This project aims to develop new microporous metal-organic framework materials that are better molecular discriminators than current technologies for the sequestration of important metal-ion resources. New charge-controlled metal-organic frameworks with precisely manipulated pore spaces will be developed and explored in novel, low energy separations with the aim of contributing to efficient low-energy future technologies for industrially important separation processes.
This project aims to develop new microporous metal-organic framework materials that are better molecular discriminators than current technologies for the sequestration of important metal-ion resources. New charge-controlled metal-organic frameworks with precisely manipulated pore spaces will be developed and explored in novel, low energy separations with the aim of contributing to efficient low-energy future technologies for industrially important separation processes.
The PhD scholarship available within this project is focussed on Postsynthetic Routes to Ionic Metal-Organic Frameworks (Lead Supervisor: Richardson; Location: University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia)
The applicant will carry out ligand synthesis and associated characterisation (multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry etc) and the synthesis and characterisation of metal-organic frameworks (diffraction techniques, surface area analysis, solid state NMR spectroscopy etc). Lead compounds will be taken forward to screening their performance characteristics in liquid phase sorption experiments using a variety of chromatographic and analytical techniques (various atomic absorption/emission spectroscopies and mass spectrometry's).
The project is designed that the team of supervisors and students at the University of Wollongong will work closely with another team at Monash University led by Professor Stuart Batten and have regular meetings and there is funding for inter-organisational student travel for specific experiments and broadening expertise.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Study area: Environmental & Biological Science
Student type: Domestic students, International students
Student status: Future Students
Scholarship amount
Successful candidates will receive a tax-free full time stipend of $35,522 p.a. for the duration of the award (including increments).
Domestic candidates will be provided with a Research Training Program Offset which will cover tuition fees for a maximum of 4 years full time.
International candidates will be provided with an International Postgraduate Tuition Award which will cover tuition fees for a maximum of 4 years full time.
Duration
3.5 years full-time study
Application process
We invite applications from Chemistry graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class degree.
Applications can be sent directly to Associate Professor Christopher Richardson or apply through the link provided at the top of this page.
Applicants should include in a single document:
- A cover letter outlining their interest and relevant background toward the project together in terms of prior experience and/or relevant techniques,
- A curriculum vitae,
- Publication list (if applicable