PhD position
From selective polymer-wrapping of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) to (n,m)-pure SWNT-based materials
A 3-years PhD position is available at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in the research unit of Prof. Manfred Kappes (Institute of Physical Chemistry and Institute of Nanotechnology) to study the properties of new materials based on polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The utility of two types of novel “designer” polymers will be specifically probed: (i) polymers with chiral subunits allowing for separation of chiral SWNTs according to their handedness as well as (ii) polymers with thermally labile linkers which can be removed under ultra-high-vacuum conditions to generate chiral-index pure SWNT materials. The polymers will be made by the group of Prof. Mayor as part of a DFG-SNF binational collaborative project.
The PhD candidate will prepare and spectroscopically characterize polymer-wrapped SWNT dispersions in both polar and non-polar solvents. Depending on the systems, ultracentrifugation and liquid‐phase chromatography, will also be used to characterize and further enhance material purities. (n,m)-pure samples both of semiconducting and metallic SWNTs will be made in sufficient quantities to cast thin films on various substrates for subsequent surface spectroscopy (UPS, XPS, MS-TDS) under controlled atmosphere – including ultra-high vacuum – and temperature conditions. Apart from electronic properties, (n,m) dependent chemical reactivity will also be probed. In addition to purified materials, oriented composites (e.g., stacked multilayers of different SWNT types, SWNTs in photoresists, or filled SWNTs) will also be prepared and studied.
Eligible candidates should hold an MSc or diploma degree in physical chemistry, materials science or physics. She/he should be highly self-motivated, well-organized and should ideally already have experience with some of the analytical/spectroscopic tools to be used in the project (e.g.: Raman, CD, nIR photoluminescence, Analytical Ultracentrifugation). Willingness to integrate into an interdisciplinary and international research team is important. Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English are required. Knowledge of German is desirable.
The research unit and the associated institutes offers an excellent research environment with state-of-the art equipment. The position is available immediately. The preferred starting date is December 1, 2014.
Applications must include a letter of motivation, an informative CV, a list of publications, and the names and contact details of at least two potential referees. Application deadline is October 1, 2014. All documents have to be merged into a single .pdf file, labeled with the applicant´s surname and should be sent via email to: frank.hennrich@kit.edu and manfred.kappes@kit.edu

Questions regarding methods should be addressed to Dr. Frank Hennrich (frank.hennrich@kit.edu).