Colloidal nanoparticles exhibit unique optical, electronic and magnetic properties which make them ideal candidates as novel tools for applications in several fields of Science. Our research is multidisciplinary and our interests are focused on the wet chemical synthesis of nanometre scale particles (including metal and semiconductor nanoparticles of different size, shape, chemical composition and functionality) and their applications in Physical Sciences.
Project 1. Advanced assemblies of DNA-colloidal nanoparticles and graphene for applications in cellular sensing and energy. This project involves the synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles and DNA, and the fabrication of advanced DNA/gold/graphene nanostructures to create smart nanocomposites for applications in cellular sensing and solar cells. A detailed study regarding the synthesis of suprastructures will be carried out with the ultimate aim to make materials ideal to detect specific molecules with a cellular environment. It is expected that upon completion of this project a significant contribution to nanoparticle/DNA/graphene/cellular probes will be made. The findings of this project will have significant impact in sensor technology.
The successful candidate will gain expertise in the chemical synthesis of nanocrystals, manipulation and synthesis of DNA, self-assembly, DNA-nanocrystal composites, devices. Some of the techniques that will be used in this project include, TEM, AFM, SEM, and spectroscopy.
Project 2. Magnetic and doped semiconductor nanoparticles in applications. This project will investigate the synthesis and functionalization of metal/magnetic nanoparticles and doped semiconductor nanoparticles for the purpose of catalysis and quantum devices. It is well documented that the morphology of nanoparticles can have a pivotal role to its properties. It is expected that several protocols to tune the morphology of nanoparticles will be developed with the aim to tune nanoparticle properties in a desired manner. The findings of this project will have a significant impact in the relevant industry. The successful candidate will gain critical expertise in wet chemical synthesis of nanoparticles, self-assembly and implementation in devices.
Project 3. Laser induced hyperthermia of metal nanoparticles. In this project the student will focus on the synthesis, functionalization of metal nanoparticles and the characterization of their optothermal properties with the aim to make a correlation between the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles and their properties. The aim is to conclude at the ideal nanomachines to be implemented in biomedical or physical systems. In collaborations with colleagues from the school of medicine and physics, the above project may be extended to cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery.
Project 4. Programmed nanoparticle assembly based on supramolecular systems for energy applications. This project will investigate the implementation of supramolecular technologies for the directed assembly of nanoparticles. It is envisaged that the generation of new rules on how to assemble metal nanoparticles will allow the programmed organization to mesoscale structures with unforeseen intrinsic properties. As in the previous projects the candidate will engage with a number of cutting-edge techniques.
We also encourage discussing your own idea for a PhD project to our group. Please arrange a meeting with Dr Antonios Kanaras.
Closing date: 30/11/2015
Dr. Antonios Kanaras (Physics and Astronomy)
Email: ak3w07@soton.ac.uk, web: www.licn.phys.soton.ac.uk