Tobias Cramer

1) Master thesis: Atomic force microscopy for nano-electromechanical characterization

Atomic Force Microscopy offers unique opportuneties to characterize material properties at the nanoscale. In our AFM-laboratory we develop new methods to achieve multi-channel imaging of nano-materials. Currently our interest is focussed on piezoelectric and triboelectric materials that are employed in mechanical energy harvesters.

In case of interest please contact

tobias.cramer@unibo.it

2) Master thesis: Nanocomposite materials with non-linear elastic properties

Modern technology exploits highly optimized elastic materials that find ubiquitous employment when systems have to adapt to strain during motion. However, fundamental limitations exist when elastic materials have to be connected to more rigid components: dissimilar mechanical properties promote crack formation and debonding at the interface when critical stretching or compression occurs. The problem is of particular impact for wearable and implantable electronics and soft robotics, where devices need soft mechanical properties comparable to the human body but obtain their functionality by the incorporation of rigid electronic components. The FORTE project has the vision of a mechanically adaptive nanocomposite-based technology that overcomes these limitations and provides a unique solution for stretchable devices. The project takes inspiration from the nonlinear mechanical response of mesoscale biological fibrous networks that endow ultra-soft elastic materials with a local strain hardening mechanism to prevent failure at mechanically heterogeneous interfaces. FORTE combines polymer chemistry, nano-fabrication, hierarchical structure characterization and multiscale modelling to develop load bearing nanofibre networks embedded in a soft polymer matrix. Detailed physical understanding and control of the mesoscale network properties will provide unprecedented access to the rational design of the non-linear elastic properties. The synthetic composite will enable a novel stretchable electronics technology platform that exploits the engineering of strain stiffening and non-linear elastic properties to achieve a new generation of biocompatible, ultra-soft and small devices that show unprecedented toughness and fatigue resistance.

In case of interest please contact

tobias.cramer@unibo.it

3) Master thesis: Material physics of pigments for artificial retina implants

Degradation of visual receptor cells in the retina causes blindness to many persons worldwide. Novel microelectronic implants open the prospect of restoring visual functionality by stimulating electrically neurons that enter into the visual nerve. Novel multifunctional nano-materials are currently being developed that will constitute the interface between the neuronal biological tissue and the traditional microelectronics. Many aspects of the material physics of such new materials are unknown and have to be explored. A physical understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cellular stimulation and its relation to the material properties will be crucial to achieve the ultimate goal of creating a long-term implant working as an artificial retina.

The proposed research work is embedded in an ongoing collaboration between the University of Bologna and the Linköping University (Sweden). Synthesis of multifunctional nano-materials is done at Linkoping whereas the physical characterizations is performed at Bologna. Candidates should have a strong interest in:

• participating in a multidisciplinary research project that embraces physics, chemistry and biology.
• studying material properties of nano-materials using advanced experimental techniques (Atomic force microscopy, optoelectronic characterizations)
• working also for extended periods in a foreign country (Sveden)

In case of interest please contact

tobias.cramer@unibo.it