Dr Conor O'Brien is a Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. Conor's work at IDTechEx is predominantly concerned with the topic of advanced materials, with a focus on various 2D materials. During his time at the University of Manchester, Conor extensively researched elastomers reinforced with nanocarbon materials, working in the National Graphene Institute.
Conor received his BA degree in Nanoscience, Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials from Trinity College Dublin in 2017. In his final year, Conor conducted his final year research project with Infineon Technologies in Munich, working on random number generation based on photon emission from defects in diamond nanopillars.
Conor was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal from Trinity College, on the basis of receiving a first-class honours degree with exceptional merit.
Conor moved to the UK in 2017 to the University of Manchester. Famed for the isolation of graphene in 2004, the University of Manchester was a natural choice for Conor to pursue a PhD in advanced materials.
Conor's research dealt with understanding the tearing mechanism of 2D material reinforced elastomer composites, employing the novel technique of X-ray computed tomography to image the internal morphology of the composite during tearing.
Conor is working on advanced materials research at IDTechEx and is studying the markets and technologies behind the industry, with a focus on nanocarbons such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Aside from nanocarbons, he also holds an interest in other 2D materials such as boron nitride and TMDs.
