曼彻斯特大学化学系招收博士研究生
About the Project
Ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are harmful air pollutants due to their highly corrosive and toxic nature. One strategy to mitigate air pollution is to use porous materials that are capable to adsorb and further convert these atmospheric pollutants into useful chemicals for industry. The proposed project builds on our research advances in this area (JACS 2022, 144, 18967; JACS 2022, 144, 8624; Nat. Mater. 2018, 17, 691), and will aim to deliver a step change towards application of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (crystalline porous materials incorporating metal ions and organic linkers) as selective gas adsorbents and catalysts.
In this project, we will use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy tools to study several types of MOFs and their gas-loaded adducts and electro/photo-catalytic reactions in which these are involved. Pulse EPR methods (ENDOR, HYSCORE) can provide significant insight into, for example, NO2…MOF binding mechanisms, the metal ion local environments, and/or electro-/photo-catalytic reactions in which MOFs are involved. The structure-function mechanistic information generated will help to design improved MOF structures for efficient gas adsorption, catalysis and other significant applications (e.g. quantum sensing). Designing new MOFs with suitable functions, high stability, and ultra-high porosity will promote the development of new advanced clean-air technologies.
The project is multi-disciplinary and thus implies interacting closely with the groups of Prof Eric McInnes (on EPR methods) and Prof Sihai Yang (on MOF synthesis and catalysis), and with several other academics at Manchester and internationally (primarily National Facilities in the UK/EU/USA). The prospective student will receive training in EPR (continuous wave and pulsed) measurements and data modelling, gas adsorption, electro- and photo-catalysis assisted by EPR, magnetometry, DFT and several other spectroscopic and analytic techniques. Given the University of Manchester hosts the EPSRC UK National Facility for EPR spectroscopy, this project offers the fantastic prospect of joining a team of highly motivated students and EPR experts, while accessing a large suite of EPR spectrometers operating at various mw frequencies. The PhD programme incorporates strong career development elements enabling to acquire both scientific and transferable skills (e.g. science communication skills developed by presenting results in group meetings and at national/international research conferences).
Admissions qualifications / requirements
Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline. An experience of EPR or NMR spectroscopy or coordination chemistry is desirable but not compulsory.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
Fully funded PhD, home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at current UKRI rate for 3.5 years. The current stipend for the academic year 2022/23 is £17,668.
Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), interested in this project, are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.
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