Prof Matthew Costen
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Gas-Liquid interfaces are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, in combustion systems, and in technological processes. However, relatively little is known about gas-liquid interactions at a molecular level, particularly in comparison to pure gas-phase interactions or those at gas-solid interfaces. By scattering gas-phase species in a controlled fashion from a liquid surface and probing the products with high-resolution spectroscopy, we can both develop our understanding of inelastic and reactive processes at the surface, and probe the chemical structure of the surface. You will develop and apply novel laser-based spectroscopic probe techniques to detect new gas-phase species involved in gas-liquid collisions, measuring the internal state and correlated translational energy distributions of the scattered products. In collaboration with theory, these measurements will provide new and unprecedented insight into the structure of liquid surfaces and of molecular interactions at the gas-liquid interface.
You will receive an excellent training in modern aspects of experimental science, including: laser spectroscopy; high vacuum technology; electronic data capture; computer modelling. You will be part of a vibrant chemical dynamics research group of academics, post-docs, and PhD students. See our group website at www.dynamics.eps.hw.ac.uk
The Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) is an excellent environment for PhD research, with a thriving community of academics, post-doctoral and PhD researchers spread across three sections: Molecular Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Dynamics and Structure. ICS also has many links to the other research institutes within the overall umbrella of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, providing a strong interdisciplinary theme to our research. Heriot-Watt University occupies an attractive campus site on the outskirts of Edinburgh, with excellent public transport links to the centre of one of the Europe’s most exciting cities.
Funding Notes
You should have, or expect to receive, a First class or 2:1 MChem degree in Chemistry, or equivalent in a relevant related subject. This project is funded by an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), providing tuition fees and a stipend (approx. £14,500) for 3.5 years, and is only available to UK & EU nationals resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
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