This project will use a multidisciplinary approach, whereby novel nanomaterials, existing knowledge on nano-scale processing and established expertise in device fabrication and testing will be brought together to focus on creating more efficient technologies for energy storage.
The work will involve processing of nanomaterials on large scale equipment in the Department, followed by detailed electrochemical and impedance spectroscopy, and structural characterisation using a suite of techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Background to the Post
Professor Nicolosi leads the Characterisation & Processing of Advanced Materials Group (http://physics.tcd.ie/cpam/) within the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics. The group is devoted to the processing and electron microscopy structural characterization of low-dimensional nanostructures. Dispersability, processability and manipulation of these objects are important objectives of the group. In the group particular attention is given to the study of the material atomic structures to better understand their fundamental physical and chemical properties. The group works on a range of low-dimensional nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanowires, graphene and other inorganic two-dimensional nano-sheets.
Standard duties of the Post
The post holder will be responsible for the liquid phase exfoliation to obtain two-dimensional nano-sheets, the development of processing methods for their use as electrode materials and their electrochemical characterization. A key aspect of this project will be the close collaboration within the team (especially with regard to nanomaterials processing and electron microscopy characterisation in order to gain a better understanding of the materials’ chemical and physical
properties) and collaboration with Professor Jonathan Coleman at the School of Physics and with an industrial partner linked to the AMBER Centre.
S/he will be expected to take on the day-to-day running of the part of the research programme under the direction of Professor Nicolosi, liaising closely with Professor Jonathan Coleman and his group for the fabrication and electrochemical characterisation of the electrodes.
The core tasks are as follows:
1. Optimisation of the liquid phase exfoliation of nanomaterials and characterization of the exfoliated material by TEM, SEM and XPS-Raman-UVVisIR spectroscopies.
2. Fabrication and electrochemical testing of electrodes. This phase of the project will focus on the investigation of different arrangements and electrode deposition techniques, such as spraying vs vacuum filtration and different electrolytes. Characterization techniques required are: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic charging/discharging, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)
3. Writing papers and giving presentations on the research conducted.
4. Helping with the day to day running of the research group, training and supervising students, procuring orders, managing the laboratories.
Funding
Funding for this post is provided by a collaborative industrial programme under the SFI funded Advanced Materials and Bio Engineering Research Centre (AMBER).
Person Specification
Qualifications
  - A PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related discipline. (Essential).
Essential Knowledge and/or Experience:
  - Significant practical experience, good knowledge of the theory behind and proven ability in at least one of the following areas:
(i) Liquid-phase synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials by chimie douce.
(ii) Electrochemical characterization: impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charging/discharging.
  - Demonstrable expertise in sample preparation and routine techniques for characterization such as TEM, SEM, XPS-Raman-UVVisIR spectroscopies.
  - Proven knowledge of chemistry and electrochemistry at a minimum level commensurate with a Master’s degree.
  - Well-organised and self-motivated with the ability to manage the day-to-day running of a research project, to identify research objectives and to carry out appropriate research activities within a given timescale.
  - Excellent oral and communication skills, including the proven ability to write in English at a suitable standard for the preparation of written reports, publications and presentations of the work at generalist and specialist levels, including discussions with engineers and scientists in different fields.
  - Willingness to travel to collaborators across Europe and to conferences to disseminate results.
Desirable Knowledge and/or Experience:
  - A strong publication record in internationally peer-reviewed journals
  - Experience of working with industrial collaborators.
  - Experience in the training and supervision of junior researchers