Department of Materials

Open Opportunities

Synthesis and characterization of doped-tungsten oxides ETH Zurich Multifunctional Materials If you are interested in the synthesis of nanoparticles, then you are in the right place! Project Description: The project is centered on the microwave-assisted synthesis of tungsten oxides and the characterization of their plasmonic properties. More specifically, the effect of reaction parameters (e.g. reaction temperature, time and pressure, reactants’ concentration, …) on the nanoparticles’ structure, morphology, and optical properties will be investigated. The main characterization techniques will be UV-vis and powder-XRD spectroscopy, together with electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, …) but others will be employed based on need. Environment: You will work in a friendly group, where helping one another is valued and cherished. Supervision style: I will actively teach you how to synthesize and characterize materials. You will also be directly supported throughout the whole project (meaning you will not be left completely alone, and a second explanation can always be given). At the same time, it’s expected that after an introductory period you will be able to work more autonomously and give your contribution to the project. Ceramics, Inorganic Chemistry Master Thesis

Can we consider spore as ellipsoid polystyrene particles? – Characterization of ellipsoid polystyrene particles ETH Zurich Interfaces, Soft matter and Assembly This research focuses on understanding the colloidal behaviour of bacterial spores through diverse characterization techniques. Your work will focus on characterizing ellipsoid polystyrene particles instead of Bacillus subtilis spores. The same characterization experiments had already been conducted on Bacillus subtilis spores, providing valuable experience with the required procedures. Biomaterials, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Materials Engineering Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project, Summer School

Living Composite Material ETH Zurich Complex Materials Microorganisms that can be found everywhere in our environment are able to produce a variety of molecules from very simple precursors. Some of the products synthetized by bacteria are materials with fascinating properties such as cellulose with excellent mechanical properties. Materials produced by living cells are attractive because they are produced with minimal energy input and are based on green chemicals. Moreover, if well-designed, these materials still contain the living cells and are thus able to react onto external stimuli. Therefore, they have the potential to repair themselves upon damage or form materials with locally defined microstructures and architectures. Chemistry, Composite Materials, Microbiology Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Project (D-MATL), Master Thesis, Semester Project