In situ investigation of structural evolution of metal–organic thin films during electrochemical reactions

A 3-year PhD studentship is available at University of Lincoln to work under the supervision of Dr Souvik Roy in the School of Chemistry. Applications are invited from motivated and enthusiastic candidates with undergraduate/master level studies in chemistry (inorganic, material, organic, physical), interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative science. The PhD project is centred around studying metal-organic framework-based electrodes for energy related applications. The prospective start date is beginning of 2024-25 academic year (Sep/Oct 2024). 

Project Background

The development of electrochemical technologies has recently started to attract considerable interest due to their growing part in renewable energy conversion and storage and decarbonisation of energy sector. In this context, application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in electrochemical systems is an emerging area because of the unique capabilities of these materials, including modularity, molecularly defined structure, and large number of accessible active sites. However, the concepts of MOFs in electrocatalysis are still underdeveloped with open questions about their electrochemical stability and structural reconstruction under operating condition. This project aims to augment the fundamental understanding of how MOFs operate as electrocatalysts through a combination of ex situ and in situ techniques, and the findings will guide the design of next generation of MOF electrocatalysts.

Project Aims

• Design, synthesis, and characterisation of new linkers and metal-organic frameworks.
• Develop and optimise methods for integrating metal-organic frameworks into mesoporous electrodes and investigate their electrocatalytic properties.
• Develop in situ spectroscopic tools to probe the electrode materials at molecular level.

Person Specification

The applicants must have Honours or master’s degree in chemistry or relevant areas of research. Motivated students with a background or interest in coordination chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science are encouraged to apply. Excellent communication skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated and independent research is highly desired. Preference will be given to students with hands-on research experience. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed over Teams.

About School of Chemistry at Lincoln

The School of Chemistry is located in the Joseph Banks Laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for material synthesis, characterisation, and catalyst testing. The School has heavily invested in infrastructure to support ‘Advanced Functional Materials’ research group, building energy materials lab to enable ex situ and in situ characterisation of materials. The School also has direct access to newly opened ERDF-co-funded research facility for advanced engineering materials, ‘The Bridge’, that houses state-of-the-art microscopes (SEM, TEM, AFM).

How to apply

Applications including a covering letter, CV, and contact details of an academic referee should be directly sent to [Email Address Removed] with the subject title “Studentship 1AB-2CA-800028”. For any informal enquiries and project details, please contact Dr Souvik Roy at [Email Address Removed].