Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles. 

As a master in chemistry, bio-engineering or materials engineering, you will be involved in research, which is centered around the so-called ‘rare earth’ elements. These are the lanthanide elements, including scandium and yttrium. Many of the trivalent lanthanide ions show remarkable luminescence, in the UV, visible and even infrared spectral regions. Because of the high colorimetric purity of this luminescence, lanthanide ions are often used in lighting applications and lasers. One way of incorporating lanthanide ions in diverse media is to include these ions in nanoparticles, which is now a well-established research area. 

This PhD-project will deal with the synthesis of new types of lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles with excellent luminescent properties, but also with the fundamental understanding of the structural properties of these particles. To get more insight in these structural properties, you will go to synchrotron facilities to use X-ray absorption and scattering techniques to probe the first coordination sphere of the lanthanide ion, and to get insight in the atomic structure of the particles. Thus, an important part of your research will deal with trying to figure out the link between synthetic methods and particle structure, as controlling this structure is very important with respect to the final luminescence behavior. 

You will have access to modern research facilities at Belgium’s highest ranked university (Shanghai ranking 2010), and you will work in a stimulating international research environment. You will get the opportunity to travel to research facilities in other countries, such as synchrotrons. 

This PhD-project will run for 4 years. 

Some knowledge about coordination chemistry, rare earths, spectroscopy and X-ray absorption and scattering would be beneficial, but you will get sufficient time to acquire new knowledge where needed.

Profile

The position is open to highly motivated candidates with a background in coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry, or equivalent, who are willing to do high-level fundamental scientific research in the course of a PhD term, with the aim of developing new materials and publishing results in highly ranked scientific journals.

Apply

The position is now open, but applicants need to apply before December 1, 2010. The project can start at any time from January 1, 2011. 
Contact prof. dr. Rik Van Deun - rik.vandeun@ugent.be for more information. Additional background about the research can be found on the following website: http://www.we06.ugent.be/index.php?content=coordination

Application Deadline : 1 December 2010

Homepage:

Contact Adress:

Contact Email: