PhD Research Studentships

Low dimensional energy materials

Supervisor:	Oliver FENWICK
Apply by:	31 January 2024
Start in:	September (Semester 1)

Description

Materials confined into low dimensional structures develop new optical and electronic properties that are not observed in the bulk. These occur due to quantum confinement effects and have been exploited in many nanoscale electronic devices. Nonetheless, individual nanostructures are only used in limited applications due to fabrication challenges and the difficulty of integrating them into devices. This project will develop bulk materials with low dimensional character. These are organometal halide materials with 2D, 1D or 0D crystal structures.

One of the properties modified by quantum confinement is the electronic density of states, which changes from a continuum in the bulk material to discrete levels in low dimensional structures. Discrete levels in the density of states should result in high Seebeck coefficients, a key indicator of a good thermoelectric material.

Low-dimensional crystal structures give huge possibilities in ferroelectric research. Going down in dimensionality can increase the Curie temperature, and notable spontaneous polarizations have been observed, triggered by dynamic ordering of the cations and the tilting motion of heterometallic octahedra. Our new materials aim to boost performance further and we will use high entropy approaches to increase Curie temperature further.

Funding

Funded by: China Scholarship Council
Candidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.

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 minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
• Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Oliver FENWICK.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-581" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Related website:	https://www.organicthermoelectric.com
Keywords:	Physical Chemistry, Energy Technologies, Engineering - Other, Ceramics, Materials Science - Other, Experimental Physics, Semiconductors, Solid State Physics