The technologically useful electronic properties of many oxide materials are strongly influenced by small changes in their average or local atomic structure. For example, VO2 changes from being a metallic conductor to an insulator on subtle rearrangement of the vanadium atoms, the classic ferrimagnet Fe3O4 shows important changes in its magnetism and conductivity caused by minor structural rearrangements, and compounds derived from BaBiO3 can show superconductivity when their local and average structures are appropriately controlled. In these and related materials the close interplay between electronic, magnetic and structural degrees of freedom gives rise to exciting opportunities to influence properties significantly through relatively small changes in chemistry and structure.
This project will focus on understanding and manipulating the electronic properties of a family of oxide materials where similar phenomena arise. The project will involve the synthesis of new oxide materials using solid state methods, often working under inert or reducing conditions. You will study the average structure of the materials you make using structural methods such as powder or single crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction. You will use total scattering (PDF) methods to understand their local structure. You will also undertake measurements of their physical properties such as electronic conductivity, thermal conductivity and magnetism.
You will work in a dynamic and supportive research environment. The in-depth training you receive across synthetic, structural, and properties-related aspects of the project will give you a broad experience applicable to many areas of materials chemistry. You will have access to a suite of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment in Durham. Some of the experiments planned will be carried out at central facilities such as the UK’s synchrotron and neutron sources, the ESRF or ILL in Grenoble, Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US or the European X-ray Free Electron Laboratory (XFEL) in Germany, giving you experience of collaborative research on the international stage.
The position is suitable for students with a first degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related disciplines.
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