Roll-to-roll thin film deposition

My Ph.D. involves the deposition of titanium dioxide and niobium oxide thin films for solar cells using a novel technique known as atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD). I have optimised this technique for these materials and developed a nebulisation system to overcome the challenges faced when depositing thin films using low vapour pressure precursors. Experimental processing techniques covered include thermal evaporation, atmospheric pressure atomic layer deposition and spin coating. I am experienced in characterisation techniques such as x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and absorption spectroscopy, as well as various electronic testing techniques for solar cells and thin films, including current density - voltage and impedance spectroscopy measurements.

- Project assessing the commercial viability of a protein based microcapsule technology developed at the University of Cambridge.- Part of a team of 7 graduates which liased with industry contacts and researched the potential markets for the technology.- Established links with interested parties in industry and received positive feedback from both the technology’s developer and team mentor, a leading entrepreneur.

- Produced a publication each university term which included several articles from early career researchers and policy makers to encourage debate within a range of policy topics.- Role involved obtaining and editing articles from both researchers and policy-makers and working closely with the authors to produce the final publication, all within a tight schedule.- Used Adobe InDesign to format and produce the final publication.

Tutored and appraised first and second year Materials Science undergraduates in groups of 2 and 3 on a weekly basis.

Supervising first and second year Materials Science students in weekly lab practical sessions.

Carried out 9 weeks of materials science research on lead free-piezoelectric ceramics (potassium sodium niobates KNN). Experimental skills include ball-milling, rotary evaporation, isostatic pressing, ceramic polishing and electrical measurements.

- Assessed the surface quality of aerofoils for Rolls-Royce engines after chemical sizing, including surface roughness and hardness measurements.- Investigation of thermal spray coatings for Rolls-Royce engineers.- Metallographic sample preparation and analysis of aerofoils using optical microscopy, hardness measurements and hydrogen content analysis.Certificates and awards: - Chartered Management Institute Level 3: Merit - Scottish Manufactuary Advisory Service: Best Business Improvement Award, estimated potential savings of £1.17m. - Contribution to the Business Award: 2nd prize after a selection process from 30 Scottish Year in Industry participants.