These projects are offered on a self-funding basis. They are open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found at http://www.uea.ac.uk/pgresearch/pgrfees. A bench fee of £4000 is also normally payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research.
Description
We are offering PhD opportunities based in transition metal coordination chemistry. These have relevance to light energy conversion (to electricity or fuels),(i) or manipulating light for applications in data processing and biological imaging,(ii) and are underpinned by a fascination with fundamental self-assembly processes in coordination compounds, clusters and nanostructures. Currently available projects include: (i) Development of novel donor-acceptor chromophore systems based on hybrid polyoxometalates (POMs).(iii) These are aimed at improving the performance of p-type dye-sensitized solar cells.(iv) POMs are stable, multi-electron acceptors with tunable potentials, and as such are ideal candidates for use as surface acceptor groups which will reduce the tendency of these systems to lose current through fast electron-hole pair recombination. (ii) Controlling the self-assembly of POM clusters, through synthesis of organic nano-containers appended with hydrogen bonding, metal coordinating or other linkage-forming groups (collaboration with Professor Andy Cammidge). This project promises to find new ways to organize catalytically, electronically and magnetically interesting clusters into photoactive, functional nanostructures. (iii) Synthesis and study of new photoactive binders for i-Motif DNA(v) (collaboration with Dr. Zoe Waller, School of Pharmacy). i-Motifs may play a role in regulation of gene expression, but many questions surround their precise role and function. By developing specific, fluorescent binders for the i-Motif we hope to be able locate it in cells and learn more about its biological role. This work could also lead to applications in anti-cancer photo-therapies or DNA-based nanotechnologies. All of these projects promise development of skills in inorganic and organic synthesis, characterization and potentially advanced physical methods. The student will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in chemistry, and possess a strong interest in synthetic inorganic chemistry and materials properties. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. John Fielden (john.fielden@uea.ac.uk, 01603 593 137).
Benefits
Primary Supervisor:: Dr John Fielden Email: john.fielden@uea.ac.uk Webpage: http://www.uea.ac.uk/chemistry/people/faculty/jfielden
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