Printed graphene based sensors for real-time and wireless monitoring of nuclear waste storage containers

Life cycle management of radioactive materials packaging is of fundamental importance because it ensures the safety functions of the waste container during the entire life cycle, from storage to transportation and disposal. Thus, there is the need to develop in-situ real time sensing solutions, which can be directly integrated in the current transportation vessels and storage containers. Inkjet printing is a low-cost, non-contact approach, which allows for device design flexibility, produces no material wastage and offers compatibility with almost any surface of interest. In this project we aim at fabricating in situ wireless sensors by ink-jet printing 2d-material based ink directly on the container. The sensors can provide information not just of one point of the surface, but on specific area of interest. The project consists in: i) Optimizing the ink formulation and printing on specific surfaces and substrates; ii) Fabricating and testing different types of sensors, in particular strain gauges; iii) Coupling of the sensor with a RFID antenna; iv) Testing of the setup in the real environment.
The project is in close collaboration with the National Nuclear Lab: regular meetings and visits will be performed over the duration of the project. The student will have the possibility to visit various nuclear facilities in UK.

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second class Master degree (or equivalent) in material science or Engineering or in similar subject area. Some background (or personal interest) for the nuclear sector is very welcome, but not necessary.

Contact for further Information:
Cinzia Casiraghi, email: [Email Address Removed];
website: http://casiraghi.weebly.com/