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  PhD Fellowship in Energy Storage for Energy Polygeneration Systems


   Department of Chemistry

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Prof D Shchukin  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

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

PhD project is focused on the development of a novel generation of energy storage materials based on composite nanosized crystallohydrates. The main idea is to decrease the size of the energy storage unit to nanometer range thus attaining it high energy capacity values due to high surface-to-volume ratio and structural homogeneity and to facilitate energy transfer due to high available surface area. Latent heat storage materials are one of the components of the future energy polygeneration systems, where many improvements are necessary to increase energy storage capacity and provide the use of the stored heat on demand only. This possibility to save energy is widely mentioned in the general concept of low-energy houses. All mentioned points clearly illustrate the enormous potential of new energy storage and delivery materials not only from scientific but also from public side.

The project will involve diverse nanosynthetic approaches, material preparation and physico-chemical characterisation of the resulting crystallohydrates. The candidate will receive extensive training in physical chemistry and synthesis of nanomaterials of industrial importance. The knowledge and skills developed will provide the candidate with a solid foundation for his/her future academic or industrial career in the field of energy saving, delivery and storage.

Creative and highly motivated applicants from UK/EU are encouraged to apply. A degree (First or Upper Second) in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. A background in nanotechnology, physical or polymer chemistry would be an advantage.

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

To apply please send a copy of your curriculum vitae and contact details for two referees to:
Prof. Dmitry Shchukin ([Email Address Removed]).

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1st August 2013.

The position is available from 1st October 2013.

Where will I study?


Project supervisors

Career overview

Professor Dmitry Shchukin received his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2002. He worked as an assistant researcher at Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France in 2001, followed by a position as an associate researcher at the Institute of Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University in the USA from 2003 to 2004. He also served as an associate researcher at the Department of Interfaces at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany from 2002 and again from 2004 to 2005. Subsequently, he was appointed as a Group Leader at the same department at the Max Planck Institute from 2006 to 2012. Currently, he is a Professor of Chemistry at the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. His main scientific interests include hollow nanocontainers, active nanoenvironment, and interfacial sonochemistry. Professor Shchukin is the author of over 210 research papers, including 19 review articles and 13 book chapters, and holds 8 patents related to encapsulation technology. He has received the Brian Mercer Feasibility Award and the ERC Consolidator fellowship.


Research interests

Professor Shchukin''s research primarily focuses on hollow nanocontainers, active nanoenvironment, and interfacial sonochemistry. He has authored over 210 research papers, including 19 review articles and 13 book chapters, and holds 8 patents related to encapsulation technology. His recent accolades include the Brian Mercer Feasibility Award and the ERC Consolidator fellowship.

View Professor Dmitry Shchukin's profile