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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. Chemistry
  3. PhD/Research
  4. PhD Projects
  5. Photocatalysis with Soft Semiconductors

Photocatalysis with Soft Semiconductors

Research Group: Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 Years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

  • Available to Chinese applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2024.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

Organic and perovskite semiconductors have been used as photocatalysts for hydrogen reduction and organic synthesis.[1,2] These are soft semiconductors with unique optical and electronic properties demonstrated in photovoltaic applications. The PhD student will develop photocatalytic reactors and investigate their function for photocatalysis using a variety of in-situ optical and laser spectroscopy techniques to develop high performance reactors and catalysts.

The PhD applicant will join the Dimitrov lab which is a vibrant research group with strong laser spectroscopy and materials development expertise, based at the Department of Chemistry. The project will include materials development, device fabrication and characterisation using spectroscopy techniques like our unique in-situ fluorescence set-up. The student will have the chance to travel to UK national and international conferences.

QMUL is a Russell group university and leading research institution internationally with world class facilities. The PhD student will become part of our Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.

[1] M. Sachs, R. S. Sprick, D. Pearce, S. A. J. Hillman, A. Monti, A. . Y. Guilbert, Ni. J. Brownbill, S. Dimitrov, X. Shi, F. Blanc, M. A. Zwijnenburg, J. Nelson, J. R. Durrant & A. I. Cooper

Nature Communications, 9, 4968 (2018)

[2] X. Zhu, Y. Lin, J. San Martin, Y. Sun, D. Zhu & Y. Yan, Nature Communications 10, 2843 (2019)

Requirements

Applications to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) are invited from candidates with or expecting to receive the equivalent of a first or upper-second class Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials, Chemical Engineering, or an area relevant to the project. They should have experience or interest in photocatalysis, perovskite or organic semiconductors, or characterisation with optical and laser spectroscopy techniques. We are inclusive, supporting talented students regardless of their background.

Application Method:

To enquire about this studentship, directly contact Dr Dimitrov with your CV, cover letter and English IELTS.  To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 31st of January 2024

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Stoichko Dimitrov

E-mail: s.dimitrov@qmul.ac.uk

https://www.dimitrovlab.co.uk/

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • 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) at the time of application to the CSC.

SPCS Academics: Dr Stoichko Dimitrov

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