A PhD studentship is available in the Centre for Nanoporous Materials, Department of Chemistry for an excellent chemist in the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
MOFs are an exciting, and the largest, family of crystalline nanoporous material that is receiving global research attention for numerous uses including commercial and pilot plant applications for the storage of toxic and air polluting gases, carbon capture and dehumidification - water harvesting.[1]
Due to the vast number of MOFs, a recent trend is to modify available MOFs in a designed manner to adapt their properties and enhance their application performance. One suitable modification route is to incorporate fluoride (F-) anions into the inorganic component of the MOF framework. Inclusion of fluoride anions in this framework component can produce MOFs with exceptional selectivity, recyclability and moisture stability for CO2 separations,[2] or change the onset and degree of framework breathing transitions.[3, 4]
This project aims to develop methods to replace specific amounts of hydroxide or oxide anions for fluoride anions in the subset of MOFs that contain hydroxide or oxide anions as part of the zero-, one- or two-dimensional inorganic component of the MOF. This will crucially result in routes to produce MOFs with modified properties and enhanced performance in a designed manner. The project will involve the modified syntheses of MOFs, ex- and in-situ characterisation and testing of a range of properties including thermoresponsive, gas adsorption/ separation and electrical behaviours. The studentship will be based in Manchester but may involve trips to synchrotron sources for data collection.
Overall, this project will provide excellent experience for the prospective student in a diverse range of areas including: materials chemistry, nanoporous materials, materials’ synthesis, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, crystallography, solid state NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, gas adsorption and separation. The programme also incorporates strong career development elements, for example science communication skills developed by presenting research results within the department and at conferences.
For further information contact
Dr Martin Attfield
[Email Address Removed]
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/researchers/martin-attfield(2f4267ce-e587-4c54-b9d7-a857e8f73486).html
Centre for Nanoporous Materials (manchester.ac.uk)
References
[1] J. R. Long, O. M. Yaghi, Chem. Soc. Rev., 38, 1213 (2009).
[2] P. Nugent et al., Nature, 495, 80 (2013).
[3] C. Nanthamathee et al., Chem. Mater., 27, 85 (2015).
[4] A. R. Bonity J. Lutton-Gething et al., Chem. Eur. J., (2023), https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202203773
Admissions Qualifications:
Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Chemistry or a related discipline. Experience of materials chemistry synthesis and characterisation techniques would be advantageous, but not a necessity as full training will be provided.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the lead supervisor for this project before you apply.
How to apply
Complete an online application form using the following web link: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees as well as include your CV and a cover letter.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
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