Application of polymer-coatings on sensor-surfaces
The Applied Nanotechnology research group of Saxion is developing gas sensor systems in close cooperation with several companies. Specifically, we employ sensor chips with a thin (polymer-based) coating that can absorb gas molecules. Combining several sensors, each coated with a different polymer, yields a so-called e-nose, which can be used for the detection of specific analytes present in complex mixtures of VOCs.
Of great importance is the choice of the polymer (that forms the coating) in relation to the gas(es) to be measured, as the coating will determine the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor for the analyte. In recent research we have developed protocols that allow the localized deposition (‘printing’) of water-based polymers.
Within this internship you will expand the types of polymers that can be printed, including the development of protocols that allow the printing of non-water-based polymers. In addition, the most efficient route to produce coating with specific dimensions (e.g. thickness) will be investigated. The protocols will subsequently be applied to deposit (several types of) coating(s) on a novel photonic sensor and on capacitive sensors.
If time permits, work can be started to determine the performance of the newly developed sensors as gas-sensors.
Project duration:
Fall 26/27
Internship or graduation project:
Open for internship or graduation project
Educational programs:
- Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV before the 7th of June 2026 to appliednanotechnology.led@saxion.nl and include Bert Swennenhuis (b.h.g.swennenhuis@saxion.nl) in the CC.