PhD Studentship: Nano-Solutions for Tomorrow's Vehicles: Energy-Efficient, Anti-Bacterial Coatings for Electric Car Air Conditioning in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover.

Duration of study: Full time - 4 years fixed term

Starting date: Available from December, February and May each year.

Application deadline: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Primary Supervisor: Prof Ioannis Papakonstantinou, Professor of Photonics and Nanofabrication, Head of Photonic Innovations Lab, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London (UCL).

Secondary Supervisor: Dr Martyna Michalska, Department of Mechanical Engineering and UCL East, University College London (UCL). Prof Manish Tiwari, Professor of Nanoengineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Project Description:

This PhD project aims to design and develop multifunctional nanosurfaces tailored for advanced automotive applications in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The focus will be on creating innovative surface treatments for the air-conditioning (AC) units in vehicles to address efficiency, safety, and comfort challenges.

Currently, automotive AC heat pumps operate at suboptimal temperatures (around -18°C), leading to efficiency losses due to water condensation and ice formation. This project will develop anti-fogging and anti-icing surfaces that can perform reliably down to -25°C, potentially improving energy efficiency and reducing strain on electric vehicle batteries or lowering CO₂ emissions in combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, by minimizing water accumulation inside the AC unit, the project aims to reduce bacterial growth that can introduce unpleasant odours and health risks within the cabin. Surfaces with antibacterial properties will thus be another essential target.

The research will focus on polymer-based nanosurfaces that combine antifogging, anti-icing, and antibacterial functionalities. In addition to fabrication, the PhD student will conduct accelerated testing and other rigorous performance evaluations to quantify the energy savings, durability, and user comfort enhancements these surfaces may offer.

This project will utilize cutting-edge cleanroom facilities at the London Center for Nanotechnology (LCN), along with the photonic innovations lab, the facilities in Mechanical Engineering and our new laboratories at UCL East. The student will also conduct research at the cutting-edge laboratories of JLR. The student will have unique opportunity to collaborate with a leading automotive company on technologies that hold real-world potential, with hands-on experience in both advanced research and industry-relevant applications.

Funding: Please read the fee details carefully here: EPSRC Doctoral Training at UCL - Prospective Students | UCL EPSRC Doctoral Training - UCL – University College London

Students will receive a stipend for living costs increasing with inflation as well as a top-up contribution towards travel and consumables.

Qualifications required: Candidates should have or expect to achieve an excellent degree(s) in Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate would have experience in and passion for one or more of the following: 

• Materials engineering, nanotechnology, device physics, chemistry
• Understanding of materials characterisation
• Interest in nano-biointerfaces
• Ability to analyse data

 The candidate should pass the entry requirements of PhD programme at UCL EEE: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/electronic-and-electrical-engineering-mphil-phd

How to apply: Applications must be made using the UCL online application system by using the UCL postgraduate study application form. Please mark it to the attention of Prof Ioannis Papakonstantinou.

Contact: For informal inquiries please contact Prof Ioannis Papakonstantinou who will be happy to answer any queries about the project. (i.papakonstantinou@ucl.ac.uk)

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