PhD Studentship - Synthesis of nanomaterials and their incorporation in textiles/fabrics for energy

Supervisory Team: Prof. Antonios Kanaras, Prof. Stephen Beeby

Project description

Nanomaterials are employed in several fields of science ranging from biomedicine and the development of new diagnostic methods, to physics and engineering and the fabrication of novel devices for energy conversion and storage. The major reason for the vast range of applications of nanomaterials is the ability to easily tune their magnetic, optical, electrical, catalytic and mechanical properties, characteristic for different materials by tuning their characteristics chemically.

Electronic textiles, or e-textiles, are a platform wearable technology where otherwise standard fabrics become functionalised to include, for example, sensing and computational capabilities. E-Textiles are currently limited by a reliance on traditional batteries for the supply of power and such batteries are incompatible with the nature and properties of a textile. There is therefore considerable interest in the use of novel smart materials for harvesting energy from external stimuli that can be used to power e-textiles.

This project aims to the synthesis of conductive nanoparticles using wet chemistry techniques and their incorporation in textiles or fabrics with the ultimate aim to develop systems for energy harvesting. The project is run jointly by Prof. Stephen Beeby an expert in energy harvesting, e-textiles and active printed materials and Prof. Kanaras, an expert in nanomaterials chemical synthesis and design. The successful candidate will gain expertise in the chemical synthesis and surface modification of nanoparticles as well as their physicochemical characterization and device fabrication through a vast range of techniques including electron and optical microscopies. The PhD will have access to world class facilities for the synthesis of materials, the fabrication of devices in the Printed Electronic Materials Laboratory and a full range of e-textiles characterisation tools.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Antonios Kanaras, QLM Research Group, Email: a.kanaras@soton.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2466.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Candidates should have a degree in one of the following disciplines: chemistry, physics, or materials.

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 July 2021 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,609 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2021/22, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select PhD Physics (Full time). In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Antonios Kanaras

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.