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Job Description
Develop novel self-powered and eco-friendly supercapacitor energy storage materials using direct laser writing of biopolymers and eco-friendly materials.
The Tyndall National Institute is seeking a Ph.D. student to join their team in a new exciting project, Green energy storage: development of sustainable supercapacitors by direct laser writing of natural materials (SUPER-GREEN). This project aims to address the environmental concerns of the rapid increase in demand for powered connected devices. **Key Responsibilities:** * Design, develop and characterise biodegradable material formulations sourced from natural materials and suitable for fabrication of porous electrodes by direct laser writing. * Develop and characterise graphene-like carbon green electrode materials with controlled physico-chemical characteristics. * Develop and characterise sustainable electrolyte solutions to be incorporated in a supercapacitor device. * Collaborate with colleagues within the Nanotechnology Group and international partners to develop novel all-green supercapacitors devices with low environmental footprints. * Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities. * Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management and Health and Safety standards. **Essential Criteria:** * A strong honours undergraduate degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering or related field. * Expertise in materials synthesis and characterisation. * Success in self-motivated delivery of research projects at undergraduate level. * Passion for working in partnership with the team to impart and co-develop expertise. **Desirable Criteria:** * Good laboratory, communication and problem-solving skills. * Expertise in electrolyte solutions synthesis and characterisation. * High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation. **What We Offer:** * A fully-funded Ph.D. position with a stipend of €22,000/year for up to four years or graduation (whatever comes first) and full coverage of EU academic fees/tuition. * Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes. * Training and development opportunities. * Opportunities to collaborate with international partners and participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.