PhD Research Studentships

"Investigating the mysterious forces that drag sticky ions to hydrophobic surfaces

Supervisor: Radomir SLAVCHOV
Apply by:27 January 2027
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 explains all of 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 – the work can be directed more in direction of characterization of charged surfaces or towards analysis of data and developing thermodynamic models, depending on the skills and the preferences of the student. Experiment-lovers, theory-lovers and especially those who hesitate between the two – you are welcome to apply! The applications we are going to target: carbon capture and storage (the charge of the interface between low-pH water and liquid carbon dioxide is essential there); mechanisms of rain (the role of ions for nucleation of water droplets in the atmosphere); and the classical problem – how are salts changing the behaviour of surfactants (numerous formulation problems ranging from shampoos to oil production).

Requirements:

· This studentship is only for CSC PhD applicants.

· The minimum requirement is a good Honours degree and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.

· Candidates with background in chemistry, physics and chemical engineering 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 science is the most important prerequisite.

A review on our group’s research: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01388 Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College, which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial research support. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop the skills and attributes needed to manage research and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.

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.
Please apply through the main application portal as the button function is inoperative: www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/applying-for-a-resea...

Eligibility

  • Please be aware this site is being migrated to a new web system, and if you are unable to apply at the links we will add the links to the new PhD programmes. In the meantime if you would like to contact the Admissions Office directly you can do so via https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/applying-for-a-research-degree/
  • 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).
  • Note for EPSRC studentships; these studentships are open to those with Home fee status; according to the EPSRC terms and conditions.
  • 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 FT Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-740" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering