[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Chemically Programmable Graphene for Radiation-Responsive Printed Electronics

About the project

About the Project Can we use chemistry to teach graphene how to respond differently to radiation? Graphene is famous for its extraordinary electrical properties, but printed graphene is more than just carbon. Its performance also depends on small amounts of organic material needed to formulate printable inks. Our preliminary results suggest that these minor chemical components can have a surprisingly large effect on how graphene responds to ionising radiation. By changing the ink chemistry, it may be possible to make essentially the same printed material behave as a radiation-resistant conductor, a highly sensitive detector, or even respond differently to different types of radiation. This PhD will uncover the science behind this behaviour and explore whether the radiation response of printed graphene can be chemically programmed. You will prepare and print graphene inks containing carefully selected low-concentration additives, creating a library of materials with different compositions. These films will then be exposed to controlled gamma radiation and energetic helium ions. By measuring how their electrical resistance changes with dose and combining this with advanced chemical and structural analysis, you will investigate what is happening at the molecular and nanoscale level. Are organic components being selectively destroyed by radiolysis? Does radiation clean or modify graphene surfaces? How do these changes affect contacts between graphene flakes and therefore electrical conductivity? A particularly exciting question is whether different formulations can produce unique electrical responses to different radiation types. If successful, this could provide a new route towards printed materials that distinguish not only how much radiation they have received, but potentially what kind of radiation caused the response. You will receive broad interdisciplinary training spanning radiation chemistry and dosimetry, gamma and ion beam irradiation, graphene and 2D material processing, ink formulation and printing, electrical measurements, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal analysis and data interpretation. The project brings together Manchester’s internationally recognised expertise in graphene and advanced materials with specialist radiation facilities at the Dalton Cumbrian Facility. The emphasis is on fundamental discovery: understanding how radiation, chemistry and charge transport interact in complex printed nanomaterials. However, the knowledge generated could ultimately enable radiation-sensitive and radiation-tolerant printed electronics for challenging environments, including civil nuclear facilities and space missions. This project would particularly suit a curious student who enjoys working across traditional subject boundaries and wants to combine chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and radiation science while developing ideas with genuine potential for future devices and intellectual property. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science. Previous research experience in graphene, radiation chemistry or device fabrication is desirable. Candidates with a strong interest in materials chemistry, nanomaterials, radiation science, printed electronics are particularly encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy experimental research, are comfortable working across traditional disciplinary boundaries, and are motivated to understand fundamental mechanisms while developing materials with potential technological applications. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

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