PhD Studentship - Self Assembled Non-Close Packed Quantum Dot Superlattices Via High Entropy Approaches

Department: Materials
Title: Self assembled non-close packed quantum dot superlattices via high entropy approaches
Application deadline: 17/06/2025
Research theme: Nano and Functional Materials

How to apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

How many positions: 1

Residency: UK students

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded for home students; the successful applicant will receive an annual tax free stipend based on the UKVI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductors that exhibit discrete energy levels and size-tuneable optical and electronic properties. QDs can self-assemble into larger, ordered structures analogous to atomic crystals. However, these are typically restricted to close-packed arrangements such as face-centred cubic or hexagonal structures. Such morphologies limit the diversity of lattice symmetries and electronic couplings that can be realised in QD solids.

This PhD project will explore a new strategy: using high-entropy design principles to assemble multicomponent QD mixtures into non-close-packed superlattices with tuneable structure and emergent properties. Paving the way for novel QD based solar cell and related optoelectronic technologies. Drawing inspiration from high-entropy alloys, the approach involves blending five or more distinct QD populations of differing in size, composition, or ligand shell to drive the formation of novel phases. This will enable the discovery of new lattice types, defect-tolerant arrangements, and collective behaviours not accessible via monodisperse assemblies.

A key focus will be on understanding how ligand size, shape, and interaction strength influence interparticle spacing, entropic packing frustration, and lattice stability. These systems will serve as model platforms for studying high-entropy crystallisation, offering microscopic insight into how molecular-scale parameters control emergent order. Robotic deposition and high-throughput formulation pipelines will be used to fabricate libraries of QD films, which will be characterised using SAXS/WAXS, electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

This interdisciplinary project will provide training in nanomaterials synthesis, soft matter physics, X-ray scattering, and data-driven experimental design. The student will gain expertise in an emerging area of colloidal science, with potential applications in optoelectronics, quantum information, and photonic materials. In addition to generating new insights into entropy-driven self-organisation, the project will establish a conceptual and experimental framework for engineering functional nanostructures from bottom-up principles. The work will benefit from access to robotic processing platforms and state-of-the-art microscopy and AFM facilities at The University of Manchester and X-ray scattering at Diamond Light Source.

At the University of Manchester, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socioeconomic background. All PhD places will be awarded on the basis of merit.

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

To apply, please contact the supervisor; Dr Daniel Toolan - daniel.toolan@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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