DPhil Studentship in Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis: the synthesis, characterization and properties of colloidal nanocatalysts

Start Date: October 2018

Supervisor: Professor Charlotte Williams
(http://research.chem.ox.ac.uk/charlotte-williams.aspx)

Applications are invited for a fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentship supervised by Prof. Charlotte Williams in Inorganic Chemistry. The project involves the synthesis, characterization and properties of colloidal nanocatalysts. The catalysts are targeted for carbon dioxide photo/electroreduction to form dense energy carriers (e.g. methanol). The catalysts are small, well-defined, colloidal nanoparticles and exfoliated 2-D nanosheets, comprising Zn/Cu/Ni oxides/sulphides and metallic particles. The particles will be prepared using new organometallic routes developed by Williams and Shaffer (see publications). Funding is provided by Shell and supports a large scale, interdisciplinary team of researchers (DPhils and postdoctoral researchers) working in Chemistry (Oxford), Materials (Imperial, Shaffer) and Engineering (Imperial, Kelsall). This studentship will involve training and research in organometallic chemistry, synthesis, inorganic nanomaterials characterization and close collaboration with experts in photo-electrocatalysis and engineering (at Imperial). For recent publications from the Williams/Shaffer team in this area please refer to: Acs Nano, 2017, 11, 2714-2723; Nat. Commun., 2016, 7, 13008. Further publications and information on the broader research group are available on the Williams group website (http://research.chem.ox.ac.uk/charlotte-williams.aspx

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry at first class/upper second level. The University of Oxford provides world-class facilities for research and skills training; the College system in Oxford also ensures that graduate students are immersed in an international and academically broad community outside of their doctoral studies. This studentship will cover College and University fees at Home/EU rate plus provide a maintenance grant at a UK Research Council rate – £14,777 per annum. Candidates can be of any nationality.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Williams with a CV and covering letter/email ([Email Address Removed] ) prior to submitting a formal application (http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate) for a DPhil in Inorganic Chemistry (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/dphil-inorganic-chemistry?wssl=1)

Please quote: CW/Chem/2018 in your application form.

Application deadline: This position will be advertised until filled but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Queries related to application process should be directed to: [Email Address Removed]

The Department of Chemistry is the holder of Athena SWAN Silver Award.