Project 1: Developing and optimisation 3D nanostructured electrodes in solid state solar cells.
Optimised harvesting solar energy is one of the ultimate ways to solve the world’s energy crisis, improving efficiency in photovoltaics is critical for future industry. Conventional solar cells are built from expansive semiconductor materials such as silicon, which bares high energy cost in the processing with restricted applications and reduced carbon efficiency. Alternatively, ordered metal oxide nanostructures, e.g. ZnO, TiO2, have proved to be highly efficient, as well as mechanical robust and low cost production. In this project, we propose to develop a series of novel nanocomposite materials of nanocups and nanofibres, including ZnO, Fe2O3, TiO2 sensitised with metal oxide quantum dot. For example, we predict that a core-shell nanorod with ZnO core and TiO2 as shell has advantage to hole blocking with improved charge separation and enhancing both Voc and Isc, in addition to stabilising the ZnO core, resulting in higher efficient devices. We will further improve the photo efficiency by introducing visible light absorption dopants sandwiched between the core and shell. With advantage of low temperature sol-gel processing, it become possible to create multicoloured metal oxide nano rods which will be optimised to utilise the full solar spectrum. We will then to further improve the light absorption efficiency by manipulating the light propagation within the solar cell structure. This proposed research is at the frontier of the multi-disciplinary field of physics, chemistry and device engineering with broader impact in the emerging technology of solar cells. The elegant design of nanomaterials offers great freedom for optimising their overall photo response. The success of this project will result in new generation of low cost, high efficiency solar cells based on metal oxides.
Project 2: Developing functional nanomaterials for novel applications
Nanomaterials are an important type of colloid material which includes nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanofibers. Such nano-scaled materials have great application potential such as environmental treatment, green energy and biotechnology. This research aims to develop various nano composite materials of carbon nanotubes and metal oxides, with variety of synthetic techniques. Furthermore, we will investigate the application of such materials by evaluation of their photoexcitation efficiency. The optimised high photoactivity will lead to direct improvement of the efficiency of solar cells and the photoxidation of pollutants. The advantage of combining the mechanical strength and tunability of metal oxide in their electronic structures offers great opportunity for optimising overall photo efficiency of solar cells. The project will involve the synthesis and chemical modification of carbon nanotubes. Photovoltaic solar cells and photoreactors will be built to characterize their photocatalytic activities. More importantly, heterogeneous photocatalysis will be evaluated using asymmetrically modified metal oxide nanostructures. This project will use state-of-the-art nanoscience facilities including scanning electron microscopy, photoelectrochemistry facility, atomic force microscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry, differential scanning colorimetry and X-ray diffraction.
Project 3: Design and Develop Nanostructured Devices for Harvesting Solar Energy
For a photocatalytic device to perform effectively, the efficiency of light absorption and charge transportation has to be optimised. However, while the light absorption can be improved by increase the film thickness, the poor charge mobility of such thick film will often reduce the overall performance. To overcome this fundamental problem, we design and construct 3D architectures of hierarchical structures based on ordered, vertically aligned conductive metal oxides. This project will use such structure as the foundation of the photoanodes and exam the improved efficiency for solar excited hydrogen generation and photovoltaics.
Candidates with an interest in nanomaterials and physical chemistry should apply. The project will involve the multi-step synthesis, deposition and characterization of variety of nanomaterials. The candidate will experience independent use of variety of techniques and instruments including SEM, XRD, photoelectrochemical measurement, pspin coating, hydrothermal synthesis and Impedance measurement.
Project 4: Developing Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials
The application of nanotechnology to biosensor design and fabrication promises to revolutionize diagnostics and therapy at the molecular and cellular level. This research aims to develop medical, biological and chemical sensors with optoelectronic devices on nano meter scale. The project will involve the synthesis and chemical modification of quantum dots, nano wires and nano tubes. Transistors will be built using e-beam lithograph with those chemical active nano materials. The electronic conductivity of the devices will be monitored as the changing of its chemical and biological environment. This project will use state of the art nanoscience facilities including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy.
Project 5: Molecular Recognition
The interdisciplinary research between surface science, material science, biology and nanotechnology towards the development of chemical and biosensors will revolutionize diagnostics and therapy at the molecular and cellular level. This research aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of molecular recognition and molecular interactions which will help to optimise selectivity and sensitivity of optoelectronic devices on nano meter scale. The project will be carried out in a ultrahigh vacuum system with a combination of low energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy to investigate the surface biomolecular thin film structures.
Project 6: Developing Nanoenhanced Ion Selective Sensors
The aim of this project is to develop nanomaterial based electrochemical sensors for detecting metal ion species. First we will develop porous polymer membrane with good ion permeability optimised for ion selective electrodes. We will investigate the possibility of using nano structured materials as template to control and manipulate the pore structure of membrane. Meanwhile, we will also try to develop facile methods to synthesise ionophores. We understand that ionophores are unique and expensive, the aim is to create new class of ionophores targeting for different metal ions. We will also investigate the possibility of using metal organic framework (MOF) as alternative ionophores.
With established ion selective electrodes, we will set up electrochemical measurement and develop ionophore doped membranes for selectivity and sensitivity test.