Why did you choose the ICMAB?

Because my previous studies are related to nanomaterials, and I thought it would be a good idea to come here.

What are the main applications of your research? Could you give us an example?

My research is focused on the piezoelectricity of quartz materials, which can be used as mass sensors for microbalances.

From the lessons learnt at ICMAB, which one do you value the most?

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) training, because I often use it.

What will you miss the most from ICMAB?

Well, the office table and ...... maybe group meetings!

How do you think this experience will contribute to your training and to your future?

I’ve gotten a lot of experience, which is very helpful to become a good scientist.

What are your plans once you finish your PhD?

Go home and see what will happen... I suppose!

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your PhD?

Well, I wish I had known more knowledge about my work here so that I could become more expert in the field. 

Why did you become a scientist? Which have been your role models?

I became a scientist because I always continued my study in University instead of looking for another job.

Which is your favourite female scientist?

Youyou Tu

Describe in 3 keywords…

• Your research: quartz, film, excellent

• Barcelona: beautiful, expensive, restaurant.

• Your experience at ICMAB: nice, friends, fingerprint

Thesis Title: Microstructural Control of Epitaxial α-Quartz Films

by Qianzhe Zhang, Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites Group (NN), ICMAB-CSIC

Date: Friday, 4 October 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles

Abstract: 
Epitaxial α-quartz films could enable the fabrication of sensors for prospective applications. However, a prerequisite is to tailor α-quartz microstructures at the nanoscale. My PhD works bring new insights into the devitrification of silica into epitaxial α-quartz films on Silicon(100) and reveal how to control the film microstructure: It shows that by increasing the quantity of devitrifying agent (Sr), one can switch from an α-quartz microstructure consisting of porous flat film to a microstructure dominated by dense α-quartz crystals. Besides, other parameters such as film thickness, relative humidity and surfactant also can play important roles in microstructural control of films. Moreover, via a multilayer deposition method, film thickness can be extended to the micron range, which enable nanosructuring by lithography.

Supervisors:

• Martí Gich Garcia, ICMAB-CSIC
• Adrián Carretero-Genevrier, Group of NanoChemiLab, Institut d´electronique et des Systèmes (IES), France

PhD Committee:

• President: Francisco Rivadulla Fernández, Departament Química física, Universitat de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Secretary: Mariona Coll Bau, ICMAB-CSIC
• Vocal:  Romain Bachelet, Institut de Nanotecnologia de Lyon, France