2. Student projects (2 positions)

Fluoropolymers, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are industrially very important; they are essential ingredient of lithium-ion batteries, and highly resistant coatings (e.g. skyscraper windows, roofs or airplane elements). While current strategies aim to reduce use of highly fluorinated materials due to PFAS regulations, these materials are still irreplaceable. This project aims to grow polymer brushes from fluorinated surfaces. Synthesis is based on cleavage of fluorine atoms, which is difficult due to high strength of the C-F bonds. Students will explore modification of fluoropolymers to understand mechanisms of these reactions. Prepared polymer brushes may be used in applications requiring operation under harsh conditions. Examples are marine antifouling coatings, or surfaces generating hydrogen (which requires pH of 0-1).

Tasks:

• Preactivation of fluoropolymer coatings and synthesis of polymer brushes via surface-initiated Photo-ATRP
• Surface analysis (AFM, XRR, XPS)

Requirements:

• Laboratory skills (chemical synthesis, analysis)
• Good English
• High motivation
• Students interested to conduct PhD studies upon completion of the project will be preferred

Offer: 

• Stipend of 1500 PLN/month for up to a year

List of required documents:

• CV, transcript the grades/credits received
• Signed consent to the processing of personal data available at www.chem.uw.edu.pl/oferty-pracy (bottom of the page: “Klauzula informacyjna RODO”).

e-mail: p.mocny@chem.uw.edu.pl

In the title of the e-mail, please enter “PVDF – stypendium studenckie”

Deadline: undefined (to be resolved within a few months)

Date of announcement: 10.01.2025