PhD in Chemistry: Designing novel gold and platinum catalysts: EPSRC funded

Designing novel gold and platinum catalysts

The scientific challenge in this project relates to finding innovative ways to make new gold catalysts. Previous studies have demonstrated that incorporation of simple organic N ligands with cationic Au(3+) centres provides a readily accessible method to prepare catalysts that have exceptionally high initial activity for acetylene hydrochlorination, however, these catalysts degrade by ligand loss upon use.

This project will improve the long term stability of such Au(3+) complexes by incorporating bi and multidentate N and S containing ligands in their formulation to retard their degradation.

As Au(3+) is isoelectronic and isostructural with analogous square planar Pt(2+) complexes, comparisons on the role and oxidation state of the metal centre in the functioning and stabilisation of these and their bimetallic Pt-Au analogues will be made.       

The student will benefit from access to world leading research facilities for materials preparation, characterisation and evaluation at the CCI, Johnson Matthey and the UK Catalysis Hub. The student will spend extended research periods at Johnson Matthey and with our collaborative partners in the Max Planck Centre FUNCAT. The student will get experience of testing catalysts for industrially important reactions and gain unique expertise that will empower them to follow any career path in chemical science/science.

Academic criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent). 

We also welcome applications for both full and part-time study and from candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

English Language

If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here English language requirements for postgraduate students - Study - Cardiff University

Supervisors

Professor Graham Hutchings - People - Cardiff University

Professor Stuart Taylor - People - Cardiff University

Dr Samuel Pattisson - People - Cardiff University

Deadline for applications - Wednesday 12th March 2025

Start date - 1st October 2025

How to apply

Complete the standard online Cardiff University PhD application form, noting the additional requirements listed below.

Chemistry - Study - Cardiff University

In addition to the standard application form, applicants should also:

Attach a CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindaPhD.com website How to Write an Effective PhD CV

Ensure your personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer) provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:

1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition?

2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)

3. Why do you think this project is important?

Interviews Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the interview date that is expected to take place within a week after Wednesday 9th April.

As part of the interview process, the candidates who have been shortlisted will be required to deliver a brief (approximately 5 minutes) presentation based on a recent research project.

Adjustments for interviews will be made to ensure equality for the candidates, e.g., questions in advance for individuals with neurodiversity; flexible interview timings and locations for individuals with caring responsibilities, socioeconomic status, etc.; extra time if necessary for individuals with disabilities.

If you wish to ask any informal questions about the application and interview process, including any specific requirements you may have, please contact our PGR office on [Email Address Removed] Any questions or requests you have will in no way effect your application. 

We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds, such as women, ethnic minorities, or people with disabilities. Cardiff University is committed to support students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Where needed, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests, to enable greater access to a PhD.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation