6 PhD positions in Physical, Inorganic and Materials
Chemistry at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry.
Reference number SU FV-3142-13 (project numbers – see below). Deadline
for applications: November 20, 2013.
Application to the graduate research program (PhD studies) at MMK, November 2013The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK), www.mmk.su.se, offers 6 new places for graduate students after an application procedure as described below.General information
The extensive research activities of MMK, hosting the Berzelii Center EXSELENT for development of nanoporous materials for catalysis, span over Materials and Solid State Chemistry focusing on different classes of materials; e.g. ceramics and glasses, self-assembled and porous materials, and soft matter. The work often encompasses synthesis, characterisation by X-ray 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, where refined natural or anthropogenic inorganic and organic chemicals and materials are studied in relation to their sole or combined impact on, and interaction with biological and non-biological systems in our global environment.
Project HT13-1
Title: Studies and characterization of interfaces in nanoscale materials using novel 3DEM techniques
Project leader: Germán Salazar-Alvarez, german@mmk.su.se
Subject: Materials Chemistry
Synthetic and naturally occurring nanostructured materials are the building blocks
of nanoscience and nanotechnology. These nanostructures often exhibit novel properties as their physical dimensions become comparable to certain characteristic length scales, which situate them at the border between quantum effects and bulk properties.
Nanomaterials composed of two phases often shown interesting interfacial phenomena. This project focuses on developing element specific three-dimensional electron microscopy to obtain compositional and crystallographic information at the interface of such nanoscale materials and correlate it with optical and magnetic properties. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with other groups at Stockholm University and international partners in Spain, Denmark and USA.
Relevant publications:
- E. Wetterskog, C.W. Tai, J. Grins, L. Bergström and G. Salazar-Alvarez, “Anomalous Magnetic Properties of Nanoparticles Arising from Defect Structures: Topotaxial Oxidation of Fe1-xO|Fe3-δO4 Core|Shell Nanocubes to Single-Phase Particles” ACS Nano 2013 7, 7132.
- G. Salazar-Alvarez, H. Lidbaum, A. López-Ortega, M. Estrader, K. Leifer, J. Sort, S. Suriñach, M. D. Baró, and J. Nogués, “Two-, Three-, and Four-Component Magnetic Multilayer Onion Nanoparticles Based on Iron Oxides and Manganese Oxides” Journal of the American Chemical Society 2011 133, 16738.
- K.L. Krycka, J. A. Borchers, G. Salazar-Alvarez, A. López-Ortega, M. Estrader, S. Estradé, E. Winkler, R.D. Zysler, J. Sort, F. Peiró, Maria Dolors Baró, C.C. Kao, and J. Nogués “Resolving Material-Specific Structures within Fe3O4|γ-Mn2O3 Core|Shell Nanoparticles Using Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering” ACS Nano 2013 7, 921.
- S. Disch, E. Wetterskog, R. P. Hermann, G. Salazar-Alvarez, P. Busch, T. Brueckel, L. Bergström, S. Kamali, “Shape induced symmetry in self-assembled mesocrystals of iron oxide nanocubes”, Nano Letters, 11 (4), 1651-1656 (2011).
NATUR”.
Project HT13-2
Title: Structural diversity and formation mechanisms of nanoparticle assemblies
Project leader: Lennart Bergström, lennart.bergstrom@mmk.su.se
Subject: Materials Chemistry
Self-assembly of nanoparticles into ordered structures is a promising strategy for production and design of nanostructured materials with novel properties. The degree of versatility, simplicity and flexibility of the various self-assembly methods to produce bulk materials coatings and the ability to introduce magnetic, electronic or optical functions with a high degree of spatial accuracy are important features for self-assembled materials.
The project aims to generate a deeper understanding and to demonstrate the general versatility and applicability of nanoparticle self-assembly for the formation of nanostructured materials for functional applications. The main objectives are to understand how the structure of three-dimensional nanocrystal assemblies, i.e. mesocrystals, can be controlled and tailored. Specifically, we are interested to understand the structural diversity displayed by assemblies of nanocrystal Platonic and Archimedean bodies, e.g. cubes, pyramids, octahedra and other polyhedral and also rods and ellipsoids. We also want to clarify how the nanoparticle assemblies are formed and how the growth and formation can be structurally and spatially controlled. The project will involve collaborations with research groups in Germany and USA and include extensive use of electron microscopy and synchrotron facilities.
Suitable applicants should be dedicated, self-motivated, and proficient in written and spoken English.
