Design and Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Quantum Materials Applications

Technologies that exploit the quantum properties of matter are expected to continue to revolutionise life in the 21st Century. Against this backdrop, much recent attention has been dedicated to the concept of topological quantum phases, which could bring about life-changing advances from smaller, more powerful computers to more secure, reliable communication pathways [1].

The purpose of this PhD Studentship is to discover and develop new magnetic metal-organic frameworks for the realisation of the so-called Kitaev quantum spin liquid, an example of a topological quantum phase [2]. The Kitaev quantum spin liquid is a unique state of matter with several unusual behaviours particularly pertinent to quantum computing [3]. However, it can only be realised if the atomic and electronic structure of a material fulfils very particular criteria: we aim to satisfy these by combining 4d and 5d transition metal ions with large organic molecules to link them into honeycomb networks. Neutron scattering experiments provide an unparalleled means to observe and understand the unusual properties of topological quantum phases, and will, therefore, form a vital part of this PhD Studentship.

This 4-year fully funded PhD Studentship is co-sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the University of Liverpool. Initially, the successful candidate will work within the Department of Chemistry and the Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool to develop synthesis and crystal growth strategies for promising Kitaev materials. These will primarily involve hydrothermal and solution chemistry. The successful candidate will subsequently work within the ISIS Deuteration Facility of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire to scale up the crystal growth methods established in Liverpool, and to perform neutron diffraction and spectroscopy experiments on both powders and single crystal samples. An essential outcome of the PhD Studentship will be the development of a new crystal growth facility at ISIS, dedicated to the preparation of samples in a form suitable for neutron scattering measurements.

Typical day-to-day tasks throughout the Studentship will include:

• Hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis of 4d and 5d transition metal-organic framework compounds
• Structural and chemical characterisation of samples via single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis
• Magnetic susceptibility data collection and analysis
• Assisting with neutron scattering measurements and data analysis
• Independent study
• Supporting and working with other research group members

The Studentship includes a commitment to work up to 40 hours per academic year to help with teaching-related activities in modules currently taught in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool.

The successful candidate must:
• Hold a degree (First or Upper Second or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials, or Related Science by 1st August 2018.
• Have excellent English written and oral communication skills.
Previous experience in materials synthesis and characterisation, particularly diffraction or magnetometry, is highly desirable.


Supporting Information:
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool (www.liverpool.ac.uk/chemistry/) is a world-leading centre for advanced materials research, ranked 1st for outputs and 3rd for impact in REF2014. Advanced materials research is further enhanced by the recently opened Materials Innovation Factory (www.liverpool.ac.uk/materials-innovation-factory/) – a £68 M project part-funded by HEFCE and Unilever that co-locates academic materials research with partners in industry. The Clark Group at the University of Liverpool (www.clarkgroupliverpool.com) focuses on the discovery and characterisation of a range of quantum materials with access to a variety of cutting-edge equipment for materials synthesis and characterisation.

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (www.isis.stfc.ac.uk) is a world-leading research centre based at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. ISIS produces beams of neutrons and muons to study matter at the atomic level and supports a national and international community of over 3000 scientists.