PhD Studentship â An investigation of the properties of Nanoelectrodes and Nanopores using new electroanalytical techniques (879917EB)

PhD Supervisor: Dr Peter Birkin

Co Supervisor: Prof. Phil Bartlett                             

PhD Description:Nanoelectrodes and nanopores are of significant interest; they have extremely high local mass transfer rates and are able to characterise extremely small particles.  The project, outlined here, will fabricate and investigate these structures using an array of bespoke and unique electroanalytical techniques developed in Southampton.  Recently new nanoelectrodes have been fabricated using a modified literature approach.  This approach has produced a series of nanoelectrodes that are stable and can be produced in < 1 hour.  In turn, these nanoelectrodes have been used as the basis for the generation of a set of conical glass nanopores. The new nanoelectrodes and nanopores, as well as being interesting from an electroanalytical aspect, can also be useful for other applications1.  For example, the generation of an electrochemical potential differences via the imposition of a suitable stimuli (and hence the possibility to produce power) has been suggested.  In addition, some structures at this dimension also exhibit interesting flow properties which do not follow the conventional predicted response2.  In order to exploit the unusual flow characteristics, this PhD project will produce nanopores which have graphitic carbon as an integral part of their wall.  The effect of this surface and its functionalisation will then be investigated with the specific aim of characterising the influence of the materials used, the solution pH and surface functionality etc. on the properties of these nanopores.  The most efficient combination of properties gathered from the study of single nanopores will then be transferred to arrays.  The PhD project will also  investigate these structures using new technologies developed at Southampton (for example high-speed impedance analysis3and differential coulter counters) with the specific aim of gaining further insight into the mechanistic details of these systems.  

1.         Feng, J. et al.Single-layer MoS2nanopores as nanopower generators. Nature536,197–200 (2016).

2.         Secchi, E. et al.Massive radius-dependent flow slippage in single carbon nanotubes. Nature537,210–213 (2016).

3.         Birkin, P. R., Foley, T. M., Barber, J. L. & Martin, H. L. Microsecond resolution of cavitation bubble dynamics using a high-speed electrochemical impedance approach ChemComm COMMUNICATION. Chem. Commun. Chem. Commun52,11406–11409 (2016).

The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK students who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second-class degree in Chemistry or allied subjects/relevant disciplines. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 14,553 per annum.

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants

Applications for a PhD in Chemistry should be submitted online at :

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Search

Please ensure you select the academic session 2017-2018 in the academic year field and click on the Research radio button.  Enter Chemistry in the search text field.

Please place PRBNano in the field for proposed supervisor/project

General enquiries should be made to Dr Peter Birkin at prb2@soton.ac.uk.  Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2017
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)