ProfessorMarkus Muellner

We believe in diversity is strength and welcome students, projects and ideas to grow and transform our research and group culture.

Find out more about the Polymer Nanostructures Group.

The following research projects are currently available:

• Nanoscale polymer discs via self-assembly. 2D polymer assemblies are difficult to realise as self-assmebly typically favours spherical morphologies. Our new apporach uses topology to influence the self-assmebly process, enabling the formation of polymer nanodiscs in water. We are interested in learning how these discs form, how we can influences their formation and how we can establish nanodiscs as a potent drug delivery platform for nanomedicine.
• Injectable hydrogels made from polymer architectures. We are interested in designing new polymer-based building blocks capable of being injected to form hydrogel matrices. Such hydrogels feature tunable mechanical properties including stimuli-responsiveness for advanced applications in organoid and drug delivery research.
• Porous nanomaterials from polymer templates. Polymers can direct the synthesis of inorganic materials to allow for the tuning of porousity and composition. In contrast to hydrothermal and solid state chemistry, templating produces nanocrystalline materials with large surface areas with ease. Templating methods can further be modified to generate mixed metal oxides. We have developed several strategies to produce titania and niobium oxides for energy applications using polymer self-assembly and naturally occuring polyphenols. We would like to test our materials in batteries, as well as photocatalytcial applications, such as water splitting.

• For undergraduate students: We have undergraduate Honours research projects on offer. We can also co-design projects based on your individual interests. Please get in touch to discuss possibilities for you to be involved.
• For postgraduate students: We offer PhD projects for domestic and international students. Potential candidates with degrees in chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, biochemistry or related disciplines are encouraged to contact Professor Müllner via email (please include your CV and research interests).
• For postdoctoral researchers: Please get in touch to discuss possible fellowships and projects

Please contact Professor Müllner at markus.muellner@sydney.edu.au