General information: The extensive research activities of MMK, hosting the Berzelii Center EXSELENT for development of nanoporous materials for catalysis, span over Materials and Solid State Chemistry focusing on different classes of materials; e.g. ceramics and glasses, self-assembled and porous materials, and soft matter. The work often encompasses synthesis, characterisation by x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, NMR studies, modelling with computer simulations of materials with a potential for various applications. Environmental aspects are an important part of the research activities.

Project descriptions

Project title: Thermally insulating and strong nanocomposite foams

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1079-15

Supervisor: Prof. Lennart Bergström, E-mail: lennart.bergstrom@mmk.su.se

Thermal insulation plays a major role in controlling the energy efficiency of buildings and there is a need to substantially reduce the thermal conductivity, significantly below the value for air to minimize the required space and materials usage and allow retrofitting older buildings. The purpose of the project is to explore and develop novel, thermally insulating materials based on nanocomposites of renewable and widely abundant raw materials such as cellulose, clay and carbon. The work will utilize our expertise in colloidal processing and directed assembly and our recent and exciting discovery on superinsulating, mechanically strong, flame-retardant and light-weight nanocellulose-graphene oxide-based foams (1). The aim is to develop a better understanding on the directed assembly process and the structure-property relations of superinsulating nanocomposite foams. We want to elucidate how the thermal insulation and mechanical properties depends on the composition, size and shape of the organic and inorganic components, and the structural features of the foams themselves, i.e. the cellular structure and the microstructure of the cell walls. Attempts will also be made to scale up the process and produce demonstrators for testing. Strongly motivated students with a background in chemistry, physics or materials science and an interest in innovative and multi-disciplinary research are encouraged to apply.

1. Bernd Wicklein, et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 10 (2015) 277-283

Project title: Synthesis and characterisation of low-dimensional materials

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1080-15

Project leader: Prof. Mats Johnsson, Email: mats.johnsson@mmk.su.se

The project aims at synthesizing new inorganic compounds comprising transition metal cations. The crystal structure of the synthesized compounds will be determined by use of diffraction methods and also their physical properties will be characterized. The synthesis concept utilizes p‑element lone-pair cations and halide ions that acts as structural scissors to hinder the development of three-dimensional network structures and instead promote formation of compounds where the transition metals are arranged to form layers or chains in the crystal structure. There is a high probability to form compounds having interesting magnetic properties and there is also a high probability to form compounds that are non-centrosymmetric and therefore may show non-linear optical properties. The PhD project will focus on synthesis and crystal structure determinations. Initial characterisation of physical properties will also be carried out within the PhD project and more detailed characterization on selected compounds will be carried out within ongoing international collaborations with other research groups. The applicants should have his/her basic training in one of the following fields: inorganic chemistry, crystallography, materials chemistry.

1. S. Hu, M. Johnsson, J.M. Law, M.-H. Whangbo, J.L. Bettis, Jr., R.K. Kremer, Inorganic Chemistry, 53 (2014) 4250-4256.

2. I. Zimmermann, M. Johnsson, Crystal Growth & Design. 14 (2014) 5252-5259.

Project title: 3D Electron Microscopy for Nanostructure Research

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1081-15

Project leader: Prof. Xiaodong Zou (xzou@mmk.su.se);

Structure information is essential for understanding the properties and functions for all materials and molecules. X-ray crystallography is the most important techniques for atomic structure determination of crystalline samples and has made great impact on the development of new materials, pharmaceutics and catalysts. The main limitation of X-ray crystallography is the crystal size, with a limit of a few micrometers by modern synchrotron sources. Electron microscopy can overcome this limitation and has a strong potential for structure determination of nanocrystals. One major problem of transmission electron microscopy is that the images are only 2D projections of a 3D object. improved methods need to be developed.

The project aims at development and application of new electron microscopy (EM) methods for studying atomic arrangements in nanocrystals of functional materials. The focus is to push the methods to beam sensitive samples such as zeolites, metal-organic frameworks and macromolecules in order to understand the structure-property relationships. The candidate will work closely with synthetic chemists in academia and companies, so she/he should have a strong collaborative and communication skill, be self-motivated and a good team player.  Good knowledge on computers and programming are desired but not necessary. The candidate should have a degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Sciences.

For more information see the group homepage: http://www.mmk.su.se/zou.

1. X. Zou, S. Hovmöller and P. Oleynikov, “Electron crystallography – Electron microscopy and electron diffraction”, Oxford University Press (2011) ISBN 978-0-19-958020-0.
2. T. Willhammar, Y.F.  Yun, X. Zou, Adv. Funct. Mater. 24 (2014) 182-199.
3. T. Willhammar, J. Sun, W. Wan, X. Zou, A. Corma et al., Nature Chem. 4 (2012) 188-194.
4. J. Sun, C. Bonneau, Á. Cantín, A. Corma, X Zou et al. Nature 458 (2009) 1154-1157.

Qualification requirements

In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Anyone who met the general entry requirements of the former system (i.e. at least 180 higher education credits or equivalent) by 1 July 2007 will be considered to have general eligibility until the end of June 2015.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Materials chemistry and Inorganic chemistry respectively are valid. Those studies should include at least one specialized course or a thesis in the research subject. In order to facilitate the evaluation of merits and suitability for the PhD studies your curriculum vitae (CV) should contain information about the extent and focus of the academic studies. The quantity (as part of an academic year) and the quality mark of courses in chemistry and physics are of particular interest. Please, state titles of undergraduate theses and project works.

More information can be found at the department web page, http://www.mmk.su.se/

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. A committee will go through the applications and rank after the applicants capacity to benefit from a PhD education. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: the candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position. A short list will be set up and interviews with the top candidates will be carried out at the department or via internet

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at:

http://www.regelboken.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1031&a=16354.

Economic support for the PhD studies are guarantied for full time studies during the time period agread on in the individual study plan. The studies does normaly mean four years full time studies. You are encouraged to contact the respective project leader for more information about the projects. For general inforamtion about the Department of Materials- and Inorganic Chemistry please contact Professor Gunnar Svensson (head of department), gunnar.svensson@mmk.su.se.

Terms of employment

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the project leaders:

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1079-15: Lennart Bergström tfn 08-16 23 68,lennart.bergstrom@mmk.su.se.

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1080-15: Mats Johnsson, tfn 08-16 21 69, mats.johnsson@mmk.su.se

Ref. Nr. SU FV-1081-15: Xiaodong Zou, tfn 08-16 23 89, xzou@mmk.su.se

The Swedish Council’s for Higher Education Handbook for Postgraduate Students is available at: http://studera.nu/doctoralstudies.

Union representatives

Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone:
+46 8 16 20 00 (operator), Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone: +46 70 316 43 41, and PhD student representative: do@sus.su.se.

Application

The application should contain:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Letter of intent describing of why you are applying to doctoral level studies
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements
• Contact details for 2–3 references
• Other documents you want to include.

IMPORTANT: Please combine all your documents into a single, self-contained pfd-file. Please put all the relevant information into this file, which will be separated from your e-mail cover letter!

Please submit your application, marked with the actual reference number as listed above
no later than 5 May 2015 by e-mail to: registrator@su.se.

Please note separate applications are needed if more than one position are applied for.

Documents sent by e-mail should be in PDF format.
NOTE! Enter the reference number also in the e-mail subject line.