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Mechanisms of Material – Water Interactions and Interfacial Binding in CNC Structural Color Coatings on Wood | Project PhD 1.13
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Mechanisms of Material – Water Interactions and Interfacial Binding in CNC Structural Color Coatings on Wood | Project PhD 1.13
Project description
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is revolutionizing how we think about sustainable production. By combining bioengineering, materials science, and chemistry, the cluster aims to establish innovative, closed-loop material cycles for zero-waste production and maximal resource efficiency.
A 24-month PhD position is available in the research group of Prof. Johannes Konnerth at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials, BOKU University, within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of wood science, bio-based materials, and nanotechnology.
The initial appointment is for 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to project progress and the availability of funding.
The aim of the project is to develop strongly bond structural colors formed out of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) to a wood substrate and to overcome the disadvantage of the currently low water resistance. Thereby, design principles and approaches found in nature together with other physical and chemical principles are pursued.
To understand the mechanistic functionality of these strategies through chemical and physical characterization at the micro and nano scale level support the modification approaches, especially to describe the role of material-water interactions in the films and at the interface to the substrate.
Background
Formation of vivid colors can be readily achieved with CNCs, while still lacking stability to moisture. Several modification approaches based on biomimetic design, green chemistry and physical principles within film formation, as a post treatment as well as on the substrate wood are pursued.
In order to fundamentally understand, engineer and confirm the approaches, advanced chemical, physical as well as mechanical characterization at the micro and nano level is required.
Research Objectives
As an outcome an ideally purely lignocellulose based structural color should be able to coat the lignocellulosic material wood and thus enable realizing a single material concept. Identifying and analyzing the mechanisms involved in selected modification approaches addressing the interaction within the CNC structure, as well as between the wood-CNC interface. Verifying and developing selected characterization strategies able to resolve CNC architecture.
Methods
Color formation by CNC self-assembly. Green chemical or physical methods to modify the robustness of the films. Analyses of structural color assemblies by various microscopic techniques on suitable length scales (light microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, Raman,…) including ultramicrotomy as sample preparation. Color determination, surface resistance in dry state and towards water, nanoindentation, testing the mechanical stability of the coating.
Required Skills And Qualifications
Completed Master degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Chemical Technology or similar study. Strong background and practical experience in microscopy techniques (ideally AFM, light microscopy, sample preparation) and physical characterization requested. Strong background and practical experience in spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman) desired. Scientific interest in lignocellulosic materials desired.
Main supervisor: Univ. Prof. Johannes Konnerth
Co-supervisor: Claudia Frey
Location: BOKU University, UFT Tulln
Duration: 24 Months, 30h/week
Submission deadline: 14.08.2026
Please use this Application form – PhD-positions (download here). Applications submitted without this form cannot be processed. Please submit the following additional documents as PDF files. Applications missing any of the required documents will not be processed: Curriculum vitae Copy of certificates from the applicant’s bachelor and master/diploma A translation of the documents if the original documents are not in English or German Please submit your complete application by email to cb_recruiting@boku.ac.at and include the project reference number in the subject line. For information on the further application procedure – online hearing and interview – see: How to apply for PhD positions.
Submission deadline: 14.08.2026
© by Circular Bioengineering
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About Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering
Mission Statement
At the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, our mission is to drive a paradigm shift in how goods are produced, consumed, and renewed. By harnessing cutting-edge research in molecular biosciences and biotechnology, we design and engineer bio-based materials that are sustainable, efficient, and waste-free. Our unique, cross-disciplinary approach integrates technological advances with rigorous environmental, economic, and societal assessments to pioneer a new era of circular bioeconomy—pushing the boundaries towards a fossil fuel-free world.
Funded by the "excellent=austria" program, this initiative unites leading research institutions across Austria to create transformative, sustainable solutions. Through our work, we engage with the public and key stakeholders, inspiring a future where science, sustainability, and innovation converge for the benefit of all.