About the Project
Over the past decade there have been dramatic developments in the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials and in understanding their fascinating mesoscopic properties. To exploit these properties fully, we now need to focus on converting the useful properties of these materials into functional devices, from nanoscale sensors to large-area structures such as solar arrays. This requires high resolution additive deposition strategies that offer speed and scalability at low cost. Printing is the obvious solution. Most printing strategies, however, have strict limits on resolution that can be achieved or the viscosity of the “inks” that can be deposited. Electrospray printing approaches offer a much wider working range for ink composition and properties and can also print structures an order of magnitude smaller than the best current technology (i.e. inkjet).
This PhD project will explore the opportunities and limitations of electrospray printing for nanomaterials deposition and patterning in additive processes. It will involve synthesis, characterisation and formulation of metal, metal oxide and luminescent nanomaterials and extensive studies of their deposition properties, print resolution, adhesion etc. on a variety of different substrates (e.g. polyester, glass, Si wafers) with properties desirable for different types of devices. Opportunities for print-assisted in-situ nanomaterial synthesis via multi-layer printing of precursors and reactive intermediates will also be explored, using nanoscale mixing and diffusion processes to control the product architectures and locations on printed substrates.
This PhD project would suit a candidate with a background in chemistry, materials or nanotechnology and a strong interest in engineering/instrumentation. Experience of any of the following would be useful, but is not essential: synthetic chemistry, nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation, labview programming, printing technology, microscopy. Most important, though, is a strong drive to succeed and a desire to work on a challenging project at the interface between materials science and engineering.
The project may be available to start earlier than October 2018, but candidates should discuss this with the primary supervisor in the first instance.
For more information on the supervisor of this project, please go here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/chemistry/people/profile/andrew-mayes
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: October 2018
Mode of study: Full time
Acceptable first degree: Background in Chemistry, Nanotechnology or Materials Science. An interest in Engineering and/or Instrumentation would be extremely helpful.
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1.
Funding Notes
This PhD project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found at http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/fees-and-funding.
A bench fee is also payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. The amount charged annually will vary considerably depending on the nature of the project and applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
References
i) JC Bear, N Hollingsworth, PD McNaughter, AG Mayes, MB Ward, T Nann, G Hogarth, IP Parkin. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 53(6) (2014) 1598-601.
ii) T.J. Macdonald, DD Tune, MR Dewi, JC Bear, PD McNaughter, AG Mayes ; WM Skinner, IP Parkin, JG Shapter, T Nann, J. Mater. Chem. C (2016) 4 (16) 3379-3384
iii) M. Panagiotopoulou, Y. Salinas, S. Beyazit, S. Kunath, L. Duma,E. Prost, A.G. Mayes, M. Resmini, B. Tse Sum Bui, K. Haupt (2016), Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 55, 8244 –8248
iv) Smith, K.L., Alexander, M.S., Stark, J.P.W., (2006) Journal of Applied Physics 99, p. 064909
v) Alexander, MS, Paine, MD, Stark, JPW. (2006) Anal. Chem. 78, 2658-2664
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