PhD Studentship: Traceable Characterisation of a Novel Ultrafine Aerosol Source for Improved Instrument Calibration

Application deadline: 01/10/2024

Research theme: Particle generation; ISO standards; Atmospheric Physics

This is 4 year project is funded as part of the EPSRC Aerosol CDT, led by Bristol University. It is open to all applicants. Tuition fees will be paid and successful candidates will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25).

This project aims to develop a commercial Silver Particle Generator (SPG) into a cutting-edge calibration facility for the UK. The SPG is a new particle generator that offers potential for both particle number and mass calibrations. It is specifically designed for generating ultrafine particles with modal diameters ranging from 2 nm to 80 nm, with high stability and day-to-day repeatability. The work will also endeavour to develop the SPG into a solid particle generator by using other materials, other than silver so it can be a multi-source instrument. This will involve characterising different materials, analysing their properties (shape, mean diameters, effective densities), and assess the applicability for use as a standard. They will be options to model the transport and losses of the new materials, using the skills developed in the CDT training.

The successful student will spend most of the time at Manchester, firstly developing the skills with the current SPG and then working with NPL and Catalytic Instruments (CI) to expand its use. The student will spend significant time at NPL turning the instrument at NPL into a national calibration facility and understanding the requirements around all ISO certifications, ultimately developing a national service for NPL and expanding the commercial opportunities for CI. The student will also spend time at CI in Germany to train on the programming of the SPG and how this might be improved with different material sources.

This work fits within the EPSRC ‘frontiers in engineering and technology’ strategic priority and the ‘physical sciences’ theme.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant physical science or engineering related discipline.

Please contact Dr Paul Williams (paul.i.williams@manchester.ac.uk) before you apply for this project and look at the https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/ website for details of the CDT training and application process

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