A novel, facile and scalable synthesis route for Copper, Nickel and Zinc nanowires using electroless and immersion 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: 20 January 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2025
For further details contact: Thais Tasso Guaraldo
Introduction
Metallic nanowires (MNWs) are defined as anisotropic nanocrystals of larger length to diameter aspect ratio [1]. Their use has been widely explored in electrocatalysis, wearable electronics, optoelectronic devices, supercapacitors, solar cells and medical applications owing to their electrical, mechanical, thermal and optical properties.
Their synthesis can be promoted by either solution-driven or physical assembly routes [2]. Solution-driven approaches involve the reduction or decomposition of a metal precursor to form small metal nanoparticles (NPs) regularly referred as seeds [2]. Subsequently, the atomic addition or particle attachment on seeds promote the nanowires growth [2].
Despite the early attempts to produce MNWs using electrodeposition in nanoporous aluminium oxide templates, this approach has proved to be challenging to scale [2]. Successively, colloidal synthesis or solution-phase techniques demonstrated their growth in a liquid solution [2]. This latter approach allowed the production of several MNWs at larger scales including Pt, Pd, Ni, Cu and Au [2]. However, some limitations had been reported particularly as they are time-consuming [3] and expensive [1]. As for materials properties, production of thin NW ([50 nm) is still limited for template-based syntheses [4].
Preliminary studies developed in our group demonstrated MNWs can be obtained when electroless deposition is initiated by magnetic particles aligned in a magnetic field [5]. To the best of our knowledge, this approach was not previously reported. Additionally, the electroless plating process is a well-established commercial process [6]. This project will explore, optimise and describe a simpler and scalable approach to prepare metallic Cu, Ni and Zn nanowires using electroless and immersion deposition in a magnetic field coupled with the use of ultrasound to remove the nanowires from the substrate surface. To conclude the project the nanowires will be tested in a demonstrator application e.g. Zn NWs could be used as photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants in water.
Project details
The overall aims of this project are to successfully produce copper, nickel and zinc metallic nanowires and their removal from a suitable substrate and dispersion in a suitable medium. Commercial Cu (100 and 150 nm) and Ni (200 nm) nanowires are produced at the range of 100-150 nm and 200 nm respectively. This project focuses on a novel approach focusing on a systematic methodology to prepare metallic nanowires of circa 50 nm using a scalable electroless deposition process.
Objectives
- Optimisation of pre-treatment and activation of a suitable substrate material with magnetic particles
- 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, Ni and Zn 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.
This studentship is part of a co-tutelle programme between Coventry University and University of Mons and will commence in September 2025. The student will spend 1.5 years at each institution.
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 Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
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.
Apply to Coventry University
