Ludwigs & Steeb group

We are looking for a joint doctoral researcher to work on an interdisciplinary project on the mechanical-electrical coupling of doped conducting polymer films. Applications in actuators for soft robotics and flexible electrical devices are targeted. 

The project focuses on establishing doping strategies for mixed conducting polymer films which can be rheologically characterized with dynamic mechanical analysis. Direct correlations with the electrical properties shall be developed during the project. For accessing differently doped states chemical doping will be compared with electrochemical doping. The complex interplay between dopants/counter-ions on the properties of the macroscopic doped films shall be elucidated. Atomic force microscopy will be used to monitor local morphology and conductivity changes. Nanoindentation shall further help to locally study the mechanical properties. 

For the project a background in nano and materials science, chemical engineering or physics is beneficial. The work will involve testing different doping strategies, applying advanced electrochemistry techniques, electrical and thermal characterization, and setup of in-situ rheology techniques (e.g., rheology coupling with electrochemistry).

Close collaboration with the other doctoral researchers within the Ludwigs and Steeb teams and the Kemerink team from Heidelberg University within the GRK2948 is expected.