Modular Design of Novel Functional Nanomaterials

The aim of the project is to investigate a new, unique and highly novel process for the production of two-dimensional (2D) "graphene-like" materials. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates willing to undertake from the 1st of October 2016 or shortly after a cutting edge research in novel dimensionally reduced materials (Nature Chem. (2013), 5, 263; Nature Photonics (2016) 10, 216; Nature Nanotechnology (2016), 11, 218). The studentship will provide an ambitious individual with an exciting opportunity to achieve exceptional level of scientific excellence in synthetic inorganic, solid state and materials chemistry and to cross the disciplinary boundaries by working together with physicists (Dr. Coldea, Dept. of Physics, University of Oxford) and engineers (Dr. Moran and Prof. Gadegaard, School of Engineering, Univ. of Glasgow).

The PhD scholar will exploit a timely opportunity to implement new methodologies developed in Dr. Ganin's group to tailor optical, electronic and catalytic properties of 2D materials by controllable assembly onto organic or inorganic substrates of choice. Furthermore, by grafting small molecules, such as amine- and thiol-derivatives, to the active sites she/he will aim to augment electronic structure of the materials and in turn, introduce additional chemical functionality. Such functionality will be then exploited, using directed assembly approach, for accessing a host of artificial heterostructures with potential applications in future devices with advanced electromagnetic, optoelectronic, superconducting, sensing and quantum properties.

Jointly mentored training will be provided throughout the project, covering modern techniques for film deposition which will also comprise hands-on experience in the characterisation by advanced techniques. Careful assessment of the materials' electrical transport, magnetic and structural properties will be executed through fine control over the number of layers in these films, the level of defects and monitoring the chemical structure by spectroscopy and diffraction techniques, field-effect mobility by Hall measurements, magnetic characteristics in SQUID and atomic structure by electron microscopy. The fabricated materials will be then implemented in a wide range of advanced electromagnetic and catalytic devices through the collaborative network.