PhD Research Studentships

Thermoelectric Metal-Organic Frameworks: Design, Synthesis and Assessment

Supervisor:
Apply by:31 July 2021

Description

This fully-funded 3.5 years’ PhD offers an unrivalled opportunity to graduates in Chemistry or related fields who are passionate about battling climate change.

Thermoelectric materials can ‘upcycle’ waste heat into power and so convert otherwise wasted energy into a useful form. Porous framework materials, such as the crystalline metal-organic frameworks, have recently been highlighted as desirable candidates for such thermoelectric applications.

The project will entail the synthesis of small organic molecules and their incorporation into metal-organic frameworks in order to construct 2D layered materials displaying superior thermoelectric behaviour, which will be also tested as part of the project. The project will also involve nanotechnology aspects, including but not restricted to the processing of the above metal-organic frameworks as thin films.

The successful candidate will gain skills and knowledge in a broad range of techniques and scientific areas in this interdisciplinary project on the interface of chemistry, materials science and physics.

We are looking for candidates with a 1st or 2.1 degree (ideally an MSc degree but in exceptional cases BScs will also be considered), a background in (synthetic, physical or inorganic) chemistry, materials science, or (condensed-phase, or applied) physics, with demonstrated experience in having worked in a laboratory. Experience with framework materials (ideally metal-organic frameworks) or thermoelectrics is desirable but not essential.

EPSRC Research Studentship Details

To be eligible for a full award, applicants must have:

  • no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK, and
  • have been an ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for at least 3 years prior to October 2021, and
  • not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education (This does not apply to UK nationals). (See: https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/ for more details)
  • Full Time programme only.
  • Applicant required to start by October 2021.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three and a half years (set as £17,609 for 2021/22).
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).

 

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Petra Ágota Szilágyi

Tel: 020 7882 7948     E-mail: p.szilagyi@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the PhD Materials Science programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Materials:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html

 

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘SEMS EPSRC *DTP* *PAS*’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact .