NMR-driven design of ion transporting materials (Reference: Blanc LRC115)

This PhD position will explore new inorganic ceramics that are designed to display fast ionic transport properties directed towards energy applications. The targeted materials will be guided by computational materials design and have anticipated three dimensional diffusion pathways, initially based on existing interstitial ions or vacancy doping in promising oxides-based conductors, aiming at focusing on structure-property function relationships. To deliver this vision, the main focus of the work will be to harness the capabilities of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understand atomic scale diffusion processes by probing dynamics over a wide range of timescales (ie from nanoseconds to seconds) and with various approaches (eg variable temperature, exchange, correlation times) in a semi-automatic way, informing the macroscopic diffusion properties and realizing materials design of fast ionic conductors. The distinct and complementary expertise of both research groups to attack a number of challenging critical issues in this field has been evidenced by excellent research outputs, including a recent example of perovskite-based Li ion conductors. Using this studentship, we will build upon our initial findings and developing collaboration to expand beyond pure ionic conductors by also targeting mixed ionic and electronic conducting materials.

The project involves solid-state NMR spectroscopy, computational modelling, diffraction and fast ion conductors synthesis. This studentship will allow a highly motivated candidate to participate in the development of fast ion transporting materials, collaborate with other members of the two research groups and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, and have a unique research profile across materials chemistry and NMR spectroscopy. The successful candidate will (1) have access to laboratory space needed for any synthesis activity and measurements, (2) be able to perform experiments in state-of-the-art facilities (eg Liverpool unique solid-state NMR infrastructure in high resolution high temperature data collection) and develop automated approaches, (3) have a wide range of opportunities to travel and access world-leading large scale research facilities (eg ultra-high field and ultra-high temperature NMR instrumentation elsewhere in the UK and overseas) and (4) be able to expand his/her research vision and interest by attending international conferences.

Qualifications: The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated, curious, have competent English communication skills, computer skills and be able to work both as part of a team and independently. Project experience in synthetic inorganic chemistry and/or NMR spectroscopy would be an advantage, but is not a prerequisite.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will start in September 2018.

Applications should include a cover letter including the applicant motivation in this PhD studentship and a statement on teaching interests and commitment, a full CV, and the contact details of two academic referees and should be sent by email to Dr. Frédéric Blanc ([Email Address Removed]) before 1st March 2018 indicating “NMR PhD studentship - LRC” in the subject line.