Project Details
This joint PhD studentship aims to develop a breath analyser using novel field-effect transistors (FET) based on hybrid nanomaterials sensors that can be fabricated using printing technology. The project will be supervised by Dr. Maffeis (gas sensing and nano-ZnO growth)1 , Dr. Teng (nanoelectronics)2, Dr. Kettle (development and characterisation of FET) and Dr. Deganello (printing technology)2. There is a significant commercial interest in the development of methane breath analyser in gastro application for the diagnosis of lactose intolerance or bacteriological overgrowth. The current approach is based on gas chromatography, which is expensive and not suitable for point-of-care testing. This project will therefore focus on the detection of methane using a hybrid ZnO nanosheets/Palladium nanoparticles sensor, as Palladium (Pd) has been shown to boost response to methane.
The objectives of the PhD project are as follows:
- Investigation of hybrid nanomaterials, consisting of ZnO nanosheets coated with Pd nanoparticles.
- Development and characterisation of chemi-resistors and FET using the hybrid nanomaterials to accurately measure CH4 on a single sensor platform.
- Study the specificity of device in the detection of methane in the presence of various other gasses.
- Writing up of PhD thesis and dissemination of finding through peer-reviewed publications.
The project will make full use of the state of the art facilities available at Swansea University to characterise the nanomaterials and devices, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction.
1A. Tarat, C.J. Nettle, D.T.J. Bryant, D.R. Jones, M.W. Penny, R.A. Brown, R. Majitha, K.E. Meissner and T.G.G. Maffeis, “Microwave-assisted synthesis of layered basic zinc acetate nanosheets and their thermal decomposition into nanocrystalline ZnO”, Nanoscale Research Letters, 9(1),1-8, 2014
2J. S. Lloyd, C. M. Fung, D. Deganello, R. J. Wang, T. G. G. Maffeis, S. P. Lau and K. S. Teng, “Flexographic printing-assisted fabrication of ZnO nanowire devices”, Nanotechnology, 24 (19), 195602, 2013
Eligibility
Candidates should have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in physics, engineering or chemistry.
This studentship is open to 'home' UK/EU applicants.
Funding
The studentship covers the full cost of 'home UK/EU tuition fees, plus a stipend of £13,726 p.a. for three years.
There will also be up to £3600 available for research expenses/conferences.
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