Engineering Memristive Behaviour in Two-Dimensional Materials for Future Computing Technologies (Ref: PH/FD-SF1/2026)

About the Project

Two-dimensional materials have unique electronic and structural properties, offering opportunities for developing novel nanoelectronic device technologies. Their atomically thin nature and clean interfaces make them promising candidates for applications in low-power electronics, magnetic data storage, neuromorphic computing and quantum devices. This project explores how these materials can be engineered to exhibit memristive behaviour suitable for brain-like computing platforms.

The memristive behaviour at extremely thin atomic scales remains largely unexplored primarily due to the challenges in controlling the nonlinearity of the device response and ensuring stability under varying ambient conditions. This project proposes a novel method for creating reconfigurable two-dimensional materials with memristive properties that can be controlled by voltage, temperature and doping without compromising their properties.

In this project, you will collaborate with a team of experts at the forefront of this field to develop mechanisms to tailor material properties in a controlled manner, manipulate them and design memristive devices. You will have the opportunity to advance this innovative technology towards practical implementation at the device level using our state-of-the-art facilities for nanolithography, thin-film deposition and electrical transport measurements.

What we offer you:

• Excellent and unique research infrastructure that enables the fabrication of nanodevices in inert environments.
• Bespoke training and development plan ranging from soft skills to advanced computational, experimental, and modelling techniques.
• A supportive research environment with a diverse research community that enables interaction with multidisciplinary researchers who share the goal of developing technology that impacts the future of computing, energy harvesting, and data storage technologies.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Fasil Dejene f.dejene@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Pavel Borisov https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/physics/staff/pavel-borisov/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have or expect to obtain a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or its equivalent) in physics, materials engineering, or a related field. While knowledge in nanofabrication, quantum devices, and spintronics is beneficial, we are primarily looking for individuals who exhibit enthusiasm for scientific inquiry, hard work, perseverance, strong communication abilities, collaborative skills, and the capacity to offer fresh insights.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 1st June 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: Band RB - UK: £5,006; International: £28,600