Redox probes to track band edge evolution of thin film oxide semiconductors in aqueous solutions

The interaction of semiconductor materials with aqueous electrolytes governs the operation of a wide range of emerging technologies, including photoelectrochemical energy conversion, chemical sensing, and iontronic devices. At the heart of these applications lies the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, where charge transfer reactions are dictated by the alignment of the semiconductor's electronic energy levels with the electrochemical potentials of species in solution. However, these band-edge positions are not fixed material properties and can evolve in response to pH, ionic composition, surface chemistry, and electrochemical bias. Developing a fundamental understanding of these dynamic interfacial processes is therefore essential for the rational design of next-generation semiconductor devices. We are currently developing new methodologies to probe and understand semiconductor/solution interfaces. One particularly promising approach uses redox reactions with well-defined formal potentials as electrochemical markers (i.e. redox probes) to infer the positions of semiconductor band edges. Such techniques are especially valuable for nanostructured and thin-film semiconductors, where conventional methods like Mott-Schottky procedure cannot be used. In this project, the student will investigate the band-edge positions of BaTiO 3 (and/or SrTiO 3 ) thin films in aqueous solutions using a series of electrochemical redox probes. Through systematic electrochemical characterization, the student will explore how semiconductor energy levels evolve as a function of film thickness, electrolyte concentration, and pH. Experimental work will involve cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and complementary data analysis to establish correlations between redox probe response and semiconductor band edge positions. The project will be carried out entirely at imec and will provide hands-on experience in electrochemistry, semiconductor physics, and thin-film characterization. By collaborating closely with researchers in the Chemical and Ionic Devices team, the student will acquire valuable experimental and analytical skills relevant to both academic and industrial research. Type of internship : Master internship Duration : 6-12 months Required educational background : Bioscience Engineering, Energy, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering University promotor : Philippe Vereecken (KU Leuven) Supervising scientist(s) : For further information or for application, please contact Divyansh Khurana ( Divyansh.Khurana@imec.be ) and Philippe Vereecken ( Philippe.Vereecken@imec.be ) The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-255 . Mention this reference code in your application. Applications should include the following information: resume motivation current study Incomplete applications will not be considered