Quantum Dot Decorated Porous Semiconductors for Enhanced Solar Water Splitting

Quantum, PHD, Semiconductor
India
8 November 2025
Full Time PhD position

Job Description

The UQ–IITD Research Academy invites applications for a PhD position titled “Quantum-Dot-Decorated Porous Semiconductors for Enhanced Solar Water Splitting”. The project aims to overcome key limitations of current photocatalysts by integrating porous semiconductor frameworks with quantum-dots, enabling extended light absorption, hot-carrier injection and enhanced surface reactivity for solar hydrogen production.

Job Details

Field Details
Title PhD Project – Quantum-Dot-Decorated Porous Semiconductors for Enhanced Solar Water Splitting
Organisation/Publisher UQ–IITD Research Academy (University of Queensland & Indian Institute of Technology Delhi)
Work Location Australia / India (multinational collaboration)
Research Field Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, Photocatalysis, Renewable Energy
Research Theme Solar-driven water splitting, quantum-dot decoration, porous semiconductor frameworks
PhD Student Profile Doctoral candidate
Contract Type PhD fellowship position
Start Date / Duration (As per programme)
Eligibility / Qualification M.Sc. in Chemistry/Physics, or MTech/MS in Materials Science or Engineering
Apply Via See project page – UQ–IITD Research Academy

About the Project

The global shift toward renewable energy demands scalable, efficient solutions for solar hydrogen production via water splitting. Conventional photocatalysts often suffer from limited light absorption, rapid charge recombination and slow surface reaction kinetics. This PhD project seeks to tackle these bottlenecks by developing porous semiconductor-frameworks decorated with quantum-dots (QDs). In particular, the frameworks (eg. Au, AuCu, α-In₂Se₃, Sb₂Se₃, Cu₂SnS₃) will be engineered via self‐assembly strategies to yield high surface area, interconnected charge transport pathways and optimised electrolyte access. QDs such as CdSe, PbS and InP will extend absorption into visible/NIR, enable hot-carrier injection and greatly improve charge separation and catalytic activity.

The methodology includes micelle‐directed self‐assembly, soft template fabrication of meso–macroporous structures, controlled QD deposition/functionalisation, advanced spectroscopic/electrochemical characterisation and systematic photoelectrochemical testing under simulated solar light. Outcomes will be high-performance hybrid photoelectrodes and fundamental insights into QD–semiconductor interactions for clean hydrogen tech.

What You’ll Do

  • Fabricate porous metal/semiconductor frameworks using self-assembly and templating methods.

  • Decorate these frameworks with colloidal QDs to enhance absorption and enable hot-carrier effects.

  • Characterise structural, optical and electronic behaviours with advanced microscopy/spectroscopy and time-resolved studies.

  • Perform photoelectrochemical measurements (HER/OER) and benchmark versus state-of-the-art photocatalysts.

  • Analyse and interpret data, prepare technical reports, conference presentations and journal publications.

  • Develop a holistic view bridging materials synthesis, nanoscale structure, device fabrication and energy conversion.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidates will have:

  • A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or Engineering.

  • Interest in nanostructured materials, quantum-dots, photocatalysis or renewable energy conversion.

  • Hands-on laboratory experience (preferred) in materials synthesis or characterization.

  • Strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

  • Excellent communication skills in English.

Why This is Valuable

  • Work at the cutting-edge of nanotechnology and renewable energy.

  • Gain expertise in porous nanomaterials, quantum-dot systems, hot-carrier physics, photothermal + photocatalysis synergy.

  • Contribute to a pressing global challenge — developing scalable hydrogen production through solar driven water splitting.

  • Opportunity for international collaboration, publishing in high-impact journals, and building a strong post-graduate research profile.

Application Instructions

Please refer to the official project page on the UQ–IITD Research Academy website for full details and application process. Applications typically require CV, cover letter, transcripts, and contact details of referees.

Reference Links

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and outreach purposes. Applicants should refer to the official project page and institution for complete eligibility, conditions and submission guidelines.

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