Complex metallic alloys are materials with large unit cells containing up to thousands of atoms and their atomic structure can be characterized by clusters of atoms. CMA include materials with intriguing geometrical structure such as quasicrystals – which possess aperiodic long-range order and often associated with crystallographically forbidden rotational symmetries such as 5-fold and 10-fold. We have recently showed that CMA provide an interesting playground for search for interesting overlayer structures such as quasicrystalline structure of single element and molecules.
The project deals with the atomic scale characterization of growth of thin films on surfaces of new complex metallic alloys using surface science techniques such as Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM), Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). The objective is to understand atomic and electronic properties that are interested for technological applications such as catalysts, corrosion resistance and thin film growths.
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 Prof Ronan McGrath. 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 2021.
For any enquiries please contact: Dr Hem Raj Sharma ([Email Address Removed]) and Prof Ronan McGrath ([Email Address Removed])
To apply for this opportunity, please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ and click the 'Apply online' button. Please quote references PPPR009 in the funding section of the online application form.
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