Aerosol Jet Printed p- and n-type Semiconductor Materials: Practical Routes to Printed Electronics

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science (CAS) is inviting applications for a PhD research project at the University of Bath under the supervision of Dr Andrew Johnson https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/andrew-johnson.

This project is ideally suited for students with an interest in both organometallic/inorganic synthesis and materials chemistry.

Inkjet printing is recognised as an efficient method for direct deposition of functional materials on flexible substrates in predesigned patterns, owing, in part to simple processing, low cost and adaptability for large-scale fabrication of electronic devices, sensors, light emitting diodes, etc. While inks used in inkjet printing have mostly consisted of organic polymers, metal nanoparticles and carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, there is immense scope for the development of this methodology for the deposition of inorganic (i.e. metal oxide and metal chalcogenide) and inorganic/organic hybrid systems for energy harvesting applications.

Our vision is to develop and formulate new inorganic inks, containing inorganic compounds and/or nanoparticles, for the fabrication of either metal oxide (e.g. SnO, NiO or CuAlO₂), metal chalcogenide (SnS, SnS₂, Bi₂Te₃, MoS₂) or metal oxide /chalcogenide/carbon nanostructured semiconducting components, for application in a range of devices in including solar cells, thermoelectric devices and flexible electronics. Core to the project is the use of aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition, not only as a means of thin film fabrication but also as a mean of controlling crystallite size distribution and morphology.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science (CAS):

CAS brings together a multi-disciplinary team of academics from 7 UK universities (Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Hertfordshire, Imperial, Leeds and Manchester) spanning the physical, environmental and health sciences, and engineering.

Working with industrial and public-sector partners in the areas of healthcare, materials science, energy and transport, environment, consumer products and agrochemicals, we aim to tackle some of the most challenging problems in aerosol science.

Expertise in aerosol science is important in a broad range of disciplines spanning drug delivery to the lungs to the transmission of disease, climate change to combustion science, routes to novel materials to consumer and agricultural products.

Our graduates will become agile experts, able to work at the boundaries between the conventional disciplines where aerosols play a role.

Programme details:

The 4-year CAS training programme will include a period of intensive training in year 1, hosted by the CAS hub at the University of Bristol. You will receive comprehensive training in the core physical science of aerosols, research methods, an in professionalism and translation of research. You will then have the opportunity to build networks across the 7 universities, undertaking a short project at either your home institution or another partnering institution. These training elements will equip you for your PhD research in years 2-4, based at the University of Bath.

Throughout your PhD, you will be supported by a mentoring team of two academic supervisors and an industrial partner, who will host you for a placement in Year 2 or 3. You will benefit from the diverse backgrounds of your peers, with training in year 1 using team-based learning. Cooperative learning groups in subsequent years will continue to provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and support.

For more information, see https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/programme-details/.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must hold/achieve a first class or high upper second-class MSci or BSc Honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry or Materials Science.

How to apply:

Informal enquiries are welcomed and we recommend that you discuss your interest in the project with the lead supervisor before applying. Contact Dr Andrew Johnson on email address [Email Address Removed].

Enquiries about the programme or the selection process should be addressed to the CAS Administrator on email address [Email Address Removed] or by telephone on +44 (0)117 92 88681.

Formal applications should be submitted to CAS on their online application form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=MH_ksn3NTkql2rGM8aQVG0HEUwyouDdJlVt9d49HiTdUNk1SME9VVU82Uzc5RURYMFhZVFNMTUVDRi4u

A recruitment and assessment day will be held in Bristol in February 2020. Applications received after the deadline of 3 February 2020 will be considered subject to the remaining availability of studentships.

For further information on the application process and FAQs, see https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/how-to-apply/.