UROP Project

Textile Quantum Dot Sensors

Under a certain size, silicon nanomaterials exhibit interesting optoelectronic properties owing to the quantum confinement of charge carriers and these nanomaterials become known as silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). SiQDs can be functionalised to act as sensors for chemical agents, explosives and drugs, detecting even the smallest quantities of such substances and signaling their presence by changing their light emitting properties. Integrated into textiles, such sensors would offer law enforcement agencies, first responders and security personnel a powerful tool for the quick on-site detection of harmful substances. Your participation will advance an international Research Project between leading scientists and engineers from the fields of nanomaterials, textile engineering and product development from Canada and Germany.

Task

During your UROP stay you help engineers from the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University to develop, manufacture and Tests advanced polymer optical fibers functionalised with SiQDs. Among your Tasks are the compounding of polymer, the spinning of fibers and their testing in ITA's textile tesing laboratory.

Requirements

You are an open minded, independent and thorough worker. Ideally you have worked in an Engineering and laboratory Environment before. Existing Knowledge in the fields of material Science, ideally polymer or textiles, are a plus. However, you are welcome to apply with any science or engineering Background, as we will ensure your smooth project onboarding through close supervision.