UM6P CEDOC- SUSMAT - RC: Design of Biopolymer-based Thin Film Nanocomposites as Sensing Platforms fo - Benguerir

Description of the research :

Recently bio-based polymeric materials have attracted increased attention in both the scientific and industrial fields owing to their distinctive properties, including richness, sustainability, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability. Thin-film nanocomposites based on biopolymers are fascinating materials whose design draws on interdisciplinary fields such as materials science, bioengineering and nanotechnology. These materials possess unique physical and chemical properties which make them useful for a wide range of applications. One such promising applications is their use as sensing platforms in smart and precision agriculture. In fact, real-time monitoring of soil conditions and crop growth using advanced sensing systems is a crucial step towards improving resource use and maximizing crop yields. It will also contribute to the collection and evaluation of data essential for decision-making and management.

The present PhD project aim to process advanced biobased polymer thin-film nanocomposites from several renewable resources and their application as innovative, reliable, high sensitive, and cost-effective sensing platforms for intelligent and sustainable agriculture monitoring. Several nanostructured composites thin films with specific assembly/organization, surface morphology, thickness, roughness, and composition with additives of interest (nanoparticles and nanofibers) will be designed through green and sustainable pathways. To control their thickness, structural orientations and desired performance, different processing strategies and techniques will be developed. Their characteristics and performances as sensing platforms for sustainable Precision agriculture monitoring will be studied and optimized. Moreover the suitability to mass production of developed sensors will be of particular interest.

This multidisciplinary PhD project will involve material science, polymer and thin film polymer composite synthesis as well as the development of new miniaturization and fabrication technique and strategies. The research will be conducted mainly at UM6P. The selected candidate will benefit from intermittent stays abroad. The research education corresponds to four years of full-time studies.

Work duties:

To develop this highly challenging project, we are looking for a highly motivated student able to design, plan and execute experimental work, to conduct literature search, actively participate and present results in group meetings, seminars and conferences, taking a lead role in writing articles, initiate close collaboration with other faculty members, assist bachelor and other students in their activities.

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, and can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethic. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.

The skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

•          Master degree in materials science, chemistry (organic and/or polymer), with proven skills in computational approaches for the design of thin film composites from polymers and biopolymers.

•          Very good credit scores from the master’s degree

•          Strong interest in chemistry, polymer science, and analytical tools.

•          Knowledge and/or experience in precision agriculture and sensor design.

•          Knowledge and/or experience in polymer and/or biopolymer based nanocomposites synthesis and characterization.

•          Experiences in nanomaterials preparation, purification, and functionalization are highly appreciated.

•          Experience with electrochemistry and surface characterization techniques will be an advantage.

•          Excellent oral communication and writing skills in both English and French.

•          Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

•          Good organizational skills.

About the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC):

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, and can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethic. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.

The skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

•          Master degree in materials science, chemistry (organic and/or polymer), with proven skills in computational approaches for the design of thin film composites from polymers and biopolymers.

•          Very good credit scores from the master’s degree

•          Strong interest in chemistry, polymer science, and analytical tools.

•          Knowledge and/or experience in precision agriculture and sensor design.

•          Knowledge and/or experience in polymer and/or biopolymer based nanocomposites synthesis and characterization.

•          Experiences in nanomaterials preparation, purification, and functionalization are highly appreciated.

•          Experience with electrochemistry and surface characterization techniques will be an advantage.

•          Excellent oral communication and writing skills in both English and French.

•          Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

•          Good organizational skills.