PHD IN CRYSTAL CONTROL IN SYNTHESIS OF NANOWIRES FOR ENERGY

IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government.
The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.
More information can be found at our webpage.
Description The project deals with the synthesis of networks of nanowires using a new process developed by the group, whereby nanowires are grown at ultra-fast rates floating in the gas phase from an aerosol of catalyst nanoparticles.
This CVD mode enables rapid synthesis of macroscopic nanowire networks at a significant large scale, unlocking multiple applications in energy storage and other fields.
The overall aim of the PhD is to understand the process of nanowire growth by studying its sequential reactions (alloy formation, crystal nucleation, layer growth, etc) for different nanowire chemistries such as Si, SiC and metal oxides.
With these insights the student will apply methods to control nanowire structure in terms of size distribution, crystal polytype and produce hetero-structured nanowires and new unexplored nanowire chemistries.
The student will continuously help in the design and construction of state-of the art chemical vapour deposition synthesis and monitoring instrumentation.
He/she will perform extensive synthesis experiments and regularly conduct multi-scale characterisation measurements on gases, aerosols and solids, for example through particle differential mobility analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques and advanced X-ray diffraction.
The PhD student will work in a very collaborative team, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant.
A short secondment in an external laboratory of collaborators is likely.
Requirements - Master’s and undergraduate degree in a discipline related to inorganic chemistry, nanofabrication, materials science, chemical engineering or applied physis.
- Previous experience on thermocatalytic synthesis of nanomaterials, thin-film deposition methods, familiarity with aerosol science and/or construction of instrumentation will be positively evaluated.
- Strong interest in experimental work is essential.
- English (written and oral) proficiency required.
Conditions - Full time employment and enrolment in a relevant doctoral programme.
- The doctoral contract is for a duration of 36 months.
- Position available immediately and open until filled.
Applications are processed upon reception.
The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.
The working language of the Institute is English.
Full command of the English language is required in all positions.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA.
Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.
IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance.
Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions.
See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.
Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills.
See the available training here.
Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.