Discovery of complex intermetallics as advanced magnetic and electrocatalytic materials

Description

This project involves the experimental design and synthesis of new intermetallic materials and characterisation of their crystal structures and magnetic and electrocatalytic properties. New intermetallic materials are important because they offer unexplored routes to low energy information storage and to solar fuels.

This student will synthesise a range existing and new intermetallic phases, accelerated by working with computational design experts and potentially using combinatorial thin film (sputtering) methods, followed by structural characterization and rapid screening for magnetic and electrocatalyst performance. You will have the opportunity to work at international synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering facilities. Experimental work will be enabled by instrumentation that is already established and available within the participating research groups, together with world-class characterization and synthetic facilities available within the Materials Innovation Factory. Owing to the multi-faceted nature of this dynamic project, the student will work closely with computer scientists, inorganic chemists, physicists, engineers, and material scientists, as part of the EPSRC Programme Grant “Digital navigation of chemical space for function”, to discover new magnetic materials for information storage and electrocatalyst materials for CO₂ and CO reduction.

Qualifications: Applications are welcomed from students with a 2:1 or higher master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or Materials Science.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. 

Please apply by completing the online postgraduate research application form here: How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool

Please ensure you quote the following reference on your application: LRC1901 Discovery of complex intermetallics as advanced magnetic and electrocatalytic materials