A Diamond–Northumbria Partner PhD Studentship
The Scientific Premise
Amid escalating climate changes linked to global warming, the quest to efficiently convert solar energy into chemical fuel has never been more critical. Solar water splitting through photo-electrocatalytic (PEC) reactions emerges as a highly promising strategy among the various approaches being explored. However, the success of PEC solar energy conversion needs the discovery and development of efficient, stable and low-cost materials. The challenge lies not only in the scarcity of such materials but also in the necessity for a detailed understanding of the intricate local atomic and electronic structural dynamics at the catalyst/electrolyte interface, dictating the efficiency and stability of the PEC process.
State-of-the-Art Methods
This PhD studentship is positioned at the forefront of this scientific inquiry, aiming to establish the structure–activity relationships for a new class of pyrochlore metal oxides. The research will employ operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to monitor subtle changes in the oxidation state and local structure near the absorbing atom under operational conditions. While this technique primarily focuses on bulk changes, an additional aspect of this project involves the adaptation of interface-sensitive XAS under PEC conditions. This approach promises to probe the complex processes confined to the surface layers of the catalyst, which are critical to such interfacial electrochemical reactions. The investigation will span multiple oxide compositions, each meticulously analysed through advanced computational methods and instrumental analysis. The insights gained are expected to guide the design and development of future high-performance and low-cost PEC catalysts.
Study Structure
The journey begins at Northumbria University in the laboratory of Dr Devendra Tiwari, where the student will spend the initial 2.5 years. This period will be dedicated to systematic synthesis and instrumental materials analysis, conducting detailed photoelectrochemical measurements and designing cells in preparation for operando XAS studies. This stage will lay the foundational knowledge and provide valuable hands-on experience with cutting-edge experimental techniques necessary for advanced research in this field.
Transitioning to the second and third years, the student will be seconded to Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, to work with Dr Veronica Celorrio. Here, they will complete their XAS experiments and delve deeper into data analysis of these sophisticated measurements. The time spent at the synchrotron will be critical to the student's research and training for acquiring a specialised skill set in hyphenated XAS measurements under PEC conditions.
In the final six months, as they focus on compiling their PhD thesis, the student can choose their base location per the requirements of their academic goals.
Time Division
Reflecting the collaborative nature of this research endeavour, the student will evenly split their time between Northumbria University and Diamond Light Source Ltd, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. Both institutions will play a crucial role in the student's development, offering a blend of laboratory-based synthesis and characterisation at Northumbria, complemented by the specialised analytical capabilities at Diamond Light Source. This balanced approach will ensure a comprehensive training experience, equipping the student with a broad spectrum of skills necessary for a successful career in the field of photo-electrocatalysis and beyond.
Eligibility Requirements
(1) Academic excellence, i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities, with preference for 1st class honours) or a master's (preference for merit or above) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
(2) Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
(3) Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (further details on the Northumbria University website)
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
This project is jointly funded for three and a half years by Northumbria University at Newcastle and Diamond Light Source Ltd. Successful students will receive a stipend of no less than the standard UKRI stipend rate, currently set at £18,622 for the academic year 2023 to 2024 (the rates for subsequent academic years have not been published), plus a £2,000 per annum stipend top-up.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
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