PhD Research Studentships
Sustainable and Unperceivable 2D-Material Nanocomposite Electronics
| Supervisors: | Dimitrios PAPAGEORGIOU and Oliver FENWICK |
| Apply by: | 18 July 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Advances in wearable and implantable electronics demand devices that the user neither sees nor feels - “unperceivable” electronics - with minimal environmental footprint. As part of the EPSRC Programme Grant entitled “Enabling Net Zero and the AI Revolution with Ultra-Low Energy 2D Materials and Devices”, a joint endeavour between QMUL, University of Nottingham and the University of Glasgow, this studentship will explore ultrathin, transparent, skin-like nanocomposites based on 2D materials (e.g. graphene, MXenes, transition metal dichalcogenides) embedded within biobased polymer matrices.
Your research will span from materials innovation and sustainable processing to device prototyping and end-of-life options. You will develop scalable fabrication routes for ultralight, flexible films that conform to the body’s contours, explore novel strategies for real-time physiological and environmental sensing, and demonstrate new modes of soft actuation and human–machine interaction.
Throughout your work, you’ll close the materials loop; the materials will need to degrade safely so devices disappear without a trace, pioneering invisible, eco-responsible technologies that pair 2D nanomaterials with a cradle-to-grave philosophy. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to become an expert in the next generation of sustainable electronics, where cutting-edge 2D nanomaterials and polymer engineering are combined to create high-performing, eco-friendly devices. We look forward to your application.
We invite applicants with:
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A first-class or strong upper-second class (or equivalent) degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related fields. (Essential)
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Hands-on experience with 2D materials, polymer nanocomposites, thin-film processing or soft matter characterization. (Essential)
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Familiarity with techniques such as solution exfoliation, spin‐/inkjet‐coating/printing, vacuum filtration and device patterning. (Desirable)
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Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Funding
Funded by: Queen Mary ResearchUK students only.
For 2024-5, the UKRI stipend rate is £21,237 p.a. + Home tuition fees
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 or Oliver FENWICK.
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-666" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://admin.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/d.papageorgiou | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science - Other, Polymers, Experimental Physics, Semiconductors, Solid State Physics |