This PhD project will develop sustainable, bio-based gas sensors for applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare and smart packaging. The research will explore renewable and low-impact materials, including bio-derived substrates, functional polymers and carbon-based sensing layers, combined with scalable printing and coating techniques. The student will investigate how material composition, device architecture and processing determine sensitivity, selectivity and stability when detecting gases such as ammonia, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds.A central focus will be the complete life cycle of the sensors. The student will design devices for disassembly, recovery and recycling, investigating how substrates, electrodes and sensing materials can be separated and reused or safely biodegraded at the end of use. Working with collaborators in polymer chemistry and recycling, the project will connect device performance with biodegradation and recyclability assessments, establishing practical design principles for high-performance sensors that minimise resource consumption and electronic waste.The successful candidates will join our team, which includes researchers from the Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, the School of Chemistry, and the wider College of Science and Engineering.Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Further information https://eng.ed.ac.uk/sustainable-printable-electronics-research-group Closing date: 30 Dec, 2026 Apply now Principal Supervisor Dr Julianna Panidi Assistant Supervisor Dr Filipe Vilela Eligibility a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).applicant's must meet the University’s English language requirements. Funding Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhereFunding may be available to Home students on a competitive basis. Candidates are invited to discuss potential funding opportunities.Further information and other funding options.
