Surface Tension of Ionic Liquids: from Surface Structure to Cohesive Energy

Ionic liquids are nanostructured fluids composed of cation and anions. The structural diversity of ionic liquids leads to opportunities in nanoparticle synthesis, self-assembly and CO2 storage. To realise this potential, the surface tension of ionic liquids must be understood, as surface tension is a vital property for all of the listed applications. The origins of surface tension for ionic liquids are as of yet unknown. This Ph.D. project will involve measuring surface tension of ionic liquids, measuring the cohesive energy density using mass spectrometry, and determining surface structure using a wide range of ultrahigh vacuum-based techniques (e.g., secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS). These measurements will be used to construct models for predicting surface tension of ionic liquids.

The Ph.D. will be carried out in the experimental group of Dr. Kevin Lovelock at Imperial College London. Start date will be from May 2013.

Further information about postgraduate study at Imperial College can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus. This is an experimental project; prior experience of the techniques is not required (but will be an advantage), good grades and an interest in physical and materials chemistry is important. Applicants must hold a first or upper second class (2:1) MSci, MChem or Honours Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials or an equivalent. The funder for these positions (EPSRC) has strict eligibility requirements, applicants must be UK/EU residents. The studentship will cover university tuition fees and an annual living stipend. Non-UK/EU students are not eligible.

For further details, contact Dr. Kevin Lovelock ([Email Address Removed]).

Closing date for applications is 30 June 2013.