PhD: MXene-based interfaces and bijels for functional materials
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Belgium
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KU Leuven
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On Campus (Full Time)
See Position Description-
PhD Research Funding
March 5, 2026
On Campus (Full Time) Position Details (PhD Research Project)
The research project will be performed in the Soft Matter Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) section in the Chemical Engineering Department at KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Ruth Cardinaels. The research in the SMaRT group is mostly of experimental nature and aims at designing methodologies for intelligent process or product (formulation) design using so-called “complex fluids” or “soft matter”. Extensive state-of-the-art and home-built experimental facilities for the characterization of mechanical properties in the liquid state (bulk as well as interfacial rheology), combined with various techniques to characterize microstructure development during flow are available. Moreover, the lab is equipped with all major types of commercial 3D printing devices as well as several in-house adapted devices. Dielectric and electromagnetic properties can be characterized in the low frequency as well as high frequency region.
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Project
Polymers with electrically conductive fillers are ideal candidates for functional materials in the area of electromagnetic shielding or dielectric energy storage. In such systems, the resulting properties are strongly dependent on the dispersion and distribution of the nanoparticles as well as the phase morphology of the blend components. Selective localization of the particles at a liquid-liquid interface will lead to hierarchically structured materials for which the properties can be engineered by means of the microstructure in combination with the particle organization at the interface. In this research, we will develop MXene-based bijels aimed at electromagnetic shielding functionality. A fundamental study of the factors governing the bijel microstructure, including temperature and external flow fields, will be performed. Subsequently, the relations between bijel microstructure and electrical properties of the resulting materials will be investigated. The particle-filled interface has the double functionality to provide mechanical stability to the bijel as well as to generate electrically conductive pathways through the material. Therefore, it will be investigated how various material formulation and processing conditions affect the viscoelastic and dielectric properties of the interface. The main techniques that will be used in the project are particle synthesis, bulk and interfacial rheology, microscopy, dielectric characterization and electromagnetic shielding characterization. The project will be carried out by two PhD researchers, one focussing on the development of the bijels and their bulk behaviour, the other one focussing on the properties of the MXene-covered interfaces. At the end of the project, all the gathered fundamental knowledge will be used to deliver a demonstrator electromagnetic shielding material based on the developed bijels.
Profile
- You are recently graduated or will soon graduate with a master degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or a related discipline.
- You have excellent analytical skills, high grades and you are a creative and critical thinker.
- You are highly motivated to start your career in research and to pursue a PhD degree during a four year research period.
- You have prior experience in experimental research in the area of soft matter and rheology obtained during project or thesis work
- You are able to report your progress in an accurate and timely fashion.
- You have excellent communication skills, with fluency in both written and spoken English.
- You are open for collaboration with the other team members.
Offer
- Full-time PhD position for four years with a competitive salary and additional benefits such as health insurance, access to university sports facilities, etc.
- The opportunity to work and live in one of the most innovative universities and cities in Europe. Leuven is located 20 min from Brussels, in the centre of Europe.
- International working environment and possibility to present your work on international conferences.
- Your research will be embedded in a world-renowned research group consisting of 5 faculty members active in the area of soft matter rheology and technology.
- A state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure.
- A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
- To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will participate in the Arenberg Doctoral School doctoral training program (Doctoral Training – Arenberg Doctoral School (kuleuven.be)).
Interested?
Candidates can apply by submitting their CV, motivation letter and grade lists via the online application tool. Please also include the names and contact details of at least two senior researchers that are willing to write a letter of recommendation upon request. In your motivation letter, indicate whether you are interested in the PhD position that focusses on bulk bijels or the one on interfacial studies.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ruth Cardinaels, mail: [emailprotected].
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