PhD in Inorganic Materials Chemistry for applications in energy storage

Golovko Group is looking for prospective students with high GPA (85+ out of 100) interested in applying for the UC PhD Scholarship under supervision of Dr. Golovko.
University of Canterbury is one of the top Universities in NZ; it provides excellent environment for study and research (http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/get-started/why-uc/) with access to many truly scenic places located within just a few hours driving.

Golovko group is focused on precise synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials for applications (energy storage, sensing, catalysis etc.).

Specific focus will be on the Synthesis of Novel Multifunctional Metal Clusters, Complexes and Colloids
The important structural feature of chemical nanoparticle precursors is a preformed metal core of exact (clusters and complexes) or well-defined (colloids) dimensions, allowing control of the resulting nanoparticle size. Such nanoparticle precursors are made in solution, utilizing a wide range of techniques that allow a good degree of control over important features of the product. Deposition of such pre-synthesized nanoparticles onto various solid supports from solution offers immense advantages over alternative methods in producing uniform nanoparticle layers and patterns and also for covering complex 3-D surfaces.

Colloids
Production of highly purified and stable nano-sized metal colloids, such as mixed-metal colloid systems involving a “noble” metal (Pd, Pt, Ru) and another element.
Coinage metal (Cu, Ag and Au) colloids, both pure and mixed-metal ones with good control over particle size.
Semiconductor nanoparticles with control over composition, crystalline phase and size.

Polynuclear Metal Clusters and Complexes
Design and synthesis of polynuclear clusters and complexes with controlled chemical composition and properties of the ligand shell periphery;
Exploration of the effective methodologies for anchoring such clusters and complexes onto various surfaces (supports).

Finally, support-immobilized clusters and colloids will be tested as functional materials in energy storage applications (photo/electro/thermal catalysis etc. etc. etc.)
We have access to a wide range of materials characterization facilities at UC, within NZ and internationally (we frequently use Australian Synchrotron). Our group is privileged to use truly world-class custom designed and built nanomaterials and catalysis laboratory at the Rutherford Regional Science and Innovation Centre: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/capitalworks/current/rsic/

International students holding degrees taught not in English must comply with English language requirements: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/enrol/international/english/#d.en.101610:
IELTS Academic an average score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
TOEFL iBT total minimum score of 90, minimum score of 20 in writing

UC PhD scholarship has two rounds with following closing dates - 15 May or 15 October
Please, contact Dr. Vladimir Golovko by e-mail ([Email Address Removed]) enclosing your detailed CV, translated (English) transcipts with comments on the grading scheme used, copies of IELTS or TOEFL scores (if applicable), copy of your MSc thesis or BSc research project report. Please, provide contact details of three independent referees.
Please, do not waste my time IF your GPA below 85 out of 100.