Funded MSc/PhD Studentship at the Two-Dimensional Materials and Devices Group [Starts in Oct 2021]

Funded MSc/PhD Studentship at the Two-Dimensional Materials and Devices Group

Topic:

Development of Direct Bandgap 2-Dimensional Rhenium Disulfide (ReS₂) for High Responsivity and Fast Response Time Near-Infrared Photodetectors

Project Summary:

Photodetectors require a direct bandgap material to efficiently convert light to electrical signals. However, choices of direct bandgap materials are limited and typically dominated by the expensive III-V semiconductors. Two-dimensional rhenium disulfide (ReS₂) has been predicted to have a direct bandgap from bulk to monolayer. Despite the large responsivity (up to 10⁷ A/W), the response time of ReS₂ photodetector is relatively slow (>10s of milliseconds). Due to the slow response time, ReS₂ photodetector is currently impractical for high-speed applications such as time-of-flight remote sensing and data communications.

In this project, student will involve in several of the following activities:

• Investigate the structural, optical and electronic properties of 2D ReS2 by first principles calculations
• Synthesize high quality ReS2 nanoflakes by chemical vapor deposition
• Characterize the structural and optical properties of ReS2 flakes
• Improve the quality of ReS2 by post-growth processes (eg. thermal annealing)
• Fabricate ReS2 devices and assess the electrical performance of the photodetectors

Requirements:

• Highly motivated
• Bachelor or Master in Material Science, Applied Physics or Electrical & Electronics Engineering. CGPA >3.0 or equivalent.
• Experience in Density Functional Theory (DFT) is an advantage.
• This studentship includes monthly allowance of RM 1,500-1,800. This studentship does not cover tuition fees. Student is encouraged to apply for UKM Zamalah for tuition fees waiver.
• Expected start date: Oct 2021.

For interested candidates, please email your CV to Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohmad at armohmad@ukm.edu.my