PhD studentship: Designing Magnetic Metal–Organic Frameworks

University of Nottingham – School of Chemistry

Supervised by Dr Matthew Cliffe

Project overview
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), materials formed from metal clusters linked by organic ligands, have a remarkable set of properties, from record breaking internal surface areas to unmatched mechanical flexibility. Recent work has demonstrated that by careful ligand design it is possible to synthesise MOFs with magnetic order and electronic conductivity at dramatically higher levels than previously possible. These magnetic MOFs have the potential to combine the flexibility and porosity with the technologically and fundamentally important magnetic phases found in inorganic materials, e.g. superconductivity, topological insulators. These exciting new materials are still being understood, and many fundamental chemical and physical questions about the properties of these materials remain unanswered.

This purpose of this PhD studentship is to develop and understand the physical properties of new families of MOF-based magnets. During this PhD project you will be trained in the synthesis, structural and magnetic characterisation of metal-organic frameworks in the research group of Dr Matthew Cliffe (http://cliffe.nottingham.ac.uk). You will become expert not only in the synthesis of MOFs but in the key analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, magnetic property measurements and neutron scattering. This project lies at the intersection of coordination chemistry, solid state chemistry and condensed matter physics and therefore will have a strong collaborative component.

Entry Requirements
Starting September 2019, and the candidate will hold (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem or equivalent. Experience of inorganic materials synthesis, characterisation (especially, crystallography and magnetometry) and programming is highly desirable.

To apply visit:
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/apply/apply-online.aspx

For informal enquiries please email Dr Matthew Cliffe ([Email Address Removed])

Closing Date 19th December 2018.