Master Thesis in Synthesis and Characterization of Conductive Polymer Nanocellulose Composites

Do you want to work with innovative materials, like polymers that can conduct electricity just like metals but can also be printed in an ink? What if in the future, we could simply print sensors that we can use to monitor our heartbeats or other signals from our body and even use sustainable materials for that?

During a master’s thesis at the Müller group in applied chemistry, you can dive into the world of exciting new materials! In our composites, we combine conductive polymers with sustainable nanocellulose that is made with wood from Sweden.

Applications are:

• Switchable materials, where the stiffness can be controlled by the touch of a button

• Sensors for detection of a wide range of analytes and amplification of signals, so even traces of analytes or very weak currents can be detected

A successful synthesis method for a composite material has already been established. This will be the basis for further research.

Your tasks might be (also depending on your own interests):

• Synthesis (Polymerization, solution processing into thin films, hot pressing of thick films)

• Characterization of the mechanical and electrochemical properties (DMA, CV, conductivity)

• Investigation of the composition, structure and morphology of the materials (Microscopy, AFM, SEM, SAXS/WAXS)

• Fabrication and testing of sensors and transistors from the materials

You will work under supervision of Jan Jacobs,
PhD student in the Müller Group at Chalmers Applied Chemistry. Our group focuses on the synthesis and characterization of conductive polymers. Your examiner will be Christian Müller.