Molecular Assembly of Two Dimensional Organic – Inorganic Hybrid Functional Materials

The search for novel two-dimensional functional materials has been driven by the discovery of graphene and its extraordinary properties. Many inorganic 2D materials have been isolated by atomic layer exfoliation from the bulk parent materials, surface modification or segregation processes.

In this project, advanced techniques for atomic- and molecular-layer deposition will be used to assemble novel hybrid low - dimensional multilayer materials from organic and inorganic molecular precursors. The mechanisms of layer-by-layer assembly will be probed using ion and laser Raman scattering techniques. The arising functional materials will be optimised and assessed for their water splitting or gas sensing properties. The project provides an opportunity for the PhD student to study at the interface between the Royal Society – Wolfson cleanroom and the Leverhulme Centre for Functional Materials Design. The student will learn advanced methods of designing and synthesising new two dimensional organic – inorganic hybrid materials, in addition to evaluating their use in energy or sensing applications.

This PhD Studentship is part of The Leverhulme Centre for Functional Materials Design at the University of Liverpool. The Centre brings together chemical knowledge with state-of-the-art computer science to develop a new approach to the design of functional materials at the atomic scale. Addressing this core design challenge will help society tackle problems such as carbon emissions and clean energy supply, although the benefits are relevant to any sector that uses materials with atomic or molecular scale function.

Qualifications:
First degree in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Engineering