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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

Designing molecular entropic materials: from energy harvesting to green refrigeration

Research Group: Center for Condensed Matter Physics
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 3 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

PhD Research Studentship Details

  • Available to Home and international applicants.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2023.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set for 2022/23 as £19,688).
  • International students note that this studentship only covers home tuition fees and students will need to cover the difference in fees between the home and overseas basic rate from external sources. 

 

Project Description

Crystal engineering is the science of designing molecules that will pack together in predetermined ways to make new functional materials. Traditionally, this has focused on producing a perfectly ordered crystal structure. However, I have recently pioneered a new approach aiming instead for structural disorder. This opens new frontiers in many important material properties, including di-, ferro-, and piezoelectricity (which find applications in microsensors and energy harvesters); caloric effects (for environmentally friendly heat storage and transport); and stabilisation of photovoltaics.

The aim of this project is to use entropy-targeted crystal engineering to understand the link between materials’ molecular and crystal structures and their electrical and caloric functionality, and thus to develop new molecular materials with commercially relevant properties. We aim to tune these materials for factors such as recyclability, toxicity and cost as well as the functionality itself.

Both chemistry and physics graduates are encouraged to apply. This project will give you training in materials synthesis and characterisation by both laboratory and central-facility methods: an excellent foundation to an academic or industrial career in materials chemistry or physics.

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Anthony Phillips (a.e.phillips@qmul.ac.uk).

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the PhD Physics programme (Full Time) please visit:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/physics.html

Deadline for application - 31st of January 2023

Requirements

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).

SPCS Academics: Dr Anthony Phillips