PhD in Developing sustainable, scalable methods for fabricating 2D material metasurfaces via Chladni-patterned acoustic self-assembly

About the Project Project details

This project will pioneer a sustainable route for fabricating 2D material (2Dm) metasurfaces by harnessing acoustic Chladni-patterning in liquids/solid powders to direct self-assembly. The approach promises scalable, energy-efficient alternatives to lithography for photonic, sensing, and energy applications. Thin films of Chladni patterns could also enable novel approaches to thermal management in devices. The central science questions are: (i) how acoustic standing waves govern the organisation of 2Dm in liquids/solids, (ii) how structural order influences (optoe)ectronic and thermal responses, and (iii) how to tune metasurface properties by engineering frequency, amplitude, fluid environment and solid state. The student will have extensive scope to shape the project, for example, by selecting specific 2Dm systems (graphene, TMDs), optimising fluidic/acoustic conditions, or targeting application domains (photonics, energy harvesting, biosensing, thermal management). Training will include advanced 2Dm synthesis, acoustic manipulation, and device fabrication in Exeter’s and Bath’s facilities, alongside simulation (thermal energy) and characterisation methods (Raman, AFM, SEM, FTIR, terahertz time domain characterisation and thermal imaging). The student will also gain transferable skills in project management, publishing and public engagement. The project benefits from a strong partnership between leading UK groups in 2D materials, theoretical physics and applied photonics, ensuring interdisciplinary expertise and excellent training for the researcher.

Project specific entry requirements:

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of Materials Science, Materials Physics and Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Applicants must meet the University of Exeter’s English language requirements if English is not their first language (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent).

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong motivation for interdisciplinary research, a commitment to sustainability in materials research, and the ability to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative research environment.

Potential PhD programme of study: PhD in Engineering

Department: Engineering

Location: Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, Exeter

Please direct project specific enquiries to: Ievgeniia Kovalska, i.e.kovalska@exeter.ac.uk Please ensure you read the entry requirements for the potential programme you are applying for. To Apply for this project please click the 'Apply' button  

Funding Comment 

Payment of tuition fees (Home), Research Training Support Grant £5,000 over 3.5 years

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