PhD Studentship: Fluorination of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Project description: A PhD studentship is available in the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

MOFs are an exciting family of nanoporous material that is receiving global research attention for numerous uses including commercial and pilot plant applications for the storage of toxic and air polluting gases, carbon capture and dehumidification - water harvesting.

Due to the vast number of MOFs, a recent trend is to modify available MOFs in a designed manner to adapt their properties and enhance their application performance. One suitable modification route is to incorporate fluoride anions into the inorganic component of the MOF framework. Inclusion of fluoride anions in this component can produce MOFs with exceptional selectivity, recyclability and moisture stability for CO₂ separations, or change the onset and degree of framework breathing transitions.

This project aims to develop methods to replace specific amounts of hydroxide or oxide anions for fluoride anions in the subset of MOFs that contain hydroxide or oxide anions as part of the inorganic component of the MOF. This will crucially result in routes to produce MOFs with modified properties and enhanced performance in a designed manner. The project will involve the modified syntheses of MOFs, ex- and in-situ characterisation and testing of a range of properties including thermoresponsive, gas adsorption/ separation and electrical behaviours. The studentship will be based in Manchester but may involve trips to synchrotron sources for data collection. 

Overall, this project will provide excellent experience for a student in a diverse range of areas including materials chemistry, nanoporous materials, materials’ synthesis, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, crystallography, solid state NMR, scanning electron microscopy, gas adsorption and separation. The programme also incorporates strong career development elements, eg science communication skills developed by presenting results within research seminars. 

How to apply: Complete an online application form using the following web link:

http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/  

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees as well as include your CV and a cover letter. 

Academic background of candidates 

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Chemistry or a related discipline. Experience of materials chemistry synthesis and characterisation techniques would be advantageous, but not a necessity as full training will be provided. 

Equality, diversity, and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

Contact for further Information

Dr Martin Attfield

m.attfield@manchester.ac.uk 

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/researchers/martin-attfield(2f4267ce-e587-4c54-b9d7-a857e8f73486).html 

Centre for Nanoporous Materials (manchester.ac.uk)

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