Information for students from M.Sc. Biomaterials specialization
The Research Group Bioactive nanomaterials with 2D crystal structure is inviting 2nd semester students from M.Sc. Biomaterials specialization to carry out their Research Projects ‘Biomaterials’ courses in the group.
Below are described three topics to choose:
Antibacterial glazes for household ceramics. The research project aims to design antibacterial ceramics for the microbiological protection of users. The first step will concentrate on shaping the molders traditionally used to obtain household ceramics in the form of samples relevant for the sintering process. After sintering, the student will optimize the homogenization process of antimicrobial nanopowder in a suitable dispersing agent. Then, the enamels with variable contents of antibacterial nanopowder will be placed at the surface of ceramic samples as enamel and heat treated. Further, obtained glazes with different nanomaterial content will be subjected to various parameters testing (composition of the produced glaze mixtures, colloidal properties, light absorption). Then, the antibacterial properties of final ceramic samples will be tested in relation to selected bacterial strains.
Smart self-healing and sensing MXene hydrogels.The research project aims to design polymer-based composite hydrogels with the addition of 2D MXene phases that will be high-stretchable, self-healable, temperature-sensitive, and useful for smart compression/temperature sensing. In the first step, optimization of the hydrogel will be carried out. The amount of polymer, initiator, and water will be optimized. In the next step, the student will optimize the homogenization process of 2D MXene flakes in water (optimization of the homogenization time and concentration of MXene in water). Further, hydrogels with different MXene content will be subjected to various parameters testing (resistance and conductivity of the obtained aerogels in relation to reshaping and temperature sensitivity, elongation, self-healing properties, shape memory, chemical composition, light absorption).
Unlocking the potential of solar energy with MXene-based photocatalysts. The research project aims to design an MXene-based semiconducting photocatalyst to efficiently absorb energy from the visible light spectrum and its application in water treatment. The photocatalyst will convert light energy to chemical energy, thus enabling to decompose of unwanted substances. In the first step, various MXene-based photocatalysts will be prepared. The student will analyze photocatalyst in terms of light absorption in different wavelengths, semiconducting properties, and the band gap. Further, optimization of the photocatalyst addition will be carried out concerning chosen organic pollutants and related photocatalytic efficiency using a photoreactor. Based on achieved results, the most efficient photocatalysts will be proposed.
If you are interested with such topics, don’t hesitate to contact the group leader, Professor Agnieszka Jastrzębska (agnieszka.jastrzebska@pw.edu.pl). The number of places in this semester is limited to three.