Two positions in project on ‘Metal-Organic Frameworks for electroluminescent devices’
(4-year PhD student position or 3-year Post-Doc position)


Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid crystalline materials consisting of inorganic and organic building blocks. MOFs are of interest for application in catalysis, storage, separation, sensing and optoelectronic devices such as MOF-based light-emitting diodes (MOF-LEDs). The current project is a collaboration between the Delft University of Technology and Philips Research.
At TUDelft within the ChemE department, research of the Catalysis Engineering section (CE) is focused on the development and application of functionalised metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Within the section Optoelectronic Materials (OM), the factors that govern the nature and dynamics of photoexcited states (excitons) and charge carriers  are studied in new materials with potential applications in e.g. solar cells, LEDs and nanoelectronics.
The MOF research of CE has led to the development of an electroluminescent MOF-based device that can be cast in flat flexible sheets with a very even light emission over a large surface area with a narrow bandwidth. Intriguing are also the various configurations that give this result.
The origin of the phenomenon is not clear at all, although one could speculate about phenomena that take place. It is the first time this has been observed and is not described in literature, so no earlier information can be used to reveal this effect.

In this research project two researchers will closely collaborate with each other and the industrial partner to (1) gain a fundamental understanding of the observed electroluminescent behavior and (2) to further develop the composite material from a synthetic, characterization and device manufacture point of view.

Position 1
The first topic will include study of the nature and dynamics of photoexcited states and charge carriers with femtosecond and nanosecond pump-probe laser techniques, including microwave and terahertz conductivity measurements. In addition experiments will be performed using ultrashort high-energy electron pulses from an accelerator. World-wide unique combinations of techniques that are present at the Delft University of Technology. The aim is to elucidate the mechanism of electricity-to-light conversion in new MOF based composites and to optimize the performance of LEDs.

Position 2
In the second project the focus is on the compositional and structural characteristics of the synthesized MOF and MOF-composite in relation to the electro- and photoluminescent properties, extending the wavelength, intensity and to study the stability. Synthesis and characterization is a strong component of this development,

Location
You will carry out research at the department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) at the Delft University of Technology in the
•       Optoelectronic Materials section (www.cheme.tudelft.nl/om) – project 1
•       Catalysis Engineering section (www.cheme.nl/ce) – project 2
and at Philips Research

Requirements
Candidates must have a relevant MSc or PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and demonstrable experience in the relevant topics. Good command of the English language is essential.

For information and application contact
Project 1
Prof. dr. Laurens D.A.Siebbeles, dr. Monique van der Veen
Email: L.D.A.Siebbeles(a)tudelft.nl, Monique.VanderVeen(a)biw.kuleuven.be

Project 2
Dr. Jorge Gascon, prof.dr. Freek Kapteijn
Email: J.Gascon(a)tudelft.nl, f.kapteijn(a)tudelft.nl


Application
Please send to the abovementioned persons:
a letter of motivation, your CV, list of courses followed and marks obtained, and name(s) of reference(s) or letter(s) of recommendation.