The latter part of 2014 saw the awarding of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry to Betzig, Hell and Moerner for the development of super-resolution light microscopy. However, as with nearly all microscopy techniques the main focus to date has been the study of biological samples and has therefore rarely been employed to image inorganic materials despite the obvious potential benefits which may enable a better understanding of material’s chemico-physical properties.
In this project we will explore the potential of super-resolution light microscopy to allow us to evaluate or ‘chemically image’ catalytic materials under dynamic conditions to obtain insight into structure-activity relationships at ‘high’ resolution (at the nm – µm scale).
Central to the success of this project is the close proximity of the collaborating partners, including UCL@UK Catalysis Hub, Johnson Matthey Plc@UK Catalysis Hub and the STFC Central Laser Facility all of which are based at the Research Complex@Harwell on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus where the project will be based.
Applicants should meet the STFC eligibility criteria. The project is funded via an iCASE awarded to Johnson Matthey Plc and will involve a research stay of up to 3 months on some of their research premises. The PhD stipend for this project will be ca. £16,794 p.a. (tax and fees paid) and will last for 4 years.
The position will remain open until filled.
The project will suit a candidate with a strong background/interest in spectroscopic/microscopy techniques and analysis methods. Applicants should therefore expect to achieve at least a 2.1 MSci in chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
For further information about the project, please contact Dr Andrew Beale (andrew.beale@ucl.ac.uk) or Dr Paul Collier (paul.collier@matthey.com). For further details about the application process, please contact Ms Jadranka Butorac in the Chemistry Department (tel: +44 (0)20 7679 4650, email: j.butorac@ucl.ac.uk).
University College London
Department of Chemistry