Plasmonic metamaterials for the sensitive quantification of aquatic pollutants

About the Project

Aquatic pollution is increasingly recognised as an urgent threat to the health of aquatic organisms, human populations, and the integrity of diverse ecosystems. Contaminants of increasing concern include PFAS, phthalates, and antibiotics are of particular concern, as they can exert harmful biological and ecological effects even at relatively low concentrations. Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of these pollutants is therefore critical for developing effective strategies to monitor, manage, and mitigate their risks.

Optical techniques based on nanomaterials offer significant advantages as environmental sensing platforms owing to their real-time readout, portability, and low operational costs. In particular, plasmonic metamaterials, engineered arrays of plasmonic meta-atoms, have demonstrated exceptional sensitivity for detecting a broad range of stimuli, from gases (e.g., hydrogen) to ultrasound and biomolecular targets. Fabricated using scalable self-assembled electrochemical approaches, these materials provide large-area, uniform sensing substrates well suited for multiplexed detection, while allowing nanometre-level control over the geometry of individual meta-atoms.

Within this project, the successful candidate will develop novel sensing architectures and high-affinity transducer coatings for the ultrasensitive detection of aquatic pollutants identified in collaboration with industry partners. The candidate will gain experience in nanofabrication, optical and structural characterisation, numerical modelling, and the design and testing of bespoke transducer coatings across both idealised and real-world sample matrices. This PhD will appeal to candidates interested in interdisciplinary research spanning materials science, optical sensing, and environmental chemistry.

Applicants are expected to have a masters-level degree or 1st class BSc degree, or are awaiting its award, in a relevant area (e.g., Physics, Engineering or Physical Chemistry). Candidates should have a keen interest in nanomaterials and their applications, and some experience in either nanofabrication, optical measurements or electromagnetic simulations (experience in all these components is desirable but not essential).

The candidate will be embedded in the world-leading research environment for nanophotonics, metamaterials and plasmonics research in Photonics & Nanotechnology Group at King’s College London. Excellent opportunities for collaborations exist within the EPSRC MetaHub and established London-wide centres, including the London Centre for Nanotechnology.

Application Procedure

To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/areas/physics-research-mphil-phd.

Please apply for ‘Physics Research MPhil/PhD (full-time) programme' and indicate Dr Wayne Dickson as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.

Please ensure to add the 995 in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.

The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.

Funding Notes

Please quote '995' when applying as the funding code/reference.

Funding is available for 3.5 years and covers tuition fees at the level set for Home students and a tax-free stipend of approximately £22,000 p.a. with possible inflationary increases after the first year.

The studentship starts in October 2026.