Research Supervisor Connect
Investigation of the new families of self-assembled monolayers to be used with non-protic solvents.
PHD
Our group has recently discovered a new family of self-assembled monolayers that can be formed on silicon and other oxide substrates, through nanoscale surface modification. This effectively turns the surface properties of glass into those of teflon, with very little effort. This discovery is not only relevant to material applications, but has opened the way to investigating a mechanism that is little studied in the surface science literature. This project will expand on our findings so far by establishing the conditions of formation, stability and uniformity of this surface modification, and lead to a paradigm shift in how oxide surfaces are treated and handled. For example, it could drastically reduce the effort currently required in keeping oxide surfaces anhydrous, and the amount of environmentally-unfriendly chemicals used in photolithography.
The project primarily involves performing experiments using a wide range of surface characterisation techniques such as optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle goniometry, ellipsometry, and grazing angle FTIR. The modification of solid surfaces using advanced surface structuring techniques will be performed both in the lab and through external collaborations. Interested students should source their own scholarship, as detailed on the University’s website. HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:
- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)
You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2067