Nature-Inspired Polymer Self-Assemblies for Sustainable Structural Colour

About the Project

This project investigates sustainable structural colour materials based on biodegradable polymers. By controlling nanoscale organisation, it aims to develop pigment-free colour systems with improved durability and environmental compatibility, contributing to next-generation materials for coatings and advanced photonic applications.

Project details

The demand for sustainable and non-toxic colour technologies is rapidly increasing across industries such as paints, coatings, textiles and cosmetics. Conventional colourants, including synthetic dyes and pigments, often raise environmental concerns due to toxicity, persistence and microplastic generation. This project explores an alternative approach based on structural colour, where colour is generated through nanoscale organisation of materials rather than chemical pigments to offer a route towards vibrant, durable and environmentally friendly colouration.

Inspired by natural systems such as butterfly wings, which produce bright colours through intricate internal structures, this PhD project will investigate how biodegradable polymers can be designed to form nanoscale building blocks and organised into materials that control light. The aim is to develop new types of pigment-free colour coatings that combine strong optical performance with sustainability.

The successful candidate will design and prepare polymer materials, study how their structure influences optical behaviour, and develop strategies to assemble them into ordered architectures that generate colour. The project will involve a combination of laboratory-based materials synthesis, advanced characterisation techniques, and exploration of scalable processing methods relevant to real-world applications.

This research has the potential to contribute to the development of next-generation sustainable colour technologies, with relevance to industries seeking environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional pigments. In addition, structural colour materials are of growing interest for applications in sensing and responsive optical systems.

The successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary training in polymer science, materials characterisation and photonic materials, and develop a broad skill set spanning fundamental research and applied materials development.

Applicants should bring a strong background in organic or polymer chemistry. Experience in materials science, soft matter, photonics or advanced characterisation techniques is desirable but not essential.

Person specification

The successful applicant should hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, or energy systems. A relevant master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

Strong background in organic or polymer chemistry. Experience in materials science, soft matter, photonics or advanced characterisation techniques is desirable but not essential

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk.

International Applicants

The opportunity is for HOME students only

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Funding Notes

This project is open to Home students ONLY, covers all tuition fees and includes a stipend at current UKRI rates. The project also includes a Research Training and Support Grant.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any expenses related to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus.