Applications are invited for competition EPSRC funded DTA studentships within the School of Chemistry and Forensic Science. There are three current projects associated with the the MEE Group.
Applications are invited for competition EPSRC funded DTA studentships within the School of Chemistry and Forensic Science. Current projects associated with the Materials for Energy and Electronics research group include:
Mechanochemical manipulation of lunar and Martian soil analogue materials
Dr Jon Tandy
This project will use a variety of mechanochemistry techniques to study the chemical and physical changes induced by energetic processing events (like saltation) on materials that simulate lunar and Martian soils (or regolith). The incorporation of naturally occurring ices (water and CO2) and organic dopants (e.g. dichloromethane and thiophenes found by the Curiosity Rover) will also be investigated. The project will evaluate differences between naturally and synthetically sourced simulants and the effect of environmental conditions (e.g. thermal cycles) on these altered materials. A suite of analytical techniques including SEM-EDS, XRD and Raman spectroscopy will be utilised to comprehensively examine the induced chemistry and will provide important comparative data to measurements made by instrumentation onboard Martian rovers and multiple upcoming sample recovery missions to the Moon.
Understanding structure-property correlations in multiferroic oxides
Dr Donna Arnold
Functional oxide materials remain at the heart of our society playing key roles in renewables, medicine and electronics. The continued drive towards carbon neutral and sustainability means we require new materials with low cost and high-energy efficiency to support next generation applications. Multiferroics couple magnetic and electronic properties into a single-phase providing low energy consuming alternatives to current devices for example memory. Furthermore, control of the electronic behaviour can also provide functional materials capable of application in energy storage. This project builds on work conducted in the Arnold group looking to understand structure-property correlations in complex oxide materials with the aim of designing novel functional materials suitable for low energy applications.
High pressure physics of conductivity to advance energy materials
Dr Emma Pugh and Dr Gavin Mountjoy
The motivation for this PhD project in condensed matter physics is to exploit high pressures as a means to modify conductivity in energy materials. Such materials, like battery cathodes, are essential for the ongoing transition to a carbon net-zero energy economy. The PhD project will involve using high pressure apparatus in the Physics of Quantum Materials (PQM) research group, which has a unique configuration of diamond anvil cells, laser, and optical spectrometer. Conductivity will be studied via resistivity measurements at ambient temperature for pressures up to 10 GPa (100,000 atmospheres). Computational modelling will be done using the School’s Tor computing cluster to simulate compression of the lattice structure under high pressure. It will be invaluable to compare with and undertake neutron and x-ray scattering studies at the national x-ray synchrotron and neutron source laboratories (Diamond and Rutherford Appleton) or overseas centres. The observed changes to conductivity can be used to understand how to optimise the lattice for conductivity in future energy applications. The PhD project will provide the student with training and expertise in the above range of experimental and computer modelling techniques in condensed matter physics, and knowledge within the field of energy materials. The student will work within the PQM group and will also be an associate member of the Materials for Energy and Electronics group. The student will be supported by the SouthEast Physics Network (SEPNet).
Application Information
Criteria
Open to Home and Overseas (including EU) students. If you are applying as an overseas student (this includes EU nationals), Kent will waive the difference between the Home and Overseas fees. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding research potential. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.
How to apply
When applying students should follow the University of Kent’s online application process. As part of the process, students should include the following:
- Explain reasons for study/outline research proposal (please speak with the academic leading the project you wish to apply for)
- Provide details/evidence of qualifications
- Provide two academic references
- Provide other personal information and supporting documentation.
Deadline
Apply for a PhD place at Kent by Sunday 5th March 2023, 23:59 GMT
Further information
For further information about this PhD project or how to apply, please contact studypgnats@kent.ac.uk.