Research project description:
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) constitute a family of tubular molecules having diameters in the nanometer range and made solely of carbon. SWCNTs have received tremendous attention since their discovery due to the combination of exceptional electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. SWCNTs are commonly produced by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) using metal nanoparticles that catalyze the decomposition of a gaseous carbon source. The industrial development of nanotube-based technologies is presently hindered by several synthesis-related issues. In particular, as-grown SWCNT samples are mixtures of nanotubes of different chiralities and therefore of different electrical properties.

The objective of this project is to identify the origin of the chiral selectivity (nucleation, growth or termination) for two particular catalysts using in situ Raman measurements and to apply this knowledge to improve the selectivity. Our group has a long-standing expertise in this domain (Picher et al, Carbon (2012), 50, 2407; Picher et al, ACS Nano (2011), 5), 2118 ; Picher et al, Nano Letters (2009), 9, 542).

Post-doc description:
The postdoctoral researcher will finalize the experimental work (in situ Raman studt of CCVD growth of SWCNT + post-growth TEM) already led in our group, treat and analyze the experimental data and prepare manuscripts for publication.

Location:
The research will be based at Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, a joint research center of the University of Montpellier and of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) which is one of the top French research institutions in Physics and Nanosciences.

Profile:
Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or Chemistry. Strong experience in either Raman spectroscopy or carbon nanotube growth by CCVD is compulsory.  Self-motivation, interpersonal skills, taste for experimental work, analysis skills and manuscript writing skills are key aspects.

Application deadline: 5 January 2014

Start: between February 2013 and April 2014

Duration: 6 months

Contact: Dr Vincent Jourdain (vincent.jourdain@univ-montp2.fr)

Website of Laboratoire Charles Coulomb:
http://www.coulomb.univ-montp2.fr

Web page of the host team:
http://www.coulomb.univ-montp2.fr/-Equipe-Nanostructures-

Application details: the candidate should send a personalized motivation letter describing his/her interest and his/her aptitudes for the proposed research, a detailed CV and the contact details of three reference persons to Dr Vincent Jourdain (vincent.jourdain@univ-montp2.fr)