Nanowire synthesis enabled by novel magnetic catalysts and electrochemical deposition
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 19 March 2026
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2026
For further details contact: Thais Tasso Guaraldo
Introduction
Metallic nanowires (MNWs) combine excellent electrical, thermal, mechanical and optical properties, making them highly attractive across high value manufacturing sectors such as wearable electronics, catalysis, energy storage and environmental remediation. Indeed the strong demand can be evidenced from the global metallic nanowires market was estimated at ~ USD 1.2 billion in 2024, with forecasts reaching ~ USD 3.5 billion by 2033 (CAGR ≈12.5%).(https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/metallic-nanowires-market)
There is a plethora of literature on synthesis routes for metal nanowires (see for example these reviews [1], [2]). However, most are only practical at lab scale and are not industrially scalable. Typical limitations include:
- The use of templates: this template subsequently requires removal using aggressive and environmentally hostile chemistry such as HF [3], chromates etc.
- The use of complex and time-consuming synthesis routes [4] which make scale-up problematic
- The need for expensive noble metal-based seed layers or precursors[5].
There is clearly a need for a more facile, environmentally, cost effective and scalable synthesis route for metal nanowires that this project will seek to address.
Previous studies in the Coventry University Functional Materials Group [6] demonstrated that nano-scale needle like structures can be obtained when electroless deposition is performed utilizing magnetic initiators and the plating itself is carried out in a magnetic field. Although one other study reports electroless formation of metal nanowires in a magnetic field [7], the method uses an electroless solution in an organic solvent (rather than typical aqueous electrolyte), uses hydrazine as a reducing agent (which make the electroless solution unstable) and expensive Pt as the catalyst. For all these reasons their process would be totally unsuitable to scale. Indeed, there is only one other practical method that uses electroless deposition for metal nanowire synthesis [8] and that was developed at Coventry University. However, this used a template and required a sputter coated Ag catalyst to initiate the electroless reaction.
In this project, low-cost commercially available electroless plating processes for Copper and Nickel will be used enhancing the chances of scale-up. In a highly novel approach, non-noble earth-abundant electroless plating initiators such as Co and Fe will be used to initiate the electroless reaction (reducing cost). In addition, the synthesis route is template-free reducing waste and eliminating the need for environmentally hostile etchants. An innovative high-frequency ultrasound approach will be used to dislodge and disperse the synthesised nanowires. Finally, to conclude the project, the nanowires will be tested in the formulation of conductive inks as an alternative for industrial conductive ink manufacturing based in critical raw materials [9].
Project details
In this project, low-cost commercially available electroless plating processes for Copper and Nickel will be used enhancing the chances of scale-up. In a highly novel approach, non-noble earth-abundant electroless plating initiators such as Co and Fe will be used to initiate the electroless reaction (reducing cost). In addition, the synthesis route is template-free reducing waste and eliminating the need for environmentally hostile etchants. An innovative high-frequency ultrasound approach will be used to dislodge and disperse the synthesised nanowires. Finally, to conclude the project, the nanowires will be tested in the formulation of conductive inks as an alternative for industrial conductive ink manufacturing based in critical raw materials [9].
Objectives
- Optimisation of pre-treatment and activation with magnetic particles of a suitable sub-strate material
- Investigate the influence of several parameters (particle type, particle shape, size, strength of magnetic field, temperature of electroless platting solutions, the need of reducing agent and concentration of reducing agent) underpinning the formation of Cu and Ni metallic nanowires.
- Optimise the acoustic removal of nanowires from the substrate and disperse them in a suitable medium
- Evaluate materials properties of metallic nanowires to determine potential applications.
- Determine and describe the mechanism of nanowire formation.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
This studentship is part of a co-tutelle programme between Coventry University and University of Mons and will commence in September 2026. The student will spend 1.5 years at each institution.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
How to apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Thais Tasso Guaraldo
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
