Controlled placement of nanoscale materials is a key challenge for their integration into future electronic devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attractive channel materials for next-generation electronics, but translating their intrinsic properties into scalable devices requires dense, well-aligned CNT arrays with controlled nanoscale organization across large areas. Solution-based assembly can achieve high CNT density and alignment [1], yet variations in CNT-to-CNT spacing (pitch), local density, and bundling remain important limitations [2,3]. Achieving greater control over these parameters is therefore essential for improving CNT array uniformity and enabling more reproducible device performance.
This project will investigate chemistry-driven approaches for the area-selective placement and organization of nanoscale materials, with aligned CNTs as a key example. Particular attention will be given to understanding how dispersion chemistry, polymer wrapping, solvent and surface chemistry, and molecular interactions influence CNT placement, alignment, and pitch. Surface functionalization strategies, including self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), will be explored to create chemical contrast between different surface regions and thereby control where nanomaterials preferentially assemble.
The project will combine solution and surface chemistry with nanoscale materials characterization to establish relationships between chemical functionality, assembly conditions, and resulting material organization. By tackling the challenge of controlling nanoscale material placement from the molecular level to wafer-relevant dimensions, the project lies at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and emerging semiconductor applications. The work is particularly suited to a student with a strong background in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, or nanomaterials and an interest in applying molecular-level control to future electronic technologies.
[1] Liu, L. et al. Aligned, high-density semiconducting carbon nanotube arrays for high-performance electronics. Science 368, 850-856 (2020)
[2] B. Wang et al., Nonideality in arrayed carbon nanotube field effect transistors revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, ACS Nano 18, 22474-22483 (2024)
[3] T.-A. Chao et al., Small Molecule Additives to Suppress Bundling in Dimensional-Limited Self-Alignment Method for High-Density Aligned Carbon Nanotube Array, Adv. Mater. Interfaces 11, 2300684 (2024)
Type of internship: PhD internship, Master internship
Duration: 1 year
Required educational background: Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Marina Timmermans (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Silvia Armini (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-314. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
This project will investigate chemistry-driven approaches for the area-selective placement and organization of nanoscale materials, with aligned CNTs as a key example. Particular attention will be given to understanding how dispersion chemistry, polymer wrapping, solvent and surface chemistry, and molecular interactions influence CNT placement, alignment, and pitch. Surface functionalization strategies, including self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), will be explored to create chemical contrast between different surface regions and thereby control where nanomaterials preferentially assemble.
The project will combine solution and surface chemistry with nanoscale materials characterization to establish relationships between chemical functionality, assembly conditions, and resulting material organization. By tackling the challenge of controlling nanoscale material placement from the molecular level to wafer-relevant dimensions, the project lies at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and emerging semiconductor applications. The work is particularly suited to a student with a strong background in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, or nanomaterials and an interest in applying molecular-level control to future electronic technologies.
[1] Liu, L. et al. Aligned, high-density semiconducting carbon nanotube arrays for high-performance electronics. Science 368, 850-856 (2020)
[2] B. Wang et al., Nonideality in arrayed carbon nanotube field effect transistors revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, ACS Nano 18, 22474-22483 (2024)
[3] T.-A. Chao et al., Small Molecule Additives to Suppress Bundling in Dimensional-Limited Self-Alignment Method for High-Density Aligned Carbon Nanotube Array, Adv. Mater. Interfaces 11, 2300684 (2024)
Type of internship: PhD internship, Master internship
Duration: 1 year
Required educational background: Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Marina Timmermans (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Silvia Armini (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-314. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
