PhD Chemistry: The Controlled Synthesis of Uranium Materials for Application in Energy Science

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship in the area of synthetic f-element chemistry under the supervision of Dr Joy H. Farnaby at the University of Glasgow with an expected start-date of October 1st 2017. Candidates should hold or be about to receive a 1st or 2.1 chemistry degree or equivalent. Previous experience of air-sensitive chemistry is advantageous but not essential. Researchers will be expected to be creative and motivated experimentalists with excellent communication and organizational skills.

This PhD project will develop the chemistry of functional materials containing depleted uranium (DU) for application in low-carbon energy technologies e.g. semiconductors for solar cells and magnets for electric motors. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) techniques from organometallic precursors have been very successful in lanthanide materials science. In contrast, to-date there are only 2 examples of CVD of DU compounds. You will be trained in inert-atmosphere organometallic synthesis to prepare and develop precursors with physico-chemical properties for surface deposition. Systematic ligand modification and structural characterisation of both precursor and material will then be undertaken to transform the unique molecular properties into high-functioning materials. Novel methodologies will be employed, either to form the materials themselves or to modify the composition to achieve the desired properties. The study of molecule to material will provide you with an excellent and wide-ranging skill-set in both inorganic spectroscopic and materials science techniques. As this project is on the interface between chemistry and other physical sciences, there will be opportunity for collaboration and participation in experiments that span disciplines both in the UK and abroad.

Prospective candidates should contact Dr Farnaby [Email Address Removed] by email with a CV and cover letter.