Eligibility
The project will suit a student with a background in chemical engineering or related discipline (e.g. physics or applied mathematics). Applicants should already have or be expecting shortly to obtain a first class or upper second class degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines. Candidates trained to masters level are preferred, but exceptional candidates trained to bachelors level can also be considered. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong mathematical and problem-solving skills, as well as experience and/or interest in statistical mechanics, numerical computation, and computer programming.
Project Details
Electron transfer between molecules in solution and a surface (e.g., a metallic electrode or semiconducting substrate) occurs in a wide variety of important areas, including catalysis, corrosion, electrodeposition, photochemistry, etc. The ability to model the electron transfer in these systems is fundamental for the design of practical processes, such as electroplating, fuel cells, catalytic reactors, to name a few.
Ions located near a charged surface will lead to the formation of an electric double layer (EDL), which plays significant role in determining the equilibrium and kinetics of electron transfer. In recent years, tremendous advances have been made in the understanding of the EDL, in particular, the influence of charge correlations, which has led to intuitively surprising results, such as like-charge attraction or overcharging, that have been experimentally validated. Despite its importance, current models of electron transfer in solutions still use an overly simplistic description of the EDL.
This work will combine recent theories for the influence of charge correlations on the structure of the electric double layer with a simple quantum description of charge transfer to to develop a new model for electrochemical reactions. This will be used to model corrosion in order to develop strategies for its prevention.
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.
Key Words: Electric Double Layer, Electrochemistry, Statistics, Statistical Mechanics, Poisson-Boltzmann theory, Electron Transfer
Funding Details
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.
Supervisor
Primary supervisor - Dr Leo Lue
Contact us
Miss Ewa Kosciuk
+44(0) 141 548 2835
chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
How to apply
Apply for this project here – please quote the project title in your application.
During the application you'll be asked for the following information and evidence uploaded to the application:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if you are not from a majority English-speaking country as recognised by UKVI
- two references, one of which must be academic. Please see our guidance on referees
- funding or scholarship information
- international students must declare any previous UK study
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
Useful resources
Your application and offer
Application System Guide
Fees and funding