PhD student in Physical Chemistry (B)
The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences with about 130 employees. Research activities of MMK in the areas of Materials and Solid-State Chemistry focus on different classes of materials; e.g. ceramics and glasses, self-assembled and porous materials, and soft matter. The work often encompasses synthesis, characterization by X-ray and neutron diffraction and electron microscopy, NMR studies, modelling with computer simulations of materials with a potential for various applications. Environmental aspects are an important part of the research activities.
Project description
Project title: High Performance Thermoelectric Materials by Thermal Decomposition of Tailor-Made Metalorganic Precursors in Ionic Liquids.
Supervisor: Professor Anja-Verena Mudring, anja-verena.mudring@mmk.su.se.
In most energy conversion processes and in many equipment or chemical processes heat is dissipated which represents substantial energy losses. Thus, recovery of lost heat and conversion to high-value electric energy is an important, integral contribution to a robust and resource-efficient energy system. For this efficient thermoelectrics are needed that can recover the waste heat and convert it back to high-value electric energy. The project aims at developing improved thermoelectric materials for waste heat recovery through decomposition of metal-organic precursors with defined composition in task-specific ionic liquids (ILs) by microwave heating and subsequent mild compaction. This approach allows in a unique way to independently optimize the three key physical properties of a thermoelectric material where typically the optimization of one property is only possible at the expense of the other: Seebeck coefficient (single source precursor: defined charge carrier concentration, electric (IL: templating agent not compromising conductivity) and thermal conductivity (compaction: preserves microstructure). The PhD project will be supported through a grant from the Swedish Energy Agency, Energimyndigheten.
The successful candidate should have a background in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a related subject. The position required the synthesis, structure and reactivity characterization of organometallic compounds as well as studying their transformation to the corresponding nanoscale materials, interpretation of data and scientific presentation. The project involves synthetic organic chemistry and several characterization methods, such as NMR, MS, vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis as well as computational modelling. Experience in those techniques and methods is beneficial, although not strictly required.
Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.
In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Chemistry is valid. Those studies should include at least one specialized course or a thesis in the research subject. In order to facilitate the evaluation of merits and suitability for the PhD studies your curriculum vitae (CV) should contain information about the extent and focus of the academic studies. The quantity (as part of an academic year) and the quality mark of courses in chemistry and physics are of particular interest. Please, state titles of undergraduate theses and project works.
The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.
Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: the candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.
A short list will be set up and interviews with the top candidates will be carried out at the department or via internet.
Economic support for the PhD studies are guaranteed for full time studies during the time period agreed on in the individual study plan. The studies does normally mean four years full time studies. You are encouraged to contact the project leader for more information about the project. For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor Gunnar Svensson, gunnar.svensson@mmk.su.se.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
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