Selected publications:
- Sabrina Disch, Erik Wetterskog, Raphael P. Hermann, German Salazar-Alvarez, Peter Busch, Thomas Brueckel, Lennart Bergström, Saeed Kamali, “Shape induced symmetry in self- assembled mesocrystals of iron oxide nanocubes“, Nano Letters, (2011), 11 (4), 1651-1656.
- A. Ahniyaz, Y. Sakamoto, and L. Bergström, “Magnetic field-induced assembly of oriented superlattices from maghemite nanocubes”, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 104, 17570-17574 (2007).
Project HT13-3
Title: Development of adsorbents for CO2 separation
Project leader: Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se
Subject: Materials Chemistry
We are searching for a graduate student that will synthesize and study adsorbents that capture CO2. The effects of the climate change require a reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an approach. Adsorption based technologies could avoid the large cost for thermal regeneration associated with the current technologies and be added to current power plants without massive modifications. This position will involve chemical syntheses of adsorbents, studies of the detailed mechanisms involved in their formation, as well as studies of the adsorption of CO2. The successful candidate will employ state of the art X-ray facilities in the “Röntgen-Ångström Cluster” (www.rontgen-angstrom.eu/) and be involved in the Berzelii Center EXSELENT on Porous Materials (www.exselent.su.se/).
Project HT13-4
Title: Solid-state NMR Studies of Bioactive Silicate Glasses
Project leader: Mattias Edén, mattias.eden@mmk.su.se; web-info: www.mmk.su.se/~mattias
Subject: Physical Chemistry
Our research is focused on developing and using solid-state NMR spectroscopy for structural investigations of structurally disordered inorganic materials, primarily silicate-based glasses. This project involves application of both routine and advanced solid-state NMR techniques for exploring the structures of phosphorus-bearing “bioactive” silicate glasses that are used for repairing bone and teeth, because they naturally integrate with the tissue when implanted in the body. This project aims at
(1) improving the structural understanding of such bioactive glasses and finding out how their local structural features change when the glass composition is varied. The overall goal is to establish structure-bioactivity correlations that will eventually lead to a rational strategy for predicting glass compositions with an optimal “bioactivity”.
(2) monitoring the structural changes that occur at the glass surface upon its exposure to simulated body fluids (in vitro), which over periods of hours/days leads to a calcium phosphate surface layer (which constitutes the interface between the glass and the tissue).
While the project is centered around solid-state NMR investigations, it will also involve glass synthesis, bioactivity-testing in simulated body fluids, as well as usage of other characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The ideal candidate has a background in Physical Chemistry (or Chemical Physics) and is a self-motivated person with a passion for solving challenging scientific problems.
Project HT13-5
Title: Synthesis of metal-organic frameworks and probing reactions in action within in-situ reaction cells by synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Project leaders: Xiaodong Zou, xzou@mmk.su.se, and Ingmar Persson, ingmar.persson@slu.se
Subject: Inorganic Chemistry
The PhD project is part of the Berzelii Center EXSELENT on Porous Materials
(www.exselent.su.se/) and part of the MATsynCELL project within the “Röntgen-
Ångström Cluster” framework program (www.rontgen-angstrom.eu/) held jointly by
Stockholm University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden, and Christian-Albrechts-Universität and Ruhr-Universität in Germany to build up a consortium MATsynCELL.
The PhD project is to synthesize multi-functional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and investigate the formation of MOFs and their interactions with guest molecules. MOFs are a class of interesting porous materials because of their importance in catalysis, energy storage, gas separation and storage. New in situ liquid cells will be developed in collaboration with the German collaborators within the MATsynCELL project and used for studying the MOF formation and interaction with guest molecules. The main tasks are developing heterogeneous catalysts and catalytic reactions, and understanding the catalytic performance.
The student will especially develop his/her skills in X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and use synchrotron light sources at e.g. the MAX IV and Petra III facilities. XAS is an important technique for determining the local geometric and/or electronic structure of matter. The student will be jointly supervised by Prof. Xiaodng Zou (Stockholm University) and Prof. Ingmar Persson (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) and spend half of the study time at Stockholm University and the other half at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The student will also spend some time in the laboratories of the German collaborators.
The successful candidate should have a strong collaborative and communication skill and be self-motivated. The candidate should have a Master or equivalent degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Sciences.
