Electrochemically switchable materials down to the single molecule level

Reference number: CCPR100

Description

This project will study the electrochemical properties of materials down to the single molecule level and it will investigate how electrochemical (redox state) switching of the molecules can change useful materials properties. This studentship is part of £7.1 million EPSRC-funded Programme grant “Quantum engineering of energy-efficient molecular materials (QMol)”, https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/X026876/1 , which involves the Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool, Oxford and Imperial College, and the group of Professor Richard Nichols at the Department of Chemistry, The University of Liverpool. This PhD project at Liverpool University (Department of Chemistry) will focus on electrochemistry for molecular/organic electronics and thermoelectrics and will include the measurement of the electrochemical and electrical properties of molecular materials from single molecules to self-assembled monolayers and bulk multilayer structures. Techniques to be used in the project include electrochemical methods, scanning tunnelling and atomic force microscopy (STM and AFM), surface spectroscopies and nanofabrication. The QMol Programme Grant aims to realise a new generation of switchable organic/organometallic compounds, with the potential to fulfil societal needs for flexible energy harvesting materials, low-power neuromorphic computing, smart textiles and self-powered patches for healthcare.

How to apply

Applicants should apply by e-mailing Prof Richard Nichols (nichols@liverpool.ac.uk).

You should submit an up to date CV and cover letter with names of at least 2 academic referees, and please quote reference CCPR100.