Within the recently awarded STW Perspective Program: Understanding Processes using Operando Nanoscopy (UPON) we are looking for a 4 year PhD student at Utrecht University (UU) for project B3: “Understanding silica nanoparticles assemblies in solution using in-situ TEM.”

This PhD position is on a project in collaboration with DSM Company and NCHREM Delft. Colloidal nanoparticles are synthesized in solution and have a wide range of applications, such as semiconductor quantum dots or binary nanoparticle assemblies having novel optical or catalytic properties beneficial in for example solar cell coatings. We will focus on the synthesis of anti-reflective coatings whereby first silica shells are grown on latex spheres, after which the latex is dissolved to form low-density films consisting of hollow silica spheres. These wet chemistry steps and the self-ordering of nanoparticles upon drying will be simulated experimentally in a liquid cell nanoreactor which is operated in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The influence of flow parameters, the type of liquid, the temperature, and the beneficial use of electric fields will be investigated in detail. The nanoreactors will be produced in a parallel project within UPON (Understanding Processes using Operando Nanoscopy), which is an STW and industry supported program consisting of eight projects concentrating on MEMS-technology-based development of nanoreactors and on actual scientific and industrial applications. Modern transmission electron microscopes, including a FEI Talos F200X equipped with high-sensitivity chemical mapping capabilities, and several Liquid Cell TEM holders (Hummingbird, ProtoChips) are part of the available infrastructure.

Qualifications:

• Master degree in chemistry, physics or materials science
• Experience in transmission electron microscopy is a plus
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English
• Excellent collaboration skills (with other scientists and technicians in the larger program)

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Additional information:

Project and PhD supervision: Dr. Marijn A. van Huis
phone: 030- 253 2409
Email: m.a.vanhuis @ uu.nl

Prof. Dr. Alfons van Blaaderen