Are you interested in research to develop materials for energy or electronic applications to help challenges vital to developing countries? The University of Kent is offering up to 10 PhD scholarships for students who wish to work on projects related to global challenges, and we are delighted to support applicants who would like to carry out all or part of their research in the Materials for Energy and Electronic group.
Application Deadline 18th January
Projects are student led but we are very happy to advise and support you in the preparation and writing of a proposal that aligns with our areas of research, where you can take advanatage of our excellent research equipment and well developed supervisory expertise. Potential areas of research are listed below, if you would like to discuss a project proposal in one of these areas please contact the supervisor listed. These are not exhaustive and we are happy to hear from you if regarding a project outside this area provided they relate to our areas of expertise. If you are unsure who to contact in the first instance please email our Group leader, Dr Paul Saines. For more general information on the scholarship scheme see the GCDC web-pages.
Please contact us directly before applying.
Functional Oxide Materials to Address Global Challenges
Dr Donna Arnold
Our group are interested in how functional oxide materials exhibiting interesting magnetic and/or electronic properties can be utilised to address global challenges. For example, how can we utilise the functionality of these materials to for energy or environmental concerns or in water purification.
Novel titania-based aerogels for treatment of polluted water in developing countries
Dr Gavin Mountjoy and Professor Anna Corrias
This Chemistry PhD project will involve: (i) design and synthesis of new titania-based aerogels; (ii) structural characterisation using x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy; (iii) measurement of photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of pollutants in water.
Novel materials for clean energy generation in remote locations
Dr Paul Saines
Our group is interested in the development of new energy materials based on coordination polymers for green energy applications. This includes generating and storing electricity in remote and developing locations where grid infrastructure is not available. Projects available include developing materials for use in anodes in batteries and electrolytes for affordable fuel cells.