| Funding type | Type of degree | Faculty | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition funding | Doctor of Philosophy | Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (Malaysia) | 31 March 2023 |
Graphene possesses many strengths as an engineering material, including high electrical and thermal conductivity. Graphene's properties can be enhanced for printed-electronics applications by using graphene-silver composite inks.
More work is required to gain insight on how the electrical resistivity of a graphene-silver is affected by mechanical strain, moisture and heat treatment.
You will research the resistivity variation in printed graphene-silver composites for a range of graphene/silver weight percentages, when exposed to bending, moisture and post-deposition heat treatment. You will use a combined approach of electrical characterisation using inkjet printed test devices (film resistors) and materials characterisation using FESEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy.
The correlated results of the electrical and material characterisation will provide resistivity models of graphene-silver in relation to the application of strain, moisture and heat treatment.
The output from this project will enable the use of printed graphene-silver in health and environmental sensors, in conductive signal lines and also for electrical shielding.
The knowledge will also enable the predictive modelling of device lifetimes under normal operation of flexible electronics. This work will enhance capabilities in the digital manufacturing of hybrid electronics such as flexible sensors.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, and an integrated masters or postgraduate masters degree.
Applicants without a masters degree will be considered if they have a first class honours or equivalent first degree.
There is a full scholarship available.
Applications are welcome from self-funded candidates.
You need to:
Applications should include:
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Malaysia
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (pgr-uosm@soton.ac.uk)