Supervisor:  Prof. Anthony Powell

Project Overview: 

A PhD studentship is available to work on a project that seeks to create new materials which combine the selective properties of zeolites with semiconducting behaviour. Such materials could form the basis of a chemical sensor, able selectively to absorb a given molecule or ion from a mixture, which could then be detected electrically. For semiconducting behaviour, the band gap must be reduced compared to that of the insulating zeolites. One way of achieving this is to replace oxide by less electronegative anions.

The project will involve the synthesis and structural characterization of metal sulphides and selenides with three-dimensional framework structures. In particular we will seek to apply solvothermal techniques involving a structure-directing agent, to produce new materials in which building blocks containing main-group metals with different coordination geometries are assembled into three-dimensional framework structures. The project will provide experience of a wide range of techniques in inorganic materials chemistry, including solvothermal synthesis, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, electrical property measurements, thermal analysis and analytical electron microscopy

The project will take place in new laboratories for materials research established at the University of Reading. These offer excellent facilities for synthesis, measurement and computation.

Eligibility: 

• Candidates should hold or expect to gain a minimum of an upper second class honours degree in chemistry, physics, or materials science.
• Due to restrictions on the funding, these studentships are only open to candidates from the UK/EU

Funding Details:   

The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years and covers PhD tuition fees, together with a tax free stipend (currently £13,590 per year). The studentship is expected to commence in October 2013, or as soon as possible after this date

How to apply:   

To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Chemistry  at see http://www.reading.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectivestudents/gs-how-to-apply.aspx. 

*Important note* Please quote the reference GS13-62 in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application..

Application Deadline:  Friday 19^th July 2013

Further Enquiries:  For further details please contact Prof. A.V. Powell (a.v.powell@reading.ac.uk).