We are looking for motivated students in the Bachelors program to participate in LAM research on any of the following research topics:
Topic 1: Development of novel quantum confined semiconductor nanocrystals.
Student will utilize modern methods of colloidal synthesis to prepare quantum confined semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) and study their optical and electrical properties using range of characterization tools including absorption and emission electronic spectroscopy, electron and optical microscopy, spectro-electrochemistry, x-ray diffraction and others. Student will also participate in experiments testing the potential of the prepared nanomaterials in applications such as photocatalysis, modern electronics, novel light sources or biotechnologies.
Topic 2: Preparation of novel perovskite materials for photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
Student will utilize high temperature synthetic methods for preparation of novel materials with perovskite crystal structure, with general chemical composition AXn, ABXn, where A, B, are metal cations and X is S, Se or Te. This group of materials is currently intensely studied because of their potential to significantly improve the performance of next generation solar cells. Student will learn how to apply various modern experimental methods to characterize the prepared materials including optical spectroscopy (UV-VIS, photoluminescence), x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and others. Student will closely collaborate with the team incorporating the newly developed materials into practical devices.
Topic 3: Development of metal nanocrystals for studies of antibacterial resistance.
Student will learn how to synthesize metal (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, etc.) nanocrystals using modern methods of colloidal synthesis and characterize their structure and optical properties. The student will also participate in studies of interactions of the nanocrystals with antibiotic resistant bacteria aimed at understanding the antimicrobial effects of metal nanocrystals.
Topic 4: Development of nanographenes.
Student will use methods of modern organic synthesis to prepare nanometer sized graphene structures – nanographenes and characterize their molecular and electronic structure using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, spectro-electrochemistry and others. Student will also participate in experiments testing the potential of prepared materials in applications such as electronic displays or bioimaging.