Molecular simulation studies of separation of chiral molecules in nanoporous materials

Large number of biological molecules and pharmaceutical drug molecules can exist in two forms: either right-handed or left-handed enantiomers, which are the mirror images of each other. The production of single enantiomers is of particular importance to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, because molecules with different chiral forms will have very different toxicological or pharmacologic impact. Recently, novel classes of nanoporous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous organic cages (POCs), hold great potential to separate racemic mixtures. The research of chiral separation employing nanoporous materials is still in its infancy. The potential of nanoporous materials to separate chiral molecules has yet to be fully understood and explored. This project will employ computational approaches to simulate adsorption and diffusion of a wide range of chiral molecules in various nanoporous materials at a molecular level. Compared to laboratory experimental approaches, molecular simulations are more economically viable to screen, characterize and understand nanoporous materials’ chiral separation performance.


For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit:

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/entry-requirements.html

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements:
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics or Physics. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply:
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] (principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Lifeng Ding([Email Address Removed]), whose personal profile is linked below,
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/chemistry/staff/lifeng-ding