The Project

Radiophotovoltaic devices convert radioactive particle energy into usable electricity via visible light production in a scintillator material. They could provide reliable, long-lasting power for equipment operating in harsh or inaccessible environments where replacing conventional batteries is difficult or costly. Radioisotopes such as lead-210 can also be recovered from industrial waste streams, creating a unique opportunity to transform radioactive waste into a useful energy source.

Improving the efficiency of this energy-conversion process is essential to developing practical devices that are compact, durable and scalable.

This research project will design, synthesise and test polymer-based radioscintillator materials containing radioisotopes as energy sources. The work will involve optimising rare-earth-doped polymer formulations, measuring their light yield, emission spectra, energy conversion and harvesting efficiencies and stability under radiation exposure, and integrating promising materials with photovoltaic cells to create proof-of-concept generators. This project offers the student an industry placement with entX working in their head office.





The outcomes will guide future device development which could support long-duration autonomous systems in harsh environments and contribute to reducing radioactive waste inventories.

The Prospect

You’ll be based at Adelaide University with an industry placement at entX's head office in Adelaide.

This two-year, masters by research project includes a full scholarship, industry placement, access to world class research infrastructure, a competitive stipend and an $8,000 annual top-up.

Qualifications

We’re looking for applicants with a bachelor’s degree (Honours preferred) in physics, (including any majors) and electrical engineering. We're especially keen to hear from curious, driven people who want to work across disciplines and make a genuine contribution to nuclear and radiation science

Apply now: Contact Shahraam Afshar at [email protected] with copies of your academic transcripts, curriculum vitae (using Adelaide University's structured CV template), and english language test results (if applicable).

Find out more about RadInnovate: https://radinnovate.au/

Find out more about available research projects at Adelaide University: https://lnkd.in/gHFTFMwZ

📌 MPhil Scholarship: Radiophotovoltaic scintillators for power generation devices (Adelaide)
🏢 RadInnovate - ARC Training Centre for Radiation Innovation
📍 Adelaide