Chemistry: EPSRC DTP Funded PhD Scholarship: The effect of rotational polarisation on gas-surface reactivity (RS669)

Closing date: 9 August 2024

Key Information

Funding provider(s): EPSRC DTP

Subject area(s): Molecular beams, Surface science, Quantum-state resolved collisions

Project start date(s):

1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December)

1 April 2025 (Enrolment open from mid–March)

Supervisors: Dr Helen Chadwick and Prof. Gil Alexandrowicz

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Chemistry

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Hydrogen is the most abundant molecule in the universe, and its interaction with surfaces plays a key role in a huge range of processes, from star formation to the safe storage of rocket fuel, to industrial catalysis and green energy production. The aim of this PhD project is to study hydrogen colliding with surfaces at a fundamental molecular level to gain unprecedented insight into the role that rotations play in gas-surface collisions.

The Surface Dynamics team, which includes researchers with both physics and chemistry backgrounds, has developed a Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI) apparatus which can be used to control and manipulate the rotational orientation projection states of hydrogen molecules, which can classically be considered to correspond to whether the molecules are preferentially rotating like a helicopter or a cartwheel before they collide with the surface. The PhD project, which forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project (MR/X03609X/1), will explore whether changing the rotational orientation projection state of the H2 molecule affects the probability that energy is transferred between the molecule and the surface as well as the reactivity of the H2 with the surface.

This project will involve using and further developing both the experimental and data analysis methods that are currently used within the research team. The student will learn how to use the MMI apparatus, gaining knowledge of, for example, molecular and atomic beams, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic technologies and a range of measurement and surface science techniques. They will also analyse the experimental data, developing techniques to extract information about the rotational orientation dependence of the gas-surface reaction, as well as performing numerical simulations to determine how best to perform the measurements to maximise the information that can be obtained.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject;

Or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject;

Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) - see country specific qualifications.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.

Funding

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

Course choice – please select as per preferred start date, either -
*For October 2024 start select:

Chemistry/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

OR

*For January 2025 start select:
Chemistry/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / January

OR

*For April 2025 start select:

Chemistry/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / April

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
Start year – please select 2024 or 2025
Funding (page 8) –

‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS669 - Surface Reactivity’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form. Please click the following link to complete your EDI Monitoring Form:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised closing date, where possible:

CV
Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Helen Chadwick (h.j.chadwick@swansea.ac.uk / 01792 205678 ext. 1524)

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.