1 PhD studentship, supervised by Dr. F. Jaeckel and co-supervised by Dr. A. Cowan: Semiconductor nanocrystal-molecular catalyst-hybrids for photocatalytic solar fuel generation

Applications are invited for a graduate to join the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and the Department of Physics at the University of Liverpool, UK, for a funded 42 month period of research leading to the award of a PhD.

Solar fuels such as hydrogen, methane ort methanol can be produced photo-catalytically from water or carbon dioxide using sunlight. This represents an attractive approach for storing solar energy in the form of chemical energy for later use. Therefore, solar fuels are currently considered as one component of a future green energy mix. Recently, catalyst decorated semiconductor nanocrystals started attracting tremendous interest in photocatalysis due to their tuneable optical and electronic properties and large surface-to-volume ratios.

The project aims at the preparation, fundamental photophysical characterization and understanding of hybrid semiconductor nanocrystals-molecular catalyst materials for photocatalytic generation of solar fuels. Molecular catalysts will be attached to colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. The nanocrystals will serve as photosensitizers of the molecular catalyst for hydrogen generation. The project will benefit from the Stephenson Institute’s interdisciplinary structure, reflected by the co-supervision through a physicist (Dr Frank Jaeckel) and a chemist (Dr Alex Cowan), and its new and state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.

The hybrid nanomaterials will be investigated in terms of their structural and photocatalytic activities using electron microscopy, UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography and time resolved spectroscopy. The interdisciplinary approach and the wide range of techniques will provide the candidate with extensive training and a solid foundation for his/her future career in academia or industry.

Creative and highly motivated applicants from the UK or EU are encouraged to apply. An excellent degree (First or Upper Second) in physics, materials science or related disciplines is required. A background in nanotechnology, semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis and/or optical spectroscopy would be an advantage.

The initial studentship stipend is £13,590 per year.