Responsive materials
Functional thin films by vapor deposition
About the group
We grow polymer, inorganic and hybrid thin films from the vapor phase and turn them into responsive materials, artificial-skin sensors and protective coatings. The group works at the Institute of Solid State Physics at TU Graz and the Department of Physics at the University of Bari Aldo Moro.
Vapor-phase deposition
iCVD, plasma ALD and MLD reactors built and run in-house, for conformal films on almost any substrate.
Responsive materials
Hydrogels and smart polymers that react to humidity, temperature and light, as the basis for actuators and adaptive surfaces.
Sensors and artificial skin
Core/shell nanorod arrays and piezoelectric ZnO that sense pressure, temperature and humidity in a single device (ERC project Smart Core).
Coatings that protect
Icephobic, anti-sticking and encapsulation coatings for imprint tools, drug delivery and everyday surfaces.
Latest news
Chien-Hua Tu joins the group with a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship for MoleSynap: molecular-layer-engineered artificial synapses for ultralow-energy computing.
European Research Night, Bari
On 25 September the group showed hydrophobic coatings, robotic fingers and artificial-skin sensors to kids and adults.
Icephobic coatings in the news
Our paper on gradient polymer coatings deposited via iCVD (ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces) was featured by the TU Graz Media Service.
Anna back in Bari
Since February Anna is full professor at the Department of Physics, University of Bari, an Italian Department of Excellence 2023-2027.
Older announcements, press releases and photos on the News page.