New Chemical Approaches for Quantum Materials Discovery

The Departments of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Liverpool seek motivated and enthusiastic applicants for a 42-month PhD studentship to begin in October 2017. This postgraduate PhD project will form an important part of the research activity within the Materials Innovation Factory and will be supervised by Dr Lucy Clark.

Quantum materials provide us with a rich playground in which to explore novel states of matter and their emergent phenomena. Our understanding of the electronic and magnetic properties of materials has had an enormous impact on modern-day life. The research of quantum materials with increasingly exotic behaviours will lead to the development of smarter and more advanced technologies for the future. [1].

The aim of this PhD studentship is to discover and explore quantum magnetic states of matter in a class of materials known as metal-organic framework (MOF) solids. A particular focus of the project will be the design and synthesis of MOF architectures composed of frustrated quantum magnetic layers, such as kagome networks formed from corner-sharing triangles of magnetic ions [2]. These materials will be prime candidates to host elusive quantum spin liquid phases – quantum disordered states of matter that challenge our conventional understanding of magnetism in materials [3]. By seeking to engineer such quantum states of matter in MOF solids, which are widely appreciated for their chemically versatile nature [4], this project will open up an exciting new route towards the discovery of dynamically responsive, multifunctional quantum materials.

This studentship will deliver a wealth of training opportunities in a variety of techniques including materials synthesis, X-ray crystallography, thermomagnetic measurements, neutron scattering and muon spectroscopy. As such, this project will provide the successful candidate with the chance to work within leading central facilities for neutron and muon science in the UK, Europe and North America, allowing them to engage with a wider scientific community and to develop international collaborations. The successful candidate will also be strongly encouraged to develop their scientific writing and communication skills.

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates from the UK and EU who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline.

Applications should be made as soon as possible.