About the Project
Despite the large variety of electronic devices based on liquid crystals (LCs) available, our society inexorably demands new attributes for the displays. Properties commonly requested are: faster, better, brighter, better colour, lighter, flexible, cheaper, environmentally friendly, and quite often, several of these improvements need to implemented at the same time. Therefore, apart from the exploration of new device modes, the search of new LC materials that show enhanced performance is critical to achieve these developments. One of the most widely found device is the (chiral) nematic display. In the chiral nematic phase, N*, the mesogens are aligned locally in a preferred orientation (the director) but the director describes a helical change over longer length scales, resulting in a helical assembly which shows a characteristic pitch, producing striking iridescence when the helical pitch is of the order of the visible light range.
The dispersion of nanoparticles in liquid crystal hosts has shown to be an excellent avenue to discover new materials with improved properties. In this project we will investigate liquid crystal-nanoparticle dispersions to produce liquid crystal nano-composites that show, among others, chiral nematic behaviour. Once we have synthesised these materials, we will use a variety of structural techniques to characterise the composites, such as SEM, TEM, small-angle X-Ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, polarised optical microscopy, DSC and confocal fluorescence microscopy, together with surface characterisation techniques, to gain an understanding of the nanoscale organisation. Ultimately, their applications as sensors and selective reaction media will be explored.
All research students follow our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills. All research students take the core training package which provides both a grounding in the skills required for their research, and transferable skills to enhance employability opportunities following graduation. Core training is progressive and takes place at appropriate points throughout a student’s higher degree programme, with the majority of training taking place in Year 1.In conjunction with the Core training, students, in consultation with their supervisor(s), select training related to the area of their research.
The graduate student working in this project will acquire very broad multidisciplinary skills combining organic synthesis, nanochemistry, macromolecular chemistry, physical and structural characterisation, LC behaviour and sensor applications. Collaboration with departmental colleagues and international collaborators is expected throughout the project. The student will be able to present and discuss the work at departmental events such as group meetings, poster sessions and seminars, and will be able to attend national and international conferences to present the work carried out and to network with researchers in related areas.
Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of York on either the 13 or 15 February 2018. Candidates will be asked to give a short presentation prior to their interview by an academic panel.
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. This PhD project is available to study full-time or part-time (50%).
Funding Notes
Studentships are fully funded either by the EPSRC or a Department of Chemistry Teaching Studentship, and cover: (i) a tax-free annual stipend at the standard Research Council rate (£14,553 for 2017-18), (ii) tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. EPSRC studentships are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements. Students from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award. Chemistry Teaching Studentships are available to any student who is eligible to pay tuition fees at the home rate.