Making nanoscale materials: precision fabrication of high-performance functional structures

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Daniel Zabek

This project focuses on exploring high-precision lithographic fabrication techniques for the development of multifunctional material structures at the nanoscale, with applications in wireless energy and information transfer, and in biomedicine.

Recent developments in the field of nanoparticles enable the fabrication of structures whose unique responses and functionalities arise from collective effects that cannot be achieved with any single material alone. In these systems, function follows form where precise fabrication and assembly of magnetic nanoparticles allow the creation of carefully engineered nanostructures embedded within electrically insulating materials. Such structures can be controlled and manipulated using a variety of external stimuli, including magnetic, optical, electrical, and mechanical forces.

This project focuses on the development of nanostructures for a range of applications, including energy and biomedicine. The project will employ lithographic techniques for the fabrication of nanostructures and will be based at the University of Southampton within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students. Opportunities for travel will be available through national and international research collaborations, as well as attendance at workshops and conferences.

You'll receive training in nanoparticle synthesis at the School of Engineering, alongside cutting-edge device fabrication and characterisation at the School of Physics and the Southampton Nanofabrication Centre. Additional training opportunities will arise through close collaborations with the School of Biosciences.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

The total estimated stipend (including tuition fees) for UK students is £98,793, tax-free, over 3.5 years, while the competitively funded international stipend (including tuition fees) is £184,215, tax-free, over 3.5 years. The stipend includes a discretionary fund for training and travel.