Modelling the swelling of graphene-oxide membranes

Graphene-oxide membranes (GOM) are promising materials for contemporary separation challenges, including desalination, due to the nanoscale size of its pore structure. Preventing deformations of such pore structure is therefore paramount. However, GOM swell in solution and a robust model to predict their swelling mechanism is currently out of reach of both experiments and existing computational tools, drastically limiting the membrane’s effectiveness and hampering their rational design. This project aims at investigating the relationship between the GOM chemistry and its swelling properties using a combination of gran-canonical montecarlo, molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the experimental groups in UoM working with GOM.

Application information: Information about the application process and a link to the online application form can be found at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/. Take note of the application checklist and provide the requested documents. When completing the application include the name of the lead supervisor as the potential supervisor.

The ideal candidate holds a first class or high 2.1 honours degree in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or material science. Basic knowledge on programming is desirable but not necessary.

Enquiries about this PhD can be sent to Prof Carbone (paola.carbone@manchester.ac.uk) along with your CV. For more information about Carbone’s group, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/carbonesgroup. The Admissions team can be contacted at pgr-ceas@manchester.ac.uk with any queries you may have regarding the application process.

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).

All appointments are made on merit.

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