Details
We have an exciting PhD scholarship within Electronic Engineering Sensor Systems at the University of Sheffield for a project entitled "PhD in Spray-On Electronics: Enhancing Manufacturing and Practical Applications".
Project Description:
This PhD project delves into the realm of "spray-on" electronics, a cutting-edge technology that holds the potential to revolutionise the field of electronics manufacturing and expand its applications. The project aims to push the boundaries of current knowledge by developing novel techniques, optimising materials, and exploring diverse applications for spray-on electronics.
The primary focus of the research is to advance the precision and efficiency of the spray-on electronics manufacturing process. By optimising the spraying parameters, the project seeks to achieve high-resolution patterning and reliable conductivity on a variety of substrates, including flexible materials and irregular surfaces.
This advancement will be crucial in creating electronics that seamlessly integrate with unconventional shapes and surfaces.
Furthermore, the project will explore innovative applications of spray-on electronics across different industries. From flexible wearable sensors and smart textiles that monitor health and environmental parameters to conformable electronic circuits for IoT devices in challenging environments, the potential applications are vast. The research will involve collaborative efforts with industry partners to bridge the gap between academia and practical implementations, ensuring that the technology is not only advanced in the laboratory but also feasible and beneficial in real-world scenarios.
Ultimately, this PhD project aspires to contribute to the forefront of spray-on electronics by enhancing the manufacturing techniques, optimising material properties, and expanding the horizons of its applications. The outcomes of this research hold the promise of transforming the way electronics are fabricated, integrated, and utilised, leading to a new era of versatile and embedded electronic systems.
About the Research Group:
The project will take place within the Sensor Systems Group within Electronic and Electrical Engineering. The group specialises in the development of novel sensor system-based metrology instrumentation, used within both academic and industrial applications. The group has an expertise in non-contact metrology, thermal imaging, hyperspectral measurements, and spray-on electronics, working with several industrial collaborators, including Tata Steel and Rolls-Royce. The candidate will benefit from working within a large, multi-disciplinary research group, and learn from experienced members of staff and other PhD students. Group members come from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines, with the group promoting a friendly and inclusive working environment.
Academic Requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Bachelors/Masters Honours degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline. The candidate is not expected to have any previous experience with spray-on electronics.
Application and enquiries:
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Please refer to the EPSRC DTP webpage for detailed information about the EPSRC DTP and how to apply.
Apply Here: Application Form (sheffield.ac.uk)
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full (UK or Overseas) tuition fee and UKRI stipend (currently £18,622 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.