Medway Campus
Our society faces several challenges due to reliance on fossil fuels as energy carriers. Two key issues concern: i) the transition to renewable energy fluxes by developing new and sustainable energy carriers; and ii) the reduction of atmospheric greenhouse-gas levels. The project will address both issues making use of (photo-)catalytically active transition-metal particles on the sub-nanometre scale.
The (photo-)catalytic activity of these nanoclusters will depend on their geometry (size & shape) and composition (pure metals or alloys), therefore these parameters need to be controlled. In order to do so, a fundamentally new approach will be developed to obtain stable transition-metal particles down to the size of single atoms by the application of customised metal-organic frameworks as supporting scaffolds (see figure). These particles’ capacity for the storage, destabilisation and conversion of CO2, CH4 and H2 will be explored.
Examples of MOF pore geometries. Figure reproduced from Energy Environ. Sci. 2010:1469.
Some parts of the projects will be carried out in collaboration with UK and European partners and thus the project may include some overseas research experience.
The project will help you develop useful skills in materials synthesis, nanotechnology and characterisation of various types of materials. Most importantly, you will gain insight in the energy research and sustainable technologies.
For further information please contact the supervisor: P.A.Szilagyi@greenwich.ac.uk
Bursary available (subject to satisfactory performance): Year 1: £13,276
In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees of £3,900 for the duration of their scholarship. Applicants will need to pay the remainder tuition fee for the 2015/16 session. Scholarships are available for one year from the date scholars first register as an MPhil student with the university. Scholarships are available for full-time study only. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (UK or UK equivalent) or a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours Bachelor’s in a relevant discipline.Â
For additional information about the scholarship and links to the application form please go to: http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/studentshipsÂ
Please read this information before making an application. Applications need to be made online via http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application_process No other form of application will be considered.
All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered.
- Scholarship Reference Number (Ref PGRO-ES-01-15-2) – included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying
- a CV including 2 referees *
- academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant *
*upload to the supporting information section of the application form. Attachments need to be in PDF format.
The position will be advertised until filled, please note that applications will be considered in order of receipt. The scholarship must commence before September 2016.