Fabrication and applications of pH and gas micro-sensors

This project lies at the intersection of chemistry, electrochemistry, material science and mathematical modeling. We will fabricate microscale pH sensors via electrodepositing specific oxide-sensor films. These sensors will be robust and prompt at measuring proton diffusion coefficients in solutions and monitoring humidity and acid vapor content. With our theoretician colleagues, we will investigate mechanisms of sensing. Typical instrumentation includes digital multimeters and microfluidics. Characterization tools include X-photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, profilometry and scanning electron microscopy.

Our collaborators include Professor Athanasios Tzavaras (KAUST), Dr. Robert Nielsen (Caltech).




Requirements:
1. The candidate should have a solid undergraduate and Masters level academic training in one of the following areas: chemical engineering, chemistry, or materials science. Clear fundamentals of basic physical chemistry, such as the electrochemistry, diffusion, ideal gas theory, gas-liquid equilibrium, pH-pKa relationship, etc.
2. Prior experience with characterization techniques for example SEM, XRD, XPS, and mathematical modeling will be a plus.
3. A strong desire and ability to master new experimental techniques
4. Curiosity-driven, perseverant, dedicated, and a team player
5. Strong communication, analytical, and scientific writing skills, including journal publications and conference presentations

This position will be in the laboratory of Professor Himanshu Mishra (Interfacial Lab) where the research focus is on chemical and physical phenomena at interfaces of water with hydrophobic media, such as air, lipids, and perfluorinated coatings. Our laboratory is situated in the Water Desalination and Reuse Center and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including, an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer, contact angle cell, high voltage sources, electrometers, home-built pH microsensors, and polarization modulation infrared absorption-reflection spectroscopy. Also, we regularly use machine shops, and Core Labs (for imaging, microfabrication, and characterization).