阿伯丁大学招收农业科学博士
About the Project
A diversity of novel materials is needed for applications such as photovoltaics, batteries, photocatalysts and thermoelectric generators to move to completely non-petrochemical energy generation and storage. Whilst there are some mature technologies already (such as Li-ion batteries and Si solar cells) issues with metal scarcity and processibility, as well as a diversity of chemistry in applications, means that new materials for energy applications are needed. However, finding compositions that lead to a desired structure with desired properties is an unsolved (and perhaps not fully solvable) problem in materials chemistry. New strategies for identifying and synthesizing new materials with desired properties are needed to expand the library of functional materials, not just for energy, but for all materials applications.
We have recently found that layers already present in inorganic materials can be combined, when stabilised by entropy, into a novel superlattice material. The combination of these layers allows for the tuning of the electronic and phonon band structure, and thus a tuning of the physical properties. For example, Bi4O4SeCl2 (a combination of BiOCl and Bi2O2Se type layers) is a 2D material with a band gap suitable for applications in photovoltaics as well as the lowest thermal conductivity reported for a bulk inorganic solid. Bi4O4Cu1.7Se2.7Cl0.3 (a combination of BiOCuSe and Bi2O2Se type layers) has a band gap suitable for thermoelectric energy harvesting (the conversion of heat energy to electrical energy). This new proof of concept provides a framework for the design of novel superlattice materials, with possible applications ranging from photovoltaics, thermoelectrics and nanoelectronics to photocatalysis, battery materials and superconductivity. In this project, the student will develop design principles for determining which layers of different materials can go together, with the scope of also predicting their stability and properties via density functional theory, synthesis of new materials, and assessment of their physical properties and suitability for applications.
The materials will be synthesised via conventional solid state chemistry techniques and analysed by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy and other methods where appropriate. There is also scope to include a computational materials design aspect to the project, if it is in the student’s interest.
Throughout the project, there will be the opportunity to attend conferences and training courses. The project will benefit from interdisciplinary sustainable energy networks at the University of Aberdeen, such as the Centre for Energy Transition and the new Advanced Centre for Energy and Sustainability (ACES). You will also be part of a new team at the University of Aberdeen working on energy materials, involving several new principal investigators and PhD students, working towards Aberdeen’s 2040 goals around energy transition and sustainability. The project will also involve wider collaboration with universities from across Scotland through the ScotCHEM network.
ESSENTIAL BACKGROUND OF STUDENT
Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Chemistry or a cognate discipline.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from International students for this project.
Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry to ensure your application is passed to the correct team.
Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not mention the project title and the supervisor on your application it will not be considered for the studentship.
Please include a cover letter specific to the project you are applying for (max 1 page, addressed to Dr Quinn Gibson), an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, undergraduate and postgraduate educational certificates and full transcripts.
Please include 2 academic references on institutional paper and signed by the referee OR emailed to us directly by the referee from their official email address, including your applicant reference number
Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application
General application enquiries can be made to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk
转自：“学术橙”微信公众号
如有侵权，请联系本站删除！
