High-throughput exploration of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs)

Description

New porous materials are important for advances in key technologies such as carbon dioxide sequestration and storage or catalysts for clean manufacturing. The assembly of multiple metal and organic linkers in the well-defined and complex crystal structures of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs) will deliver materials with enhanced properties. However, at present we do not have the experimental tools with the scale and speed to efficiently explore the vast chemical space available. This project will harness recent advances in robotics to efficiently explore the discovery of new multicomponent MOFs. The student will design and execute experiments on state-of-the-art robotic synthesis platforms, develop the required measurement approaches to extract and analyse data from the arrays of materials.

Training in robotics, chemistry and structural characterisation will be given. The project will develop protocols to identify materials with potential application gas separation (focusing on capturing carbon dioxide from flue gas and challenging separations of hydrocarbons) and catalysis (transformation of biomass for next-generation clean manufacturing) applications that will focus the large numbers of new materials identified for further detailed exploration. The project is driven by a vision of a future where research scientists will make routine, broad use of robotics as part of the discovery of advanced materials, and thus the project will prepare the student for a wide range of industrial and academic career opportunities.

Experimental work will be enabled by instrumentation and methods that are already established and available in the research group of Prof Rosseinsky, together with world-class characterization and synthetic facilities available within the Materials Innovation Factory (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/materials-innovation-factory/) at the University of Liverpool, a state-of-the-art facility for the digital and automated design and discovery of materials.

Qualifications: Applications are welcomed from students with a 2:1 or higher master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Materials Science, particularly those with some of the skills directly relevant to the project outlined above.

Applications from candidates meeting the eligibility requirements of the EPSRC are welcome – please refer to the EPSRC website http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/

The studentship is open to Home, EU and international students, however, please be aware there is a limit on the number of international students we can appoint per year. Further the studentship does not cover international fees.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number CCPR132 when applying.