Self-assembled structured materials based on cellulose nano particles
(Ref. BAP-2014-81)

Occupation : Full-time
Period : Fixed-term contract
Place : Kortrijk
Apply no later than : June 30, 2014

We are looking for a motivated student with a background in chemistry and an interest in surface chemistry and nano particle self-assembly.
Self-assembled structured materials based on cellulose nano particles

This work will be carried out as a PhD project in the newly established Renewable Materials and Nanotechnology research group at KU Leuven Campus Kortrijk under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Wim Thielemans.
Wim recently started his research at KU Leuven with funding from an FWO Odysseus grant after a career in the USA (University of Delaware), France (INPGrenoble) and the UK (University of Nottingham). We have access to recently refurbished labs and have purchased a whole range of state of the art equipment for our research. We also form part of the larger Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology group at the Department of Chemical Engineering with experts in rheology, colloids, light scattering and interfacial phenomena.
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Project

Nature builds very complex, multifunctional systems by assembling simple building blocks in a directed manner. Compared to this complexity, most manmade structures are relatively simple.

In a biomimetic approach,we aim to create hierarchical multi-functional one-, two- and three-dimensional structures with controlled long-range order through self-assembly of multifunctional rodlike nanoparticles.

To achieve this, we will modify the surface of ribbon-like cellulose nanocrystals at their three distinct surface functionalities: primary and secondary hydroxyl groups on the lateral surfaces and aldehydes at the extremities. These surface functionalities will be used to exert control over the self-assembly, as well as to introduce other functionalities such as fluorescence, (electro)chromism, and redox and electron-hopping capability.

Ordered structures will beformed by self-assembly on solid surfaces, at liquid-liquid and liquid-gas interfaces, in bulk, and under flow, with and without addition of metal nanoparticles or di- or multifunctional linkers. Flexibility and spacing of the grafts will provide additional control over the self-assembly behaviour and performance of the additional functionalities. This work builds on recent successes in the group of Prof. Thielemans in preparing cellulose nanocrystals functionalised to alter membrane and templating behaviour, to add new functionalities such as fluorescence, to enable charge hopping along the nanocrystal surface, and to prepare bioanalytical sensors.

Profile

• Requirement: Master's degree in Chemistry with strong overall marks
• Experience in a research project in organic surface chemistry, nano particle modification and/or nano particle self-assembly will be regarded as a plus
• Adequate English for scientific interactions required
• Strong motivation is a must

Offer

 The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our international team with global research links to work towards a PhD. Funding can be provided for a period of 4 years.

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