Project Description
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of microporous crystalline materials made of organic ligands linked to metal nodes, self-assembled to form infinite frameworks with nanoscale pore and channels.
These pores and channels are on the same size scale as many small molecules critical to life on earth. As such, MOFs have found applications in gas storage, gas separations, catalysis and drug delivery.
Photoactive MOFs are a relatively new subfield; photoresponsivity can be achieved by inclusion of a photoactive guest, by post-synthetic modification of an existing framework or by designing framework linkers that are intrinsically photoactive.
Project aims and methods
This project will exploit new photoresponsive MOFs that we make and use in our research group to control the flow of small gases of medical and industrial interest into, out of, and within single crystals using photoirradiation. We also have extensive experience of using infrared and Raman microspectroscopy to give information on the dynamic behaviour of guests within MOF single crystals.
The combination of novel photoresponsive materials with such advanced spectroscopic techniques is the next step to make, that will elucidate the nanofluidic motion of molecules in these controlled nanospaces.
This project offers you the opportunity to work on all aspects of the research, from making materials through to the advanced characterisation techniques that are required to understand and control their application.
Academic criteria
You should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.
Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have a master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply.
Supervisor: Dr Tim Easun
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/69904-easun-tim Start date: 1st April 2019
Funding Notes
Tuition fee support - Full UK/EU tuition fees
Maintenance stipend - Doctoral stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum
Additional funding offered
Additional funding is available over the course of the programme and will cover costs such as research consumables, training, conferences and travel.
Residency - UK Research Council eligibility conditions apply. For more details view our website View Website
