PhD studentship: Metal atoms on carbon surfaces for photocatalytic hydrogen generation (SCI1900)

Supervised by Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes

Project overview

The aim of this project is to develop a new approach to the dispersion and stabilisation of single metal atoms (SMAs) and nanoclusters (MNCs) on carbon surfaces (i.e. g-C3N4) for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This is highly desirable because it combines the best features of homogeneous (activity, selectivity) and heterogeneous (recyclability, scalability) catalysis. At the core of the project is magnetron sputtering, a unique preparative tool for SMAs and MNCs of a desired size and composition. In combination with surface design and engineering, magnetron sputtering will harness the full potential of metals at the atomic level for materials for clean sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen production, within this research project. The new chemistry and physics that emerges in metals at the atomic scale may unlock the next generation for photocatalytic hydrogen production. 

This purpose of this PhD studentship is to develop and understand the physical properties of metal atoms interacting with carbon based surfaces. During this PhD project you will be trained in the solid state and inorganic syntheses, extensive spectroscopy and microscopy characterisation techniques; and photochemistry in the research group of Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/people/jesum.alvesfernandes). You will become expert not only in the synthesis of carbon materials and deposition of metal atoms but also in the key analytical techniques, including microscopy (SEM and TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photo-catalysis. This project lies at the intersection of solid state chemistry and condensed matter physics and therefore will have a strong collaborative component.

Funding: UK/EU students - Tuition Fees paid, and full Stipend at the RCUK rate, which is £14,777 per annum for 2018/19. The scholarship length will be 3.5 years.

Entry Requirements: Starting October 2019, and the candidate will hold (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem or equivalent. Experience of inorganic materials synthesis, characterisation (especially, microscopy (SEM and TEM) and catalysis is highly desirable.

To apply visit: 

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/apply/apply-online.aspx 

For informal enquiries, please email Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes (jesum.alvesfernandes@nottingham.ac.uk) 

Closing Date 9th August 2019

Closing Date: 09 Aug 2019
Category: Studentships