At TechMark Arena 2026 – a master thesis school at RISE.

Are you interested in wonders of wonder material “Graphene”? Are you an experimentalist interested in sensors and printed electronics? Are you interested in contributing to electrification of society?

Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide are interesting derivatives of graphene for sensors. By using additive manufacturing techniques, we can develop printed electronic sensors for wearables to industrial applications. We are looking for a Master of Science student to join the prGO project for a master thesis at RISE in Norrköping.

About the prGO Project

“prGO for power grid components” is a joint project where we are solving problems of industrial electrical high voltage equipment from our industrial partner Hitachi Energy AB. Sensors based on partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) will enable increased reliability of critical components in the power grid, reduce the cost of manufacturing and quality assurance of grid components. 

Preliminary results show that prGO has interesting properties in sensors applications. We are exploring different techniques of partial reduction of graphene oxide, characterizing the degree of reduction (DoR) and its sensitivity for parameters of interest by our industrial partner.

Background

The work is carried out in at RISE Printed electronics arena (PEA), Norrköping labs, where we are exploring novel materials, novel manufacturing techniques such as inkjet- and screen printing and coating methods such as spray coating, and novel graphene oxide reduction techniques.

At RISE labs, we offer you an opportunity to perform your master thesis within our multidisciplinary master thesis school TechMark Arena 2026. You will be part of an active research team at RISE and affiliated organizations. Most of the practical work will take place in our Printed Electronics Arena (PEA) facility (www.printedelectronicsarena.com) in Norrköping.

Project Research Topics

Graphene oxide (GO) is oxidized form of Graphene that is widely explored in printed sensors, due to its ability to form stable dispersions in solvents. Using thermal, optical, chemical or other inhouse techniques, we can reduce graphene oxide to ‘partially reduced GO - prGO’ or’ fully reduced GO - rGO’.

The prGO project investigates:

• Process of reduction of GO to prGO, rGO.

• Characterization of degree of reduction of GO.

• Developing existing or novel methods for degree of reduction (DoR) of GO.

• Characterization of sensors for envisioned application.

Project Activities

This master thesis can include:

• Brief research literature survey on GO reduction techniques, characterization of DoR

• Understanding fundamentals reduction of GO to prGO

• Experimental work on manufacturing sensors using GO utilizing state-of-the-art additive manufacturing techniques at PEA labs

• Developing further the existing measurement setup and experimental activities related characterization of sensors

• Data analysis and process optimization

• Documentation and presentation of results to internal and external audiences

Student Profile
You are an MSc student in materials science, physics, chemistry, electronics engineering, or a related discipline. You should be curious, hands-on, and motivated to explore the intersection between different materials and advanced manufacturing. Experience with graphene-based materials, gas – mass flow controllers, python-based GUI development, lasers, materials characterization (Raman, FTIR, XPS etc.), or printed electronics is advantageous.

Excellent written and spoken English skills are required; Swedish is a plus.

Terms
Credits:30points
Compensation: 30 000 SEK after project completion and approval.
Location and start date: RISE Smart Hardware, Södra Grytsgatan 4, Norrköping.
Start date: As soon as possible or at least by January 2026.

Supervisory Team
Main supervisors: Yusuf Mulla (yusuf.mulla@ri.se) and Mats Sandberg (mats.sandberg@ri.se)
Co-supervisors: Francisco Penayo (Hitachi AB, Sweden).

Interested?
Send in your application no later than December 1st.

Keywords: Master Thesis, RISE, prGO, Graphene oxide, Sustainable Materials, Biobased materials, Printed Electronics, Sensor technology, High voltage.

Industrial partners: Hitachi AB, Grafrene AB.