Design of 1D-2D Nanomaterials and Hybrids for Prototype Applications in Sensors, Optoelectronics and (Photo)catalysis

The Institute of Materials Chemistry of the Technical University of Vienna (TU Vienna) is announcing open PhD positions in the Division of Molecular Materials Chemistry (MMC) to be filled starting early 2017.

We are looking for enthusiastic, creative and highly motivated PhD students to join our international research team. The PhD candidates will be working within a multidisciplinary environment. The MMC division is dedicated equally to fundamental and applied research. Our interests involve the synthesis of nanocarbons, functional inorganics, hybrid nanostructures, and high-performance polymers, as well as the unraveling of reaction kinetics and transfer dynamics at surfaces and interfaces and the fabricating and testing of devices for medicinal, environmental and energy applications.

The PhD positions will be assigned to the project titled:

“Design of 1D-2D nanomaterials and hybrids with atomistic control of interfaces and quantum effects for prototype applications in sensors, optoelectronics and (photo)catalysis”

This project involves synthesis of 1D/2D materials (graphene, CNTs, chalcogenides) and their rational assembly into nanocarbon-inorganic hybrid materials and 2D van der Waals heterostructures. The project aims to:

(1) develop a synthetic toolbox for designing 1D/2D materials with atomistic control over structure and dimension using atomic layer deposition and heteroexpitaxy
(2) tailor optical, transport and catalytic properties of the 1D/2D materials and their heterostructures through defect-, band-gap- and interface engineering
(3) implement the new materials into prototype devices and evaluate their performance characteristics for photocatalysis, single-site catalysis, and (bio)sensors

The MMC group enjoys close collaborations with world-leading research groups in USA (Cornell University), UK (Oxford University), Spain (IMDEA, ICIQ), Russia (MSU) and Germany (Münster University, INM Saarbrücken). We also actively support student exchange programs between the groups. The TU Vienna provides an excellent research environment with several very well-equipped research centers (e.g. XRD facility, USTEM, Center for Surface Analytics, Computational Materials Science etc.) as well as a cutting-edge training program with seminars, lectures and personal development courses that will be of benefit to the selected candidates.

Application requirements:

A Diploma or Master university degree in chemistry, physics or a related discipline. Additional knowledge related to the fields of two dimensional materials, nanocarbons, (bio)sensing or (photo)catalysis is desirable. The candidate needs to be fluent in English (oral and written).

TU Wien is an equal opportunity employer aiming to increase the proportion of women within scientific and artistic staff and thus strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Female applicants will be considered preferentially, if their abilities, aptitude and professional performance are equal with those of male applicants. Persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.