Surface Properties of High Entropy Alloys

The discovery of high entropy alloys (HEA) has attracted much attention in the field of condensed matter physics and material engineering [1]. HEA are alloys formed by at least five elements randomly distributed on crystal lattice sites. They exhibit unexpected properties opening new areas of research in fundamental science and technological applications. Many of the potential applications of HEA such as catalysts and coating materials in transport and aerospace industries are related to surface phenomena. Therefore, an atomic scale understanding of HEA surfaces and interfaces would be vital to optimising these properties. This project deals with characterisation of surface atomic and electronic properties and oxidation behaviour of HEA using ultra-high vacuum-based experimental techniques including X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM), and Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED).  

The candidate should have or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Physics or Chemistry or Material Engineering. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Hem Raj Sharma and Dr Sam Coates. The experimental work will be carried out in the Department of Physics of the University of Liverpool. However, the candidate will be provided the opportunity to perform experiments in the laboratories of our overseas collaborators including member institutes of the European Integrated Centre for the Development of New Metallic Alloys and Compounds (C-MAC) and/or at large-scale facilities such as ESRF or Diamond. The successful candidate is expected to commence work from October 2023. 

Please ensure you quote the following reference on your application: PPPR036 - Surface Properties of High Entropy Alloys.