Directed Assembly and Printing of Quantum Dot Materials

This project will explore how quantum dots can be assembled and printed into functional nanomaterials for future optoelectronic devices.<br /> <br /> Colloidal quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals whose properties can be tuned through their size, composition and surface chemistry. When quantum dots are brought together, interactions between neighbouring particles can produce new optical and electronic behaviour. Controlling this assembly is therefore important for both fundamental nanoscience and device applications.<br /> <br /> The project will investigate the directed assembly of quantum dots using solution-based approaches and inkjet printing. You will study how factors such as solvent composition, particle concentration, surface chemistry, printing conditions and substrate properties influence the structure and optical behaviour of printed quantum-dot films.<br /> <br /> A more ambitious aim will be to create small, controlled assemblies of quantum dots, sometimes described as “quantum-dot molecules”, and investigate how these behave when incorporated into printed structures.<br /> <br /> The project will involve nanomaterial preparation, ink formulation, inkjet printing, microscopy and optical spectroscopy, with opportunities to explore simple optoelectronic devices depending on progress.

<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Project overview</h2> <p>Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with size-dependent optical and electronic properties. While individual quantum dots are already important materials for applications including displays, photodetectors, solar cells and bioimaging, there is growing interest in what happens when several quantum dots are deliberately brought together.</p> <p>At sufficiently small separations, neighbouring quantum dots can interact through energy transfer or electronic coupling. This creates the possibility of constructing artificial assemblies — sometimes described as <strong>quantum-dot molecules</strong> — whose properties depend not only on the individual nanoparticles but also on their separation, arrangement and surrounding surface chemistry.</p> <p>This project will investigate how quantum dots can be assembled across different length scales, from small clusters of particles through to patterned and printed quantum-dot films.</p> <h2>Research aims</h2> <p>A major theme of the project will be the <strong>controlled assembly of quantum dots from solution</strong>. You will explore how factors such as ligand chemistry, particle concentration, solvent conditions and processing influence how quantum dots organise and interact.</p> <p>One ambitious direction will be the preparation of small, well-defined assemblies such as quantum-dot dimers or clusters. These structures provide a platform for studying how interactions between individual semiconductor nanocrystals modify their optical properties. The exact direction will evolve with the results of the project, allowing different approaches to QD assembly to be explored.</p> <p>Alongside this nanoscale assembly work, the project will investigate <strong>inkjet printing as a method for directing the organisation of quantum dots into larger functional structures</strong>. Inkjet printing offers much more than simply depositing material onto a surface: droplet formation, evaporation, solvent composition, substrate temperature and surface chemistry can all influence how nanoparticles arrange themselves as a printed droplet dries.</p> <p>The project will therefore examine the relationship between:</p> <p><strong>nanoparticle chemistry → assembly → printing and deposition → film structure → optical/electronic properties.</strong></p> <p>An important question will be whether controlling the organisation of quantum dots <em>before</em> deposition can be used to control the properties of the resulting printed material.</p> <h2>Experimental work</h2> <p>Depending on the direction of the project, experimental work may include:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li> <p>preparation and surface modification of colloidal quantum dots;</p> </li> <li> <p>development of approaches for controlled QD clustering and assembly;</p> </li> <li> <p>formulation of printable quantum-dot inks;</p> </li> <li> <p>inkjet printing and optimisation of printing conditions;</p> </li> <li> <p>optical and fluorescence microscopy;</p> </li> <li> <p>structural and morphological characterisation of QD assemblies and films;</p> </li> <li> <p>UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy;</p> </li> <li> <p>time-resolved photoluminescence measurements to investigate interactions between quantum dots;</p> </li> <li> <p>fabrication and testing of simple optoelectronic structures or devices.</p> </li> </ul> <p>The project is deliberately designed with several interconnected research directions. Successful preparation of well-defined quantum-dot molecules would allow detailed investigation of coupled nanoscale systems, while the broader assembly and printing platform provides substantial scope for studying nanoparticle organisation and functional QD materials independently.</p> <h2>Research environment and training</h2> <p>The project will provide training across <strong>nanomaterials synthesis, colloid and surface chemistry, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, inkjet printing and data analysis</strong>. It lies at the interface between experimental condensed-matter physics, nanoscience, materials science and optoelectronics.</p> <p>The student will have considerable opportunity to shape the project as results emerge, moving towards fundamental studies of coupled quantum dots, advanced printed materials, or device applications according to their interests and the most promising experimental findings.</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Physics & Astronomy Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Directed Assembly and Printing of Quantum Dot Materials </strong>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4104/dr-kevin-critchley">Dr Kevin Critchley</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Kevin Critchley by emailing <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">k.critchley@leeds.ac.uk</a>, or by calling +44 (0)113 343 3872.</p> <p>For further information about your application including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>