PhD student position in Nanotechnology with focus on synthesis, characterisation and application of cellulose-based carbon paper in energy storage and environmental applications - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to PhD studies in the subject engineering science with specialization in nanotechnology and functional materials

The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials (NFM) is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. Researchers at NFM have extensive experience in research into organic energy storage, additive manufacturing, biocompatibility and nanosafety as well as development of functional porous materials.

Project description: At the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials we have extensive experience from producing organic based materials for energy storage applications. In this project we aim to produce carbon paper. Carbon fiber paper, commonly referred as “carbon paper”, is a conductive substrate characterized by unique properties including high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, low weight, porous structure and mechanical integrity. It has been widely employed as an advanced platform to build energy storage devices, however, this trend is followed by rising concerns regarding the high fiber cost due to the time/energy-consuming high temperature carbonization process in the manufacturing of carbon fibers. It is therefore highly appealing to produce carbon fiber from low-cost natural biopolymer fibers via a shortened carbonization procedure and simplified fabrication process.

The project, which will be carried out at the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, is aimed at developing cellulose-based carbon fiber for the manufacturing of thickness tunable, electrochemically stable, mechanically flexible cellulose-based carbon paper, and evaluate its potential in flexible energy storage devices. Other environmental related applications will also be explored.

Work duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

This work includes the preparation of conducting polymer/cellulose composites and using such composites as carbon precursor to produce novel carbon fiber via different carbonization techniques. Paper making techniques will be applied and characterization of electrical and mechanical properties will be performed. Processes for composite production and rapid methods for heating and carbonizing the composite materials will be developed.

Qualification requirements: MSc in materials chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology or related fields. We require basic skills and experience from organic chemistry and materials chemistry. Applicants expecting to obtain their MSc during the spring semester 2021 are also encouraged to apply.

We require very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional qualifications: It is positive, although not a requirement, if the candidate has some experience in one or more of the following fields: Carbon materials, batteries or supercapacitors, cellulose paper, materials preparation and characterization, electrochemistry.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to run scientific projects and to simultaneously interact with other researchers are very important. The applicant needs to be determined, structured and able to work efficiently both individually and in groups.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

•  has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
•  has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/.

Instructions for application:

Your application should include the following:

1) A brief personal letter where you briefly describe yourself, why you want to become a PhD student and why you are suitable for the position.

2) A CV/résume (max 2 pages).

3) Certified copies of your Master’s degree and course grades.

4) Copies (or drafts thereof) of thesis work and other documents, such as publications, which you wish to invoke.

5) Name and contact information to two persons who have agreed to act as references for you, alternatively, letter(s) of recommendation. Your relationship to each of the references should be stated.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 2021-04-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Dr. Jonas Lindh, jonas.lindh@angstrom.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 8th of March 2021, UFV-PA 2021/580.

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