Project HT13-6
Title: 3D atomic structures from transmission electron microscopy images
Project leaders: Sven Hovmöller, sven.hovmoller@mmk.su.se, and Xiaodong Zou, xzou@mmk.su.se
Subject: Inorganic Chemistry
Knowing the 3D atomic structure is essential for understanding the properties and functions for all materials. Modern transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can provide structure information down to the atomic resolution and has been one of the most important techniques for study new functional materials. One major problem of TEM is that the images are only 2D projections of a 3D object. Although electron tomography has been developed to reconstruct the 3D object from a series of 2D images, the resolution is still not enough to resolve individual atoms. The aim of the PhD project is to develop new methods to push the limit of the 3D reconstruction to atomic resolution, and apply the 3D atomic resolution electron tomography to investigate the structure-property relationships of different functional materials. The project is part of the 3DEM-NATUR project (www.mmk.su.se/page.php?pid=945). The project includes both fundamental and applied research, and involves close collaborations with internationally leading groups world- wide in materials development. The student should be motivated in method development and has excellent communication skills. Previous experience in electron microscopy and programming is desired but not necessary.
Project HT13-7
Title: Investigation of zeolites and related inorganic open-frameworks
Project leader: Junliang Sun, junliang.sun@mmk.su.se
Subject: Inorganic Chemistry
The PhD project is part of the Berzelii Center EXSELENT on Porous Materials
(www.exselent.su.se/) and part of the MATsynCELL project within the “Röntgen-
Ångström Cluster” framework program (www.rontgen-angstrom.eu/) held jointly by Stockholm University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden, and Christian-Albrechts-Universität and Ruhr-Universität in Germany to build up a consortium MATsynCELL.
The goals of this research project are synthesis, structure characterization and applications of inorganic micro-porous materials. For the synthesis, both conventional and new strategies will be applied (50 % of the time). The structure characterization will mainly use X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption, especially the in-situ studies of their formation, separation and catalytic properties in the synchrotron beamlines (50 % of the time). The applicant should have some background or experience about synthetic work. Good knowledge of crystallography would be a merit but is not necessary since we will offer good training in crystallography here.
Relevant publications:
- Sihai Yang, Junliang Sun, Anibal J. Ramirez-Cuesta, Samantha K. Callear, William I.F. David, Daniel Anderson, Ruth Newby, Alexander J. Blake, Julia E. Parker, Chiu C. Tang and Martin Schröder "Selectivity and direct visualization of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide in a decorated porous host" Nature Chem. 2012, 4, 887-894.
- Junliang Sun, Charlotte Bonneau, Ángel Cantín, Avelino Corma, María J. Díaz-Cabañas, Manuel Moliner, Daliang Zhang, Mingrun Li & Xiaodong Zou “The ITQ-37 mesoporous chiral zeolite” Nature 2009, 458, 1154-1157.
- Leifeng Liu, Zheng-Bao Yu, Hong Chen, Youqian Deng, Bao-Lin Lee, and Junliang Sun “Disorder in Extra-large Pore Zeolite ITQ-33 Revealed by Single Crystal XRD” Cryst. Growth Des. DOI: 10.1021/cg400880a.
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Last application date for the above projects is November 20, 2013.
The anticipated starting date is February 1, 2014, or later. Interested candidates should send their application and supporting material to: registrator@su.se with reference number SU FV-3142-13 in the subject field.
Your application should contain:
- An application on the form (in the home page: www.mmk.su.se/page.php?pid=413) together with CV and documentation of study merits, where your eligibility is clearly documented.
- A statement of which project(s) that you are interested in (see above for descriptions by the project leaders of available projects).
- A "Letter of intent", describing your expectations of the PhD studies connected to the project.
- IMPORTANT: Please combine all your documents into a
single, self-contained pfd-file. Please put all the relevant information
into this file, which will be separated from your e-mail cover letter!
Requirements
To be eligible for PhD studies in chemistry an education at the undergraduate level of at least 240 credits is required (corresponding to three years of full-time studies on undergraduate level and one year on advanced level) with at least 60 credits in chemistry or physics. 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. Further information is found in the home page, www.mmk.su.se/page.php?pid=413.
A selection committee will assess the candidate´s ability to successfully complete the PhD program and invite short-listed candidates to an interview in person or via an internet connection. The study merits are an important selection criterion. Economic support for the graduate studies is guaranteed for full time studies during the time agreed in the individual study syllabus (study plan), normally for four years of full time studies, see www.mmk.su.se/page.php?pid=413.
Information
You are encouraged to contact the project leader for further informal information, and for general information about MMK, Professor Gunnar Svensson, Head of Department (prefekt), gunnar.svensson@mmk.su.se.
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