Do you have a knack for organic synthesis? Do you find joy in discovering how molecular structure and shape can influence fundamental properties and supramolecular behaviour — sometimes in unusual and unexpected ways? Are you excited by the thought of designing innovative functional materials with a potential to advance real-world energy technologies? That’s great, so are we!
Our research team is seeking an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate for a 3-year competitively-funded studentship in the area of synthetic electroactive molecular materials. Several project options are available to explore the effect of non-planar π-surfaces, curvature and three-dimensional shape on the properties of organic molecules and materials.
Background
Most organic material designs tend to feature planar π-conjugated frameworks, generally as a consequence of fusing several aromatic rings together — and for good reason. Decades of fundamental and applied research have established that many desirable properties of organic molecules and materials (e.g., bright fluorescence; stable and reversible redox activity; ambient radical stability; fast charge mobility and thin-film conductivities) arise directly as a result of charge delocalisation and electronic coupling across their typically rigid, π-extended networks. The versatility of organic synthesis has allowed researchers to deeply probe the intrinsic molecular structure–property relationships of organic materials, making it possible to custom tailor properties for evermore advanced electronic, sensing and energy technologies. Meanwhile, elegant supramolecular chemistries offer additional routes to dynamically control properties, thereby opening new opportunities to develop ‘smart’ or environmentally responsive materials based on aromatic assembly.
Yet despite this progress, questions do remain: In our pursuit for more advanced organic materials, are we confined to a so-called structural ‘Flatland’? What emergent phenomena might we discovered if traditionally flat π-conjugated surfaces are distorted intentionally out of planarity? How might through-space conjugation between three-dimensionally arranged π-surfaces affect the charge delocalisation and electronic coupling within molecules and their assembled materials?
The Studentship
The Student will embark on exploratory, hypothesis-driven research to design, synthesise and study new classes of organic compounds featuring twisted, non-planar π-surfaces (helicenes, warped nanographenes) and/or 3D shape-persistent porous frameworks (organic cages and macrocycles). As a member of the Molecular Materials Research Grouping at York, the student will receive interdisciplinary training in multi-step organic synthesis, X-ray crystallography, supramolecular assembly and cutting-edge spectroscopic, electrochemical and electron microscopy techniques to fully investigate the consequences of molecular structure on fundamental and material properties. They will also make use of density functional theory calculations to understand experimental results and predict electronic properties, i.e., in order to rationally design and tailor new organic materials.
As materials with desirable properties are realised, the Student will have ample opportunities to pursue organic electronic and energy storage device studies, gaining experience either within the Avestro Group (organic batteries, thin-film transistors) or by engaging with our collaborators based at Durham University, Northumbria University and/or Imperial College London (conductive liquid crystals, organic light-emitting diodes, chiroptical transistors).
Research Culture
The Avestro Group is international and culturally diverse, representing different backgrounds, experiences and personalities that help to nurture excellent science in a social and inclusive environment. Our team strives to promote open communication and a “grow together” policy. Individual wellbeing and work–life balance matters. Quality always trumps quantity. Transparency builds trust. “Stupid questions” are great questions. Small successes are still celebrated where “your success is everyone’s success.” All researchers exercise an equal active role in steering the direction of group research. Collaboration between group members is strongly encouraged, and we hope the Student will take advantage when opportunities present themselves.
Training
All Chemistry research students have access to our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/idtc/
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/.
For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email the supervisor. For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution
This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2021. Induction activities will start on 27 September.
To apply for this project, submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
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