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London
United Kingdom
Analytical Chemistry
Applied Chemistry
Chemical Physics
Electromagnetism
Experimental Physics
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Solid State Physics
Synthetic Chemistry
About the Project
Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENP) are multiferroic materials with magnetic and electric properties coupled together. The coupling allows direct control of ferroelectricity using an external magnetic field or vice-versa. [1] Among the several types of MENP, nanoparticles made up of a magnetic core and ferroelectric shell have gained significant interest in recent years due to the large ME effect. [2] Upon application of an external magnetic field, the magnetic core elongates and deforms. The mechanical energy is transferred to the shell layer where electric polarisation is induced. This is called strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling. Such nanoparticles have wide-ranging biomedical applications such as neural stimulation, ion-channel gating, on-demand drug delivery, tissue regeneration, etc. [3.4] The MENPs are conventionally achieved through a two-step wet chemical synthesis technique. [3] The student will work with interdisciplinary team of chemists to synthesise novel MENPs, and collaborate with physicists to characterise the surface charge and voltage generated by MENP using ensemble methods that require the powder to be pelletised into a disk for electrical characterisation. [4] This has been shown to induce deformities and present issues with leakage current. The student will have opportunities to utilise chemical synthetic skills of fabrications of nanoparticles, chemical characterisation such as ICP, FTIR and physical characterisations such as TEM, XRD, SQUID, TGA and biofunctionalization of nanoparticles and their characterisation such as DLS. The student will also develop novel methodologies for surface charge, and voltage characterisation of MENP suspended in solution using electrochemical techniques. We look for students with excellent background in chemistry, material science and condense matter physics who has strong research capability (e.g. master research project on the relevant area).
References
- Nature Reviews Materials. 2016, 1:1.
- Nano Letters. 2020, 20: 5765.
- Molecular aspects of medicine. 2021, 4:101046.
- NPG Asia Materials. 2010, 2:61-8.
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References
The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class integrated masters degree (MSci, MChem, etc.) or 2:1 minimum BSc plus stand-alone Masters degree with at least a Merit in Chemistry or materials science. 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 primary supervisor (Nguyen TK Thanh email: ntk.thanh@ucl.ac.uk) with 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 (please 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 z.du@ucl.ac.uk
Applications are welcome UK nationals, EU nationals with settled/pre-settled status. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available at View Website.
Interested candidates should initially contact the primary supervisor (Nguyen TK Thanh email: ntk.thanh@ucl.ac.uk) with 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 (please 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 z.du@ucl.ac.uk
Applications are welcome UK nationals, EU nationals with settled/pre-settled status. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available at View Website.
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