Plasmonic metamaterials for the sensitive quantification of aquatic pollutants

This PhD studentship opportunity focuses on developing novel sensing architectures and high-affinity transducer coatings for the ultrasensitive detection of aquatic pollutants. The project addresses the urgent threat of aquatic pollution from contaminants including PFAS, phthalates, and antibiotics. Using optical techniques based on nanomaterials, particularly plasmonic metamaterials, the research aims to create portable, cost-effective environmental sensing platforms. The successful candidate will work on developing sensing architectures using plasmonic metamaterials fabricated through scalable self-assembled electrochemical approaches. The project involves collaboration with industry partners to identify and detect specific aquatic pollutants. The candidate will gain comprehensive experience in nanofabrication, optical and structural characterisation, numerical modelling, and the design and testing of transducer coatings across both idealised and real-world sample matrices. This interdisciplinary PhD appeals to candidates interested in materials science, optical sensing, and environmental chemistry. The candidate will be embedded in the world-leading research environment of the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group at King's College London, with excellent collaboration opportunities through the EPSRC MetaHub and the London Centre for Nanotechnology.