PhD Research Studentships
Adsorption of ions on hydrophobic surfaces
| Supervisor: | Radomir SLAVCHOV |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Some ions, like I- and H3O+, tend to stick to hydrophobic interfaces, thus charging them. The reason is not clear. Based on our current knowledge of aqueous electrolytes, H3O+ should really prefer to stay in the water. The studies of the effect contradict each other and none explain all its features.
This ion-surface attraction plays a key role in phenomena such as activity of stomach enzymes, processes like flotation and oil well stimulation, design of supercapacitors employing graphite electrodes – yet no convincing adsorption model for H3O+ exists to guide formulation problems; no theory predicts its adsorption constant; no ions of similar behaviour have been identified. Even the qualitative nature of this attraction is obscure.
We are looking for a PhD student to investigate the secretive forces that drag sticky ions to surfaces. The aim is to produce understanding and a model of the interaction. The tools will be both experimental and theoretical – depending on the skills and the preferences of the student, the work can be directed more in the direction of characterization of charged surfaces or towards analysis of data and developing thermodynamic models. Experiment-lovers, theory-lovers and especially those who hesitate between the two – are welcome to apply. The applications we are targeting: carbon capture and storage (the charge of the interface between acidic aqueous phase and liquid carbon dioxide is essential there); mechanisms of rain (the role of ions for nucleation of water droplets in the atmosphere); and how are salts changing the behaviour of surfactants (numerous formulation problems ranging from shampoos to oil production).
Candidates with a background in chemistry, physics and chemical engineering are welcome to apply. Affinity to chemical thermodynamics and surface science required; some knowledge of computer algebra packages (Maple, Mathematica, Python) and/or good hands-on experimental surface science skills is a plus. Enthusiasm for fundamental research is the most important thing.
A review on our group’s research: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01388
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate 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 Radomir SLAVCHOV.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-678" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/r.slavchov/research/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science - Other, Chemical Physics, Physics - Other |