Course: Instrumental Analysis
Optimised
Course: Introduction to Materials
Nanomaterials
Project 3: Design and Develop Nanostructured Devices for Harvesting Solar Energy
For a photocatalytic device to perform effectively, the efficiency of light absorption and charge transportation has to be optimised. However, while the light absorption can be improved by increase the film thickness, the poor charge mobility of such thick film will often reduce the overall performance. To overcome this fundamental problem, we design and construct 3D architectures of hierarchical structures based on ordered, vertically aligned conductive metal oxides. This project will use such structure as the foundation of the photoanodes and exam the improved efficiency for solar excited hydrogen generation and photovoltaics.
Candidates with an interest in nanomaterials and physical chemistry should apply. The project will involve the multi-step synthesis, deposition and characterization of variety of nanomaterials. The candidate will experience independent use of variety of techniques and instruments including SEM, XRD, photoelectrochemical measurement, pspin coating, hydrothermal synthesis and Impedance measurement.
Project 4: Developing Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials
The application of nanotechnology to biosensor design and fabrication promises to revolutionize diagnostics and therapy at the molecular and cellular level. This research aims to develop medical, biological and chemical sensors with optoelectronic devices on nano meter scale. The project will involve the synthesis and chemical modification of quantum dots, nano wires and nano tubes. Transistors will be built using e-beam lithograph with those chemical active nano materials. The electronic conductivity of the devices will be monitored as the changing of its chemical and biological environment. This project will use state of the art nanoscience facilities including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy.
Project 5: Molecular Recognition
The interdisciplinary research between surface science, material science, biology and nanotechnology towards the development of chemical and biosensors will revolutionize diagnostics and therapy at the molecular and cellular level. This research aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of molecular recognition and molecular interactions which will help to optimise selectivity and sensitivity of optoelectronic devices on nano meter scale. The project will be carried out in a ultrahigh vacuum system with a combination of low energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate the surface biomolecular thin film structures.
Project 6: Developing Nanoenhanced Ion Selective Sensors
The aim of this project is to develop nanomaterial based electrochemical sensors for detecting metal ion species. First we will develop porous polymer membrane with good ion permeability optimised for ion selective electrodes. We will investigate the possibility of using nano structured materials as template to control and manipulate the pore structure of membrane. Meanwhile, we will also try to develop facile methods to synthesise ionophores. We understand that ionophores are unique and expensive, the aim is to create new class of ionophores targeting for different metal ions. We will also investigate the possibility of using metal organic framework (MOF) as alternative ionophores.
With established ion selective electrodes, we will set up electrochemical measurement and develop ionophore doped membranes for selectivity and sensitivity test.