PhD Research Studentships
Resilient, recyclable and repairable bio/nanocomposites based on protein materials
| Supervisor: | Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU |
| Apply by: | 29 January 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
We are seeking applications for a fully-funded PhD project aimed at developing resilient, recyclable, and repairable bio/nanocomposites using sustainable protein-based materials. As industries strive to adopt eco-friendly materials, this project focuses on pioneering bio/nanocomposites that combine high durability with recyclability and self-repairing properties, targeting applications such as sustainable electronics, functional packaging and healthcare where material resilience and sustainability are essential. The successful candidate will work on protein extraction, designing protein-based composites, integrating a range of high-performing nanoparticles to enhance mechanical, thermal, and functional properties, thereby creating versatile, next-generation films and fibres for diverse applications.
This PhD project is at the cutting edge of sustainable materials research, with the potential to transform key industries by providing versatile, environmentally conscious composite solutions.
Research Objectives:
- To develop protein-based bio/nanocomposite films and fibres with advanced resilience, recyclability, and repairability, tailored for state-of-the-art applications.
- To explore the integration of functional nanoparticles (MXenes, graphene, AgNW) to improve mechanical properties, induce electrical/thermal conductivity, and enable potential self-healing capabilities.
- To utilize modeling to refine composite properties, ensuring high performance while maintaining environmental compatibility.
Skills and Training:
The project offers training in bio/nanocomposite engineering, protein extraction and modification, and advanced materials characterization, as well as computational modeling techniques. The candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with leading industry partners, gaining skills that are highly relevant for a career in sustainable materials/polymer science. The group has a wealth of experience in the development of sustainable nanocomposites and nanomaterial engineering, as can be realised from recent, high-impact publications on the topic [1-5].
Indicative References:
1. M. Dong, A. Soul, Y. Li, E. Bilotti, H. Zhang, P. Cataldi, D. G. Papageorgiou*. Transient starch-based nanocomposites for sustainable electronics and multifunctional sensing. Advanced Functional Materials, 2024, 2412138
2. M. Dong, G. Mastroianni, E. Bilotti, H. Zhang, D. G. Papageorgiou*. Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposite Films with Exceptional Water and Oxygen Barrier Properties. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2024 12 (29), 11056-11066.
3. C. Wei, A. Roy, A. K. A. Aljarid, Y. Hu, S. M. Roe, D. G. Papageorgiou, R. Arenal, C. Boland. Quasi–1d anhydrite nanobelts from the sustainable liquid exfoliation of terrestrial gypsum for future martian‐based electronics. Advanced Functional Materials, 2024 34 (13), 2310600.
4. M. Dong, E. Bilotti, H. Zhang, D. G. Papageorgiou*. Multifunctional Ti3C2Tx MXene-reinforced thermoplastic starch nanocomposites for sustainable packaging solutions. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 265, 130520.
5. A. K. A. Aljarid, M. Dong, Y. Hu, C. Wei, J. Salvage, D. G. Papageorgiou*, C. Boland. Smart skins based on assembled piezoresistive networks of sustainable graphene microcapsules for high precision health diagnostics. Advanced Functional Materials, 2023, 2303837
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-638" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/d.papageorgiou/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Nanotechnology, Structural Engineering, Materials Science - Other, Polymers, Textiles |