Supervisors: Prof. Robert G. Palgrave (UCL), Dr. Xizu Wang (IMRE, A*STAR, Singapore)
Application deadline: 31/05/2023
Interview date: TBC (2 to 4 weeks after the application close date)
Start date: 25 September 2023
Location: London (1.5 years), Singapore (2 years)
Subject areas: Inorgaic materials chemistry, energy materials, materials synthesis, nanoparticle synthesis, halide perovskites
The Studentship
This position is fully funded by the UCL-A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore) Collaborative Programme via the Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science (M3S CDT) at UCL. The student will be registered for a PhD at UCL where he/she will spend year one followed by second and third years of the PhD at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) of A*STAR in Singapore, then return to UCL for the final six months to write up the thesis. If successful, the PhD will be awarded from UCL. The studentship will cover tuition fees at the home rate, and an annual stipend of no less than £19668 increasingly annually with inflation (tax free) pro rata in years 1 and 4. During years 2 and 3, the student will receive a stipend of S$2700 per month directly from A*STAR. In addition, A*STAR will provide the student a one-off relocation allowance.
The Project
The objective of the project is to synthesize and characterize novel metal halide perovskite (MHP) for energy harvesting applications via the use of dimensional control.
The dramatic growth of MHP perovskite research led by the success in solar cell has triggered much fundamental research on their properties and other possible applications. Controlling the dimensionality of MHPs to influence electronic, transport and optical properties is an emerging field. Dimensionality can be controlled either through crystal structure, for example by forming 3D networks, 2D layers, 1D chains or 0D clusters. Another route to control dimensionality is through particle size and shape. This can be influenced by surfactants and synthetic protocols to produce nanoparticles and quantum dots. Uniquely, we will combine both approaches, controlling crystallographic dimensionality and particle dimensionality, and in this way, we can gain new control over perovskite electronic structure and optics, which will enhance existing applications and make possible new ones. We will focus on lead free materials, for example MA3Bi2I9, FA2TeI6 (MA = methylammonium, FA=formamidinium) and related compounds which are less explored than the lead containing analogues.
The Candidate
The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class integrated Masters degree (MSci, MChem, MEng etc.) or a 2:1 minimum BSc plus a stand-alone Masters degree with at least a Merit in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline. The successful applicant will demonstrate strong interest and self-motivation in the subject, good experimental practice and the ability to think analytically and creatively. Good computer skills, plus good presentation and writing skills in English, are required. Previous research experience in contributing to a collaborative interdisciplinary research environment is highly desirable but not necessary as training will be provided.
Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisors (Prof R.G. Palgrave, [Email Address Removed]) with a CV, a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in the project. Informal inquiries are encouraged.
Please note that a suitable applicant will first be required to complete MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/chemistry-mphil-phd (Select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr. Zhimei Du via [Email Address Removed]