2D Van der Waals Materials with Applications in Environmental Sustainability

This project will focus on investigation of light-matter interaction in a group of van der Waals (vdW) materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride and graphene, at mid-infrared wavelength (5-15 um), in order to develop new technologies for environmental applications. This family of nanomaterials that exhibit remarkable mechanical, optical, and electronic properties, extensively explored in recent years but mostly limited to visible to near IR applications. In this project, we aim to explore new designs of nanostructures and devices based on these nanomaterials, with the goal of effective radiative cooling, i.e. dissipating or converting heat to other formats of energy, to reduce the temperature of surfaces, or even Earth. The potential outcome of this project will foster new technologies for tackling the climate change and global warming challenges.

Aims and objectives

Aim 1 Y1: Design photonic nanostructures to enhance reflectivity/emission in the mid-IR spectral range (include training)
Objective 1.1: Comprehensive literature review on different material systems for radiative cooling
Objective 1.2: Identify the advances of using nanostructured vdW devices for passive radiative cooling

Aim 2 Y2: Fabricate and characterise the designed devices (include training)
Objective 2: Implement the optimised design and achieve cooling on surfaces (aiming for 10s K temperature reduction)

Aim 3 Y3: Explore other possible application areas
Objective 3.1: identify promising areas for these nanostructured mid-IR devices
Objective 3.2: extend the research to gas and bio sensing (for example).

The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated

The student will design photonic nanostructures based on the vdW materials in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength range, build on the nanofabrication capability already developed in the JEOL Nanocenter at the University of York, to fabricate such devices. We...