In this project, you will investigate the electrochemistry of controlled narcotics from two complementary angles, from fundamental voltammetric behaviour in tailor-made ionic liquid electrolytes through to the design of a portable swab-based sensor for on-site forensic detection. This is a rare opportunity to build expertise across electrochemistry, materials chemistry, and sensor engineering while contributing to a genuine solution for a pressing law-enforcement and public-health challenge: the rapid identification of trace narcotics in the field.
The illicit trade in narcotics is a serious problem for border security and law enforcement worldwide. Current laboratory methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are accurate but slow, expensive, and confined to the lab, while portable Raman and FTIR devices used in the field can fail when samples are coloured, heavily cut with adulterants, or hidden in common goods. This project focuses on developing next-generation electrochemical sensors for the detection of methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine and fentanyl (all controlled drugs under the Australian Poisons Standard) using ionic liquid (IL) and poly(ionic liquid) (poly(IL)) gelled electrolytes in combination with miniaturised thin-film electrodes. The project combines fundamental electrochemistry with the development of sensing technology and methods for narcotics detection that can be applied in real-world environments.
Aim
The main aim of the project is to design, fabricate, and characterise miniaturised, portable electrochemical sensors capable of detecting trace narcotics on swabbed surfaces, using ionic liquid and poly(ionic liquid) gelled electrolytes as the electrolyte system.
Objectives
To achieve the project aims, you will work towards three main objectives:
- You will systematically characterise the electrochemical behaviour (oxidation potentials, peak currents, mechanism) of methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, and fentanyl in a range of room-temperature ionic liquids, building a library of electrochemical fingerprints to discriminate each narcotic from common cutting agents.
- You will formulate an IL/poly(IL) electrolyte system to create a sticky film that will be used to collect traces of narcotics from different surfaces by a swabbing method.
- You will then test how this sticky film collects and detects traces of narcotics from different surfaces such as glass, food, fabric, etc.
Significance
This research addresses critical limitations in current portable narcotic detection technologies by combining the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemistry with the unique properties of ionic liquid-based electrolytes in a compact, field-deployable design. The project will deliver fundamental insights into the electrochemistry of narcotics in IL media (a relatively unexplored area) and translate this insight into a practical sensing platform relevant to law enforcement, customs, and forensic science.
This PhD project offers advanced training in electrochemistry, ionic-liquid chemistry, materials science, and forensic sensor design. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working at the frontier of portable sensing, with opportunities to publish, collaborate with forensic laboratories, and contribute to real-world security applications.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with strong skills in analytical chemistry and electrochemistry are desired for this project. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.
This project is open to Domestic applicants only.
Internship
Through this project you will also have an internship opportunity. Local companies such as Vital Trace offer internship opportunities in electrochemical sensing. Others may be identified during the project.
Scholarship
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship.
Enquires and How to Apply
For enquires about this opportunity contact Professor Debbie Silvester-Dean at D.Silvester-Dean@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest to Professor Debbie Silvester-Dean during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)