PhD Studentship
Investigation of structural reconstruction of metal-organic thin films under electrocatalytic conditions: catalyst or pre-catalyst?
Supervisory Team: , 51²è¹Ýapp
Applications are invited for outstanding candidates to join our 3-year PhD programme at the 51²è¹Ýapp's School of Chemistry. Applicants are invited from motivated and enthusiastic candidates with undergraduate/Master's degree level studies in chemistry, ideally inorganic, material, organic or physical, who are interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative science.
The PhD programme will have a focus on studying metal-organic framework (MOF)-based electrodes for energy related applications.
Candidates are expected to start their position on 1 April 2024, or as soon as possible after the intended date.
Project Background
The development of electrochemical technologies is attracting considerable interest due to their growing part in renewable energy conversion and the storage and decarbonisation of the energy sector.
Application of metal-organic frameworks in electrochemical systems is an emerging area because of the unique capabilities of these materials, including modularity, molecularly defined structure, and large number of accessible active sites. The concepts of MOFs in electrocatalysis are still underdeveloped, with open questions about their electrochemical stability and structural reconstruction under operation conditions.
Aims
To augment the fundamental understanding of how MOFs operate as electrocatalysts through a combination of ex-situ and in-situ techniques, with the findings guiding the design of the next generation of MOF electrocatalysts.
The project will focus on:
- Designing, synthesising, and characterisation of new linkers and metal-organic frameworks
- Developing and optimising methods for integrating metal-organic frameworks into mesoporous electrodes and investigate their electrocatalytic properties
- Developing in-situ spectroscopic tools to probe the electrode materials at molecular level.
Person Specification and Requirements
Applicants will have an Honours or Master's degree in chemistry or relevant areas of research, with a background and interest in coordination chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science. They will have excellent communication skills, the ability to conduct self-motivated and independent research, and preference will be given to students with hands-on research experience.
About the School of Chemistry at 51²è¹Ýapp
The School of Chemistry is located in the Joseph Banks Laboratories, and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for material synthesis, characterisation, and catalyst testing. The School has heavily invested in infrastructure to support our Advanced Functional Materials research group and, in recent years, in the existing electrochemical infrastructure for both laboratory-based and in-situ characterisation. The School also has direct access to the newly opened ERDF co-funded research facility for advanced engineering materials, 'The Bridge', that houses state-of-the-art microscopes (SEM, TEM, AFM).
Funding
A tax-free stipend of ca. £18,622 p.a. for 3 years is provided, alongside the payment of all University fees for home students. Non-home students would be required to secure funding for the additional international fees, and should clarify this in their cover letter.
How to Apply
Applications including a covering letter and CV should be directly sent to chemistry@lincoln.ac.uk with the subject title “Studentship 1AB-2CA-800028”.
For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr Souvik Roy at sroy@lincoln.ac.uk.