We are looking for a talented, self-motivated and high-performing PhD student to join an internationally-leading team, developing next-generation flexible semiconductors for optoelectronic devices based on atomically thin materials.
Semiconductors are the fundamental materials of modern electronic components in which the flow of current can be switched on and off simply by means of a gate voltage. Common inorganic semiconductors are brittle, therefore not suitable for future flexible electronics. Emerging atomically thin materials such as functionalized graphene and layered dichalcogenides (e.g. MoS2, WS2, etc.) have the required unique combination of mechanical and electrical properties for letting electronics emerge from the confines of the computer into wearable electronics and smart coatings for vehicles and windows. One of the most critical steps towards achieving this goal is the development of large scale manufacturing processes of these novel semiconducting materials. In this project the student will develop advanced flexible semiconductors based on atomically thin materials. The main aims are: (i) to develop large scale atomically thin semiconductors based on transition metals dichalcogenides and functionalized graphene, using techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and solution processing, (ii) to explore the feasibility of spray painting and patterning atomically thin materials onto various surfaces to obtain ultra-lightweight semiconducting coatings, (iii) to pioneer the possibility to tailor the electrical and optical properties of these novel ultra-thin materials by chemical doping, (iv) to obtain electron (n-) and hole (p-) doped semiconductors and use them in opto-electronic applications such as light emitting and photovoltaic devices.
The PhD student will work within the Centre for Graphene Science at Exeter with Dr. Monica F. Craciun. All the techniques to fabricate and characterize the semiconductor materials and devices are available at Exeter. The student will use the graphene fabrication laboratory developed at Exeter by Dr Craciun, which includes several graphene CVD systems, spray patterning system and functionalization techniques. To fabricate the devices, the student will use the full arsenal of modern nano-fabrication techniques (including electron beam lithography, electron beam evaporation, sputtering, etching), available at new built clean-room facility of the Centre for Graphene Science at Exeter, as well as our characterization facilities such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, AFM (multimode), Raman/TERS spectrometry, cryogenic transport measurements and opto-electronic testing.
The studentship provides a tax-free living allowance of £13,863 and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for 3.5 years. The student is expected to start the PhD in October 2014. Applicants should have a background in Material Physics, Material Engineering Condensed Matter Physics, or other related subjects (such as Applied Physics, Nanotechnology etc.) and have or expect to gain a First Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent from an overseas University.
In order to apply you will need to send your CV, covering letter, and contact details for two academic referees to m.f.craciun@exeter.ac.uk. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.
For enquiries please contact Dr. Monica F. Craciun: m.f.craciun@exeter.ac.uk