Master's Thesis Topic Available – Functional Oxide Thin Films for Photoelectrocatalytic Applications

Background

Functional oxide thin films exhibit tunable electronic and structural properties that can influence charge transport, surface chemistry, and interfacial behavior—making them highly promising for photoelectrocatalytic applications.

This Master’s thesis project focuses on the fabrication and investigation of functional oxide thin-film materials prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and their integration into photoelectrocatalytic systems. The work combines physics, materials science, and surface chemistry in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Possible focus areas

• Deposition of high-quality oxide thin films using PLD
• Investigation of structure–property relationships and interfacial behavior in thin-film systems
• Exploration of charge transfer and surface processes relevant to photoelectrocatalysis
• Designing and optimizing oxide thin films for improved light-driven energy conversion
• (Optional) Theoretical or computational analysis to complement experiments

Your profile

• Master student (or entering Master thesis phase) in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field
• Strong interest in thin-film deposition and characterization, catalysis, and electrochemistry
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment bridging physics, materials science, and chemistry
• Good communication and teamwork skills in English (written and spoken)

We offer

• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Access to advanced research facilities, including PLD thin-film growth, structural/surface analysis, and photoelectrocatalytic testing platforms
• Close supervision and professional mentorship, with opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals

Application

Please submit the following documents as a single PDF:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Send your application to: haojie.zhang@chemie.uni-halle.de