Hybrid Porous Scaffold 2D Materials for Water Purification

Description

NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Programme between National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the UK is a well-established programme, where students spending 2 years at both institutions. Working with world leading academics and research capabilities the PhD candidates will spend two years in each institution. Upon successful defence of their research work, the candidates will obtain dual PhD degrees.

Materials with 2D nanostructures, e.g. transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) - MoS_2, MoSe_2, WS₂, are highly promising materials for water purification technologies [Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 15115-15131]. Incorporation of these materials into tuneably porous polymer scaffolds, and accompanying large surface area:volume ratios, is expected to drastically improve performance and make these materials viable as a robust, cost-efficient technology for water treatment in the developing world. Recent developments in low-temperature (200^oC) TMDC formation at NTHU [Chueh et al., Materials Today, 2023, 69, 97-106] have made this possible and opened opportunities for scalable, high-yield processing which are compatible with polymeric materials and could facilitate the in-situ formation of TMDC directly on the surface of the scaffold. Such “hybrid” materials would be expected to have superior performance across a range of water purification areas; desalination, capacity for pollutant and heavy metal ion removal and (photo-) catalytical water disinfection.

This project aims to develop and explore new materials and approaches for water treatment based on a combination of the large porosities and tuneable morphologies offered by polymeric scaffold materials (membranes) and 2D nanostructured materials (transition metal dichalcogenides), which offer promise for pollutant removal and catalytic activity and generation of reactive oxygen species. Basing the scaffolds on sustainable, low-cost biopolymers with high-yield, scalable functionalisation methods to generate TMDCs directly on the scaffold aligns this project towards development of low-cost solutions suitable for the developing world and addressing persistent challenges with clean water.

This project will involve:

1. Fabrication of porous polymer scaffolds from low-cost, sustainable polymers (cellulose and derivatives) with a range of porosities through established methods (non-solvent induced phase separation and vitrification). Characterisation with optical and electron microscopies, gas sorption, calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis.

2. Further development of surface coatings and chemical modification protocols for incorporation of 2D materials (TMDCs) onto the surface of and embedded within polymeric scaffolds: vapour deposition of oxide layers or embedding oxide particulates within the scaffold and sulfurisation/selenisation through low-temperature plasma treatment. Characterisation of scaffold surface structure and TMDC morphology will be conducted via electron microscopy and porosity will be assessed through further gas sorption measurements.

3. Screening and testing materials performance in water purification. Assessment of membrane flux, fouling, biofouling, rejection of heavy metal/toxic metal ions and organic pollutants, (photo-) catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species.

4. Exploration of other applications of 2D TMDCs embedded in scaffolds with complex 3D morphologies and large surface areas, for example in energy and sensing applications.

We are seeking highly motivated, ambitious and enthusiastic applicants from physical sciences, chemistry and engineering backgrounds for this interdisciplinary project. Informal enquiries are encouraged before a formal application and should be directly to Dr William Sharratt (w.sharratt@liverpool.ac.uk). 

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.