Development of Innovative and Transparent Radio-Frequency devices based on Nanocelluloses – Silver Nanowires hybrid system

Project : E-Transparent

Development of Innovative and Transparent Radio-Frequency devices based on Nanocelluloses – Silver Nanowires hybrid system
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•   PhD Start : 01/10/2018
• Univ. Grenoble Alpes – IDEX Allocation
•   Application deadline : 30/06/2018
  
  Project Description
  Electromagnetic waves are present everywhere and are used in many devices for industrial as well as in everyday life applications. Defense and Security, Building and Smart environments, Health, Telecommunications, packaging & logistic constitute huge markets. Applications concerning health monitoring, mobile phone, Wi-Fi, RFID Identification/Authentication, NFC contactless payment, show continuing technological and economical growths.
  Nevertheless, several new and large markets cannot be addressed due to the drawbacks of the key component: the antenna, which is usually fabricated by printing (or etching) metal patterns on rigid or conformable substrates. The standard material used as metallic electrode is non transparent silver spherical particles. Thus, cost and low optical transparency are clearly the limiting factors to integrate antennas or RF patterns onto transparent surfaces such as windows, touchscreens or windscreens, transparent packaging, etc. Flexible, transparent and low cost antennal devices will create these new fields of applications.
  The main goal of this PhD thesis is to produce innovative transparent RF patterns with scalable techniques, in a standard environment, to address electromagnetic (EM) applications such as RF antennas, shielding, filters with a focus in smart packaging and building field.
  Based on the complementary expertise of participants (nanocellulose, ink formulation, radio-frequence), the objective of E-Transparent project will focus on the development of transparent and conductive hybrid system based on nanocelluloses (NFC/NCC) combined with a conductive material (silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymer) to address RF applications.Leaving aside the initial bibliographic study, the following survey and the final redaction of the thesis manuscript, PhD Student will work into 3 tasks, as detailed below:
• Task 1    Conductive and transparent nanocellulose suspension design
  Target    Reach the performances specified by the targeted RF application (antenna, shielding, etc)
  Subtask:
  1.1: Identification of the most suitable raw materials (Nanocelluloses, Conductive materials, additives) and nanocellulose functionalization
  1.2:  Formulation and optimization towards RF application requirements
  1.3:  Hybrid system characterization and colloidal stability parameters
• Task 2    Processability and patterning of nanocellulose suspensions:
  Target    Production of thin patterning layers
  Subtask :
  2.1: Patterning layer obtained by an additive deposition processes (spray, printing, ect.)
  2.2:  Patterning layer obtained by a substractive process
  2.3:  Patterns characterization (thickness, pattern resolution, printing default, electronic performances, etc.)
• Task 3    RF system production and demonstrator development
  Target    Characterize the transparent RF system produced
  Subtask :
  3.1: RF pattern design and Characterization of RF properties – Identification of achievable specifications
  3.2: Understanding of the output properties/formulation/processing/pattern cross correlation
  3.3: Demonstrator preparationDue to the multidisciplinary domains of the skills involved, the PhD thesis will be performed between two laboratories located in Grenoble: LGP2  and IMEP-LAHC
  LGP2: http://pagora.grenoble-inp.fr/recherche/recherche-laboratoire-genie-des-procedes-papetiers-lgp2–349729.kjsp
  IMEP-LAHC: http://imep-lahc.grenoble-inp.fr/Candidate profile:
• Holding a Master or Engineer degree in material science
•   Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, different skills can be promoted :
  –   Expertise in Cellulose-based materials
  –  Expertise in process engineering (printing processes, coating, etc…)
  –  Expertise in complex fluid formulation and characterization (Rheology)
  –  Expertise in Radiofrequency
•   Good english level
•    Autonomy, professionalism, capacity to analyze and synthesize, motivation, ability to work in a teamTo apply for this PhD offer, please send a detailed CV, a letter stating the reasons of your application and the contact information of a referring person if possible.
  
  Contact Information :
  Dr. Aurore DENNEULIN (LGP2),Tel : +33 476 826 928 ,aurore.denneulin@pagora.grenoble-inp.frPr.
  Tan Phu Vuong, (IMEP-LaHC),tan-phu.vuong@minatec.grenoble-inp.fr
  Dr Julien BRAS  (LGP2), Tel : +33 476 826 915

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