Hyperbolic metamaterial sensor for selective detection of volatile organic compounds

PhD studentship opportunity for Home students with an interest in applied nanomaterials for food science and sustainability. The project focuses on designing novel sensing architectures and transducer coatings capable of detecting ethylene, ammonia, and other spoilage-related volatiles across a variety of controlled and real-world environments. The successful candidate will work with hyperbolic plasmonic metamaterials to develop optical techniques based on nanomaterials for detecting volatile organic compounds. This will include developing strategies for improving analyte affinity, enhancing selectivity within complex gas mixtures, and understanding the cross-sensitivity behaviour that governs multi-analyte detection. The candidate will gain training in nanofabrication, optical and structural characterisation, numerical modelling, surface functionalisation, and gas-phase testing in both idealised and application-relevant sample matrices. This PhD is suited to candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials science, optical sensing and analytical chemistry. The candidate will be part of the world-leading Photonics & Nanotechnology Group at King's College London, a hub for research in nanophotonics, metamaterials, and plasmonics.