Fully funded PhD in chemistry: chemistry at the nanoscale (Curtin University)
Curtin University Kent street Building 500 Bentley 610 – Bentley WA
This PhD project explores how individual molecules can be used as active electronic components, such as diodes, enabling electronic functions at the ultimate limit of miniaturisation. The work sits at the interface of chemistry, nanoscience, and device physics, and combines molecular design, nanoscale characterisation, and electronic measurements.
The project is divided into two interconnected research directions, allowing candidates to work according to their background while contributing to a common vision: ultra-low-power, molecule-based electronics.
Project 1 – Single-Molecule Diodes Using Gold Nanoelectrodes
In this part of the project, individual molecules are trapped between two gold electrodes using scanning tunnelling microscope break-junction (STM-BJ) techniques. The goal is to understand how asymmetric coupling of molecular orbitals to electrodes can make a single molecule behave like a diode, allowing current to flow preferentially in one direction.
Rather than relying on conventional semiconductor junctions, current rectification here arises from molecular structure and electrode–molecule interactions. Students will investigate how molecular design, anchoring groups, and electrode coupling influence charge transport at the single-molecule level.
* This project is ideal for students interested in chemistry at the nanoscale, molecular electronics, and charge transport at the nanoscale.
Project 2 – Molecular Junctions for Ultra-Low-Power Electronics and Energy Harvesting
The second research direction focuses on molecules embedded in metal–semiconductor or probe-based junctions, where molecular layers are used to control electronic output while minimising power consumption.
The key aim is to develop molecular diodes that operate at extremely low voltages, enabling rectification without the energy losses of conventional diodes, harvesting and rectifying small AC signals, such as those generated from mechanical or environmental energy sources, new strategies for low-power electronics beyond traditional silicon technology.
This part of the project connects chemistry, electrochemistry, and semiconductor physics, with strong relevance to sustainable and next-generation electronics.
Who Should Apply
We are seeking highly motivated students with experience in at least one of the following areas:
* Scanning probe microscopy (AFM and/or STM)
* Electrochemistry (including molecular or surface electrochemistry)
* Organic synthesis (design and synthesis of functional molecules)
Applicants should hold:
* International students must have Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
Experience across multiple areas is welcome but not required.
Funding and Support
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship, which includes:
* Full tuition fee coverage
* A competitive stipend of approximately AUD $37,000 per year (for suitable candidates)
* Access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication, STM/AFM, and electrochemical facilities
* Training in interdisciplinary research at the frontier of molecular electronics.
Why This Project?
* Work at the single-molecule limit of electronics
* Combine chemistry, nanotechnology, and device physics
* Develop concepts relevant to ultra-low-power and sustainable technologies
* Be part of a highly interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment
Additional Notes
This project is also suited to candidates with a strong background in organic synthesis, including the design and synthesis of complex functional molecules for advanced measurements. Applicants do not need prior training in electronics or nanotechnology; all required experimental techniques (including molecular junction measurements and scanning probe methods) will be taught during the PhD.
The research will be conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories at Curtin University (Bentley campus), Perth, Australia, under the supervision of Professor Nadim Darwish.
Applications must be submitted via PhDseek.
Please do not contact the supervisor directly. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by Professor Darwish as part of the selection process.
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