Postgraduate research opportunities Design and control of nanoparticle structuring and self-organisation

Nature forms many materials which possess intricate structures on length scales from nanometres to many microns, which are important in applications ranging from

biological systems to porous materials for energy storage. In many of these materials the basic building blocks are nanoparticles that interact with each other in complex ways such as a short-ranged attraction combined with a long-ranged repulsion. The competing tendencies of the particles to aggregate at short length scales and yet spread apart at large length scales are thought to lead to the formation of complex, multiscale structures. This project explores what interactions between particles are required to form different structures. A combination of molecular dynamics simulations and integral equation theory will be used to examine how various features of the interaction determine how the particles organise themselves. This will lead to important insights into how nanoparticles can be tuned to enable design of materials with specific structural properties useful to specific applications.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• PhD Chemical Engineering

Further information

This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates will be eligible to be considered for a University scholarship.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.