Developing next generation sensors based on nano tube membrane

- My work aims to develop a reliable technique for fabrication of free-standing TiO₂ nanotube (TNT) membranes, and then the integration of the membrane to develop new optoelectronic devices, Guohua Liu explains.

- I have systematically investigated the morphology and detachment mechanism of large-area, free-standing crystalline TNT membranes.

- I have then constructed a novel photoconductive device based on the free-standing membrane. Photoconductivity measurements with a global illumination indicate that the membrane exhibit excellent rectifying features and show a sensitive spectral response to the UV light.

In his work Guohoa Liu has demonstrated that rational translation/integration of free-standing TNT membrane into optoelectronic devices is a viable approach to develop next-generation sensors or detectors for commercial and military applications.

Two evaluators, Christian R. Simon from Sintef and Agne Johannessen from HiVe had agreed to evaluate the presented thesis work and proposed remaining tasks.

Their conclusion was that the evaluators were pleased with the research work presented by PhD candidate Guohua Liu. He made a comprehensive presentation, which was easy to follow. The discussion based on his field of research and the achieved results was very interesting due to the technical competence and expertise of Guohua Liu in this field.

The candidate himself, Guohua Liu, says that this work provides a powerful approach to tailor the properties of self-organized TNTs, which have far-reaching implications in the design of future nano scale systems.

- That leads to compelling opportunities for research, from basic studies of two-dimensional physics to the development of applications such as photoelectric and photovoltaic devices, photocatalysis, nano template and sensors etc.

Thesis Progress Presentation is an important part of the PhD program at Vestfold University College. Half way through their project, all PhD candidates present their work to fellow researchers and Master students, and they receive a formal assessment of their work.