Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy

in Agreement with the University of Genoa

The Competition for admission to the XXXI cycle doctoral program

For the course: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS,
Curriculum: NANOCHEMISTRY (CODICE 5830) is available

1. Theme: Optoelectronics and plasmonic effects of nanocrystals.

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals can be excellent light emitters or absorbers where the optical properties as for example the light emission wavelength, direction and polarization can be controlled via the nanocrystal size, shape and composition. This makes them very interesting as active material in light emitting, lasing, or photovoltaic devices. On the other hand, metal nanostructures are very good conductors and are used for electronically contacting other nanomaterials. Additionally they can strongly interact with light in the visible and infrared spectral regions. The unique properties of these plasmon oscillations of their free electrons gave rise to the field of nanoplasmonics. Therefore the use of metals in hybrid structures can go well beyond their use as electric leads or interconnects.
This project aims at combining the favorable properties of both worlds in order to investigate complex optoelectronic systems and to pave the way for novel architectures for components in photodetectors, optical communication, photovoltaics, and nanoscale electronics.

For further details concerning the research theme, please contact: Roman.Krahne@iit.it

2. Theme: Development of nanocrystal-based heterogeneous catalysts for energy related catalytic processes

The changes in energy and chemicals feedstock, the developed concept of energy vectors, the paradigm change in energy consumption and environmental issues are currently the main driving forces for research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Innovative catalytic materials and processes needs to be developed in order to efficiently tackle these changes.
The aim of this theme is to target catalytic materials design on a process-driven basis, replacing the classical trial and error approach which characterized research in catalysis over the last decades. Particular emphasis will be given to nano-engineered, multi-element systems ( e.g. nanoalloys and nano-scale mixed oxides), in order to exploit synergistic effects in terms of electronic and structural interactions, finally resulting in breakthrough results for the selected catalytic processes. Significant efforts will be put towards the understanding of reaction mechanisms and materials structural evolution during catalytic reactions. Target reactions will include CO abatement in hydrogen-rich gases (i.e. water gas shift and selective carbon monoxide oxidation), selective methane partial oxidation and carbon dioxide hydrogenation to fuels and chemicals.
The research activity will cover different aspects of the catalyst development: (a) Synthesis of various nanostructures by means of wet-chemistry methods (b) Assembly of these structures to form composite materials (c) Catalytic tests and advanced catalyst characterization.

For further details concerning the research project, please contact: liberato.manna@iit.it; massimo.colombo@iit.it

3. Theme: Ultrafast optical spectroscopy of novel fluorescent quantum dots

Colloidal nanocrystals with applications in opto-electronics and photonics are nowadays synthesized in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and compositions. Each has its specific benefits, for example, recently developed 2D nanoplatelets are excellent for lasing and sensing, while other shape-controlled core and core/shell nanocrystals give access to unique optical properties (for instance quantum disks or quantum dot-in-rods, see recent publications of the group).
Considering the substantial body of materials available, with this theme we aim to provide a solid spectroscopic basis for future photonic applications of 1D and 2D shape-controlled colloidal nanocrystals. We will investigate the linear, nonlinear and ultrafast stimulated emission properties of such nanocrystals, where the goal is to fully understand how the opto-electronic band structure can be engineered using shape, strain and well-controlled core/shell interfaces. You will closely collaborate with the chemists in our team that prepare the materials, and investigate the optics of the nanocrystals in solution and thin films with different configuration (close-packed films, nanocrystals as dilute dopants in polymers...), both a room and cryogenic temperatures.
The work form a crucial bridge between nanocrystal synthesis and device applications, with successful materials paving the way to nonlinear switches, lasers, or novel quantum emitters.

For further details concerning the research project, please contact iwan.moreels@iit.it

4. Theme: Magnetic nanoparticles for brain diseases

Colloidal superparamagnetic nanocrystals can be excellent carriers for drug delivery applications. Furthermore, they have been extensively exploited as contrast agents in molecular resonance imaging (MRI) and as heat mediators for their heat-ability under alternating magnetic field for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of tumor. Peculiarly, they can be metabolized in the body and thus they can undergo bio-transformation once they have been serving as nano-probes for specific applications.
The aim of this research proposal is to develop coatings at the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (at different size, shape and composition) that make them able to cross (avoiding any structural damage) the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reach the brain. Besides equipping the nanoparticle surfaces with functional units for the BBB passage, double functionalization with different types of specific bio-targeting ligands will be then developed. The aim will be to either target selectively subset of brain cells (for instance neurons versus glia cells) or to address the nanoparticles towards tumor cells. For both applications tailored surface functionalization will be properly developed and depending on the final goal, drug molecules that can either modulate neuronal electric activity or act as chemotherapeutic agents towards brain tumor cells will be associated at the nanoparticle surface. In addition, the effects of the direct interaction of nanoparticles with the neuronal membranes will be exploited to manipulate neuronal network activity. Nanoparticle will be developed at the nanochemistry facility at IIT and the cell study interactions will be carried out in collaboration with the neuroscience and nanophysics departments at IIT.

For further details concerning the research theme, please contact: teresa.pellegrino@iit.it

5. Theme: Science and technology of graphene-based inks for polymer-composite applications

The aim of this research theme is to develop graphene and two dimensional (2D) crystals-based composite materials for flexible electronic, energy, both storage and conversion, and photonic applications. The emphasis will be on the production of graphene and other 2D crystal inks with controlled morphological and rheological properties. We will develop a top-down synthesis approach for the realization of such inks, which will be first of all studied in detail for what concerns their optical, structural, electrochemical and electrical transport properties. Significant effort will be put in the design of novel composite materials based on graphene and 2D crystal inks and a class of techno-polymers produced both by extrusion process and direct mixing. The graphene and 2D crystals-based polymer composites will be fully characterized by assessing their thermal, optical, structural, electrochemical and electrical transport properties. The final aim of the research theme is the exploitation of the graphene-based polymer composites in the field of flexible electronics, energy and photonic. In addition, graphene and 2D crystals-based polymer composites will be exploited in 3D printing technique for the realization of 3D structures for applications in the aforementioned fields of application.

For further details concerning the research project, please contact: francesco.bonaccorso@iit.it; vittorio.pellegrini@iit.it