Manipulating the Electronic Properties of 2D Materials with Ionic Liquids

2D materials have seen an explosion of research since the isolation of graphene in 2004. Transition metal dichalcogenides are one class of 2D materials which have the formula MX2 where M is the transition metal and X is the chalcogen (S, Se or Te). These materials have a wide variety of electronic properties including semiconducting, metallic, charge density wave and superconductivity.

Controlling the electronic properties of 2D materials can take many forms including chemical doping, intercalation of molecules in between layers and electric field doping. The latter of these techniques allows precise control of the electronic state of the 2D material for example a semiconducting insulating 2D material can be doped into the conducting and even superconducting state.

This PhD is concerned with fabricating ionic liquid field effect transistors from 2D materials and using the chemistry of the ionic liquid to manipulate the electronic properties of the material. The PhD candidate will have access to clean room facilities and receive training in lithographic fabrication techniques. This is an interdisciplinary project between physics and chemistry and the student will receive training in all aspects of the work.

Successful applicants will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or overseas equivalent).

English language requirements must be met at the time of application to be considered for funding.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Sara Dale, [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUPH-FP01&code2=0013

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 21 January 2019

Note: Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found; therefore, early application is strongly recommended.