We are seeking applications from enthusiastic graduates for a three-year PhD studentship to synthesise graphene- 3D networks with optimised properties and to integrate them into practical electrochemical devices. The project will be based in the Department of Materials at South Kensington Campus.

Graphene and its derivatives exhibit unprecedented combinations of properties: tunable electrical and optical response, high intrinsic mechanical response, chemical versatility, tunable permeability, extremely high surface area >3000m²/g. The incorporation of graphene in practical devices will open new technological opportunities in a wide number of technologies such as catalysis and supercapacitors. In order to combine optimum functional and mechanical properties, these devices will often have complex structures with characteristic features at multiple length scales from the nano to the macro level. In this context, the aim of this project is to fabricate graphene-based 3D networks with variable shaped porosity, tunable chemical composition, a high surface area and decorated with a variety of nanoparticles. To this end, the laboratory uses different templating techniques of functionalised graphene suspensions to obtain 3D structures with unique control over pore shape, size, strength and electrical properties via post treatments. The aim of the project is to synthesize graphene- 3D networks with optimised properties and to integrate them into practical electrochemical devices.

You will work under Dr Cecilia Mattevi within a team of dynamic PhD Students and Research Associates, in newly refurbished laboratories on the South Kensington Campus. In addition you will work in collaboration with other departments within Imperial in the framework of two EPSRC grants: “Graphene three-dimensional networks” and “Engineering with Graphene for Multi-functional Coatings and Fibre-Composites”.

You will also have extensive interaction with several international collaborators, as well as project partners. You will have access to advanced characterisation facilities within the department including Titan 80/300 TEM/STEM and the recently funded ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (APPES).

Candidates should have a minimum 2:1 first degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry or Applied Physics. This 3-year studentship will begin in January 2014 and will cover tuition fees at the home/EU rate plus the standard maintenance stipend of £15,726 per annum.

Applications will be processed as received.

This project will be supervised by Dr Cecilia Mattevi and Professor Eduardo Saiz. Informal enquiries should be sent to Dr Cecilia Mattevi (c.mattevi@imperial.ac.uk) with a two page CV prior to formal application.

How to apply:
The prospectus, entry requirements and application form (under ‘how to apply’) are available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus.

For questions regarding the admissions process, please contact Fiona Thomson (fiona.thomson@imperial.ac.uk). The prospectus, entry requirements and application form (under ‘how to apply’) are available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus

Formal applications can be completed online (only after informal enquiries): http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/materials/research/phdopportunities while information about the Department can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/materials.

Closing date: 1 December 2013 (Midnight GMT)

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