MSc thesis project proposal

Supergrowth of CNT on conductive substrates for batteries

Project outside the university

TNO

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are becoming an attractive electrode material batteries, due to their high aspect ratio and rapid growth speed. In this project, together with TNO in Eindhoven, the use of CNT for energy storage devices will be examined. TNO currently develops Roll-to-Roll manufacturing process for devices on foil for various applications like OLEDs, OPVs and also in advanced packaging. One of the new innovative topics at TNO is working on is batteries. The battery program focuses on making next-gen battery electrodes with innovative technologies.

The aim of this student project is to investigate the rapid growth of CNT as an electrode material for batteries. The focus will be on optimizing the growth conditions in order to achieve so-called supergrowth: mm-long tubes in a matter of minutes. Besides tuning the CVD parameters you will perform morphological and functional analysis techniques of the structures, which will involve measurements like SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, etc.

Through TNO a financial reimbursement will be available for the MSc student.

Assignment

Your tasks and responsibilities include:
  • Literature research to benchmark the know-how present as state-of-art.
  • Perform experiments in laboratory and clean room
  • CNT deposition and analysis
  • Participate in group meetings at Holst, provide feedback, discuss results, and propose solutions to various challenging aspects
  • Write intermediate experimental reports and final thesis report.

Requirements

You are an ambitious master student with both scientific and practical skills looking for a thesis of at least 6-12 months. You have a physics, chemistry, material science or micro-electronics background. You are pro-active and independent, at the same time a good team player. Good communication skills in English is expected.

Contact

dr.ir. Sten Vollebregt

Electronic Components, Technology and Materials Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2021-03-08