High Entropy Sulfide Quantum Dots

Metal oxides, sulphides, selenides and tellurides have routinely been investigated and utilised for a wide range of applications, in particular in the areas of energy (photovoltaic, thermoelectric) and catalysis (thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis). A recent development in this area is “high entropy” (HE) materials which typically have many (often ≥4) different cations or anions to yield a high configurational entropy, which can give unexpected structures and properties that are conducive to a broad range of applications in energy and catalysis. More recently still, HE metal chalcogenides have been developed and have been investigated for thermoelectric energy generation, batteries for energy storage and electrocatalysis. An important new development in this area has been the recent demonstration by us of the synthesis of HE quantum dots.

In this project we will (i) expand the families of quantum dots available, measuring their structural and photo-physical properties as a function of elemental make-up and size and (ii) explore the idea of new core-shell materials where technologically important quantum dot materials (e.g. CdS, CdSe, CdTe) are synthesized with a high entropy shell to confer improved surface stability to the materials resulting in improvement in properties e.g. photoluminescence quantum yield and lifetime, and robustness/stability as well as exploring opportunities for multiple exciton generation. The PSI facilities will be used for photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, PL quantum yield and PL transient measurements, and steady-state and transient absorption spectroscopy.

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).