: PhD for the research project entitled “Creation of functional nanostructures..."

PhD
for the research project entitled
“Creation of functional nanostructures in solution/dispersion”

Project description

Decoupling the preparation of the photoactive layer in independent sub-steps is a route to simplify the complex solidification process, to gain maximum control over the morphology formation and to simplify the deposition process of the photoactive layer. Creation of the desired structural elements like nanowires or nanoscale aggregates potentially can be achieved in a sophisticated way already in the solution/dispersion by following thermodynamics and kinetics pathways towards controlled nucleation, precipitation or demixing and growth of nanostructures; and the subsequent deposition of these pre-formed nanostructures should be almost independent of the printing technique used (if the viscosity of the dispersion is well adjusted) so that realising large scale printing will be straightforward. Moreover, theoretical as well as experimental results should indicate PSC processing routes for application of environmental less critical halogen-free solvents.
Main research objective is the decoupling of the structure/morphology formation from the disruptive solidification processing step during preparation of the bulk heterojunction photoactive layer of a polymer solar cell (PSC). For this purpose, we intend

1. to establish and apply thermodynamic and kinetic routes for creation of functional nanostructures already in solution/dispersion (like P3HT nanowires, [C60]PCBM nanocrystals, or amorphous (e.g. PF10TBT or PPV) nano-aggregates),
2. to prepare photoactive layers based on these nanostructure solutions/dispersions - the ink - and test the performance of related model devices, and
3. finally to tailor the properties of the ink (mainly its viscosity) and apply the ink for testing various printing techniques that allow for large-scale production of PSCs based on the designed functional nanostructures;
4. ultimately, we aim on establishing straightforward rules for prediction of the phase transition and structure creation behaviour of functional polymers in solution/dispersion; however, reaching this aim is very demanding.

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic academic qualified experimental physicist or materials scientist with a clear interest in setting up routes for the preparation functional polymer systems, the in-depth analysis of such systems and their performance testing. Main analytical tools will be various microscopy techniques (electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) as well as spectroscopy techniques such as UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy. The candidate should be experienced in handling of polymer materials, microscopy operation experiences are welcome. Moreover, it is anticipated that the candidate is able to work most of the time independently. For our group, excellent communicative skills and the ability to work in a team with chemists and physicists are prerequisites.

Job info and salary

The contract period is 4 years with critical evaluation after the first year. The salary is according to the "Collective Employment Agreement Dutch Universities". A salary as usual for a PhD student in the Netherlands is offered, starting at € 1956,-- gross per month. Moreover 8% bonus share (for vacation) is provided.

For application or more detailed information please contact:

Dr. Joachim Loos
Eindhoven University of Technology
Laboratory of Materials and Interface Chemistry
Postbus 513
NL-5600 MB EINDHOVEN
Phone: +31 40 2473034;  Fax: +31 40 243 6999
E-mail:  j.loos@tue.nl
Visit the DPI home page: http://www.polymers.nl/

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