Postgraduate Scholarship in Chemistry or Physics for study of X-ray Techniques to Characterise Energy Materials

A funded PhD position is available in the field of X-ray Techniques to Characterise Energy Materials. This is an active interdisciplinary research area involving chemists and physicists, with a major current goal being the development of materials to improve energy technologies.

The aim of the project is a structure-properties study of materials for a variety of energy applications by using advanced characterisation techniques based on X-rays. Examples of such materials are nanoparticles used in hydrogen fuel technology, electrode materials used in batteries, and glass-ceramics used for nuclear waste containment. You will gain a deep knowledge of energy materials, and the use of characterisation techniques with the aim of designing materials with optimised properties. You will receive full training in the theory, experimental method and data analysis of powder X-ray diffraction, and of X-ray absorption spectroscopy, i.e. EXAFS and XANES. The latter techniques are ideally suited to probe the local atomic environment of transition metals, and involve using the UK Diamond Light Source X-ray synchrotron Laboratory. The project will also provide opportunities to experience a range of ancillary characterisation methods, and will involve collaboration with other UK research groups having expertise in synthesis and property evaluation. Hence, you will experience working within a network of world-leading scientists.

The successful candidate will carry out research at the University of Kent’s main campus in Canterbury, in the School of Physical Sciences, as a member of the Materials for Energy and Electronics (MEE) Research Group, and will be co-supervised by Prof. Anna Corrias and Dr. Gavin Mountjoy.

Webpage(s): https://www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/people/362/www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/people/362/corrias-anna; https://www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/people/363/www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences/people/363/mountjoy-gavin; https://research.kent.ac.uk/mee/

Entry requirements and Funding: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, or a related subject.

How to Apply: : To apply please go to [https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/18/chemistry] for PhD in Chemistry or [https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/212/physics] for PhD in Physics.
You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (Curriculum Vitae, transcript of results, two academic references).