PhD position on inkjet printing of soft sensors

The challenge

Soft functional materials are essential in the field of sensing, robotics, and diagnostics. They find applications in structural health monitoring of composites, aerodynamic parameters measurement in aircraft and wind turbines, and detecting biophysical signals within the human body. Inkjet technology stands out as a promising additive manufacturing method to construct functional micro/nanoparticles for these soft materials.

The aim of the PhD position is to advance inkjet printing for the creation of customizable soft functional materials with electrical property. This entails investigating and developing suitable inks containing conductive materials such as silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, conductive polymers or hydrogel-based conductive materials. One key aspect of this project involves enhancing the stability of ejected liquid jets or droplet trains by applying particles at the interface. Innovative methods will be explored to effectively couple nanoparticles with microdroplets. Understanding the underlying dynamics of such coating systems will in turn bring new development of functional inks.

Initially, the focus will be on microcapsules and stimuli-responsive conductive soft materials.  However, the opportunity to explore new avenues will be readily available. You will focus on fundamental and applied aspects of inkjet technology, for which The University of Twente offers a world-class setting for this endeavor, exemplified by our recent publications (see e.g. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202208894; advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/1/eaao1175.full). You will develop and test materials, while learning a transferable skill set in experimental fluid mechanics, microparticle development, and writing highly visible scientific publications.

Goal: Understanding and application of new inkjet printing methods for functional electrically conductive materials for sensing applications.

How: By combining your skills in materials science, chemistry, or (micro) fluid mechanics with our high-throughput In-Air microfluidics setup and knowledge of microparticle applications.

Why: There is a strong demand for microcapsules that are able to act as local sensors for the pressure or temperature, for example as flow tracers in the study of aerodynamics and sensors for medical applications.

Where: You will work in the Fluid Mechanics for Functional Materials group at Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente.

For additional information regarding this position, you can contact dr. J. Jiang: j.jiang-1@utwente.nl or dr. C.W. Visser: c.visser@utwente.nl. Please apply for this position by clicking on the "apply now" button. The deadline for this vacancy is October 15, 2023.

Your application should consist of:

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivations to apply for this position;
• a full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended, grades obtained, and publications (if applicable);
• a short description (maximum 1 page A4[VCW(E1] ) of your MSc research;
• contact details of at least  two references who worked closely with you.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.