2D Van der Waals Materials with Applications in Environmental Sustainability

This project will focus on investigation of light-matter interaction in a group of van der Waals (vdW) materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride and graphene, at mid-infrared wavelength (5-15 um), in order to develop new technologies for environmental applications. This family of nanomaterials that exhibit remarkable mechanical, optical, and electronic properties, extensively explored in recent years but mostly limited to visible to near IR applications. In this project, we aim to explore new designs of nanostructures and devices based on these nanomaterials, with the goal of effective radiative cooling, i.e. dissipating or converting heat to other formats of energy, to reduce the temperature of surfaces, or even Earth. The potential outcome of this project will foster new technologies for tackling the climate change and global warming challenges.

Aims and objectives

Aim 1 Y1: Design photonic nanostructures to enhance reflectivity/emission in the mid-IR spectral range (include training)
Objective 1.1: Comprehensive literature review on different material systems for radiative cooling
Objective 1.2: Identify the advances of using nanostructured vdW devices for passive radiative cooling

Aim 2 Y2: Fabricate and characterise the designed devices (include training)
Objective 2: Implement the optimised design and achieve cooling on surfaces (aiming for 10s K temperature reduction)

Aim 3 Y3: Explore other possible application areas
Objective 3.1: identify promising areas for these nanostructured mid-IR devices
Objective 3.2: extend the research to gas and bio sensing (for example).

The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated

The student will design photonic nanostructures based on the vdW materials in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength range, build on the nanofabrication capability already developed in the JEOL Nanocenter at the University of York, to fabricate such devices. We will then use these devices to explore two applications: a, resonance enhanced light absorption/emission in mid-IR for radiative cooling; b, environmental gas sensing using resonance enhanced nanostructures.

Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

This project aligns well with EPSRC's strategic priorities of "Frontiers in Engineering and Technology" and "Engineering Net Zero". The activities in the project are primarily related to these two research areas: Photonic materials (theoretical understanding and characterisation of materials and nanostructures in the IR spectral range), and Energy storage (The study of materials and systems which store electrochemical, thermal or kinetic energy for later use). Later on in the project, we will transform fundamental physical sciences research to more application centered research, and the activities will be more aligned with Sensors and Instrumentation (Development, optimisation and integration of devices for environmental applications.)

Any companies or collaborators involved

Not directly involved but 1- we receive samples from AIXTRON, and we intend to test these samples in this project; 2- a potential collaborator is National Oceanography Centre, depending on the progress made in this project.