Low-Dimensional Materials & Interfaces
Doctoral Training Programme (DTP)
The DTP in Low-Dimensional Materials & Interfaces aims to form a cohort of 8 PhD students, trained equally well in nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation of advanced materials, with an opportunity to undertake world class research using Nottingham’s unique expertise and facilities in topics that underpin the development of new innovations in advanced materials, energy, sustainable chemistry and healthcare technologies. Developing and harnessing an understanding of fundamental processes taking place at the nanoscale is essential for a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from electronic devices, catalysts, drug delivery systems and sensors, along with materials for energy storage and conversion, and tissue engineering.
The DTP training programme
The DTP will provide a structured programme of training (both practical and theoretical), aiming to cultivate the first generation of researchers proficient in both innovative synthesis and advanced characterisation of new materials. In particular, the cross-faculty Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre (nmRC) will provide a unique training environment for the DTP students and will act as an interdisciplinary hub for this programme.
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Stage of DTP
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Activity/topic of training
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Months 1-6
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- Research programme development: planning and methodology
- Workshops/modules on the fundamentals of nanomaterials synthesis & characterisation
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Months 1-12
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- Practical classes on nanomaterials characterisation (basic level)
- Business training
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Months 9-21
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- Practical classes on nanomaterials characterisation (intermediate level)
- Science communication
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Months 18-30
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- Practical classes on nanomaterials characterisation (advanced level)
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Months 31-42
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The nmRC
The cross-faculty nmRC will provide a unique training environment for the DTP cohort and will act as a training hub for the characterisation aspects of the programme. The nmRC houses a suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation (total capital value > £12m) and allied expertise for nanoscale and microscale characterisation, supported by 12 highly qualified research and technical staff who provide training for all researchers. The nmRC laboratories are equipped with a unique suite of 20 major instruments, including 14 electron microscopes, offering a diverse range of capabilities, to facilitate the imaging and analytical investigation of a wide variety of materials. In addition, the Centre hosts a powerful suite of surface characterisation equipment (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman microscopy), a cleanroom and a electron beam lithography system, along with a comprehensive sample preparation laboratory.
PhD projects
The synergy between nanomaterials synthesis and advanced materials characterisation will be at the core of all the research projects which will be jointly supervised by two academics from different disciplines. Some examples of potential interdisciplinary projects offered within the DTP are illustrated below:
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Supervisor 1
Synthesis/Growth/Processing
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Supervisor 2
Advanced Characterisation
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Impact
Application
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Growth of graphene, boron nitride and 2D heterostructures
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+
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Atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy
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→
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Electronic devices, quantum sensors and detectors
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Assembly of 2D molecular arrays
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Raman, scanning tunnelling microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy
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→
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Nano-devices, solar cells, smart coatings
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Synthesis of clusters and nanoparticles, heterostructures of nanoparticles with nanotubes and surfaces
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Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy
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→
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Catalysis, electro-catalysis, data storage
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Preparation of nano-porous carbons
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Cryo transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy
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→
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Gas storage, supercapacitors, nano-reactors, catalysis
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Fabrication of alloy and ceramic coatings
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X-ray diffraction, in situ scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam analysis, wear/corrosion tests
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→
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Wear & corrosion resistant coatings
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Preparation of drug-polymer alloys for particles, fibre and devices
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Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
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→
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Healthcare devices, personalised medicine
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To apply
Applications for PhD Studentships are now closed.
Academic and associated staff
Prof. Neil Champness, Director of Doctoral Training Programme
Prof. Paul Brown. Director of Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre (Faculty of Engineering)
Prof. Andrei Khlobystov, Professor of Chemical Nanoscience (Faculty of Science)
Dr. Nick Bennett, Business Partnership Unit
Dr. Karen Alvey, Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre