Nanotechnology

The nanotechnology research theme focuses on the revolutionary opportunities associated with nanomaterials and nanoscale engineering. We undertake research into a variety of nanotechnologies and their applications across a wide spectrum of industrial sectors and academic themes.

We work closely with colleagues in the Materials Engineering research group and the School of Life, Health, and Chemical Sciences, as well as many external cross-disciplinary collaborators, to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world today.

Our research interests include:

• Atomic layer deposition processes for the fabrication of functional thin films
• Developing low-cost, reliable, highly stable optical biosensors for healthcare applications
• Microfabrication and nanofabrication of multi-functional coatings, e.g. for photovoltaic devices
• Nanofabrication, nanostructured systems, and nanoelectronic devices
• Scanning probe microscopy for research involving advanced materials, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and personal care

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science subject. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

If you are interested in undertaking a PhD in any area related to the topics above, please get in touch with one of the listed supervisors. You can find out more about the research interests of each academic by clicking on their profile link below.

Before submitting an application, you will need to do some background reading around your topic and develop a research proposal. We can provide assistance with identifying funding sources and occasionally offer funded PhD projects.

We welcome mature students, and are open to applications for part-time and full-time study.

Current/recent research projects

• Acoustic assessment of nanostructured surfaces
• Enhancement of titanium alloy bioactivity via peptide and hydroxyapatite coatings
• Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticle and bio-lubricant additives
• High temperature processing of micro/nanoparticulate minerals
• Scanning probe microscopy for measuring B cell receptor affinity maturation in germinal centres
• Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and engineered surfaces

Potential supervisors

• Mr Sourajyoti Basu – Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
• Dr James Bowen – Lecturer in Materials Engineering
• Dr Zahra Golrokhi – Lecturer in Engineering 
• Dr Vikram Goolaup – Senior Lecturer in Electronics and Electrical Engineering
• Dr Sotiria Psoma – Lecturer in Electronic Engineering
• Dr Silvia Varagnolo – Lecturer in Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Fees and funding

Some of our research students are funded via the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

• Smart Materials Research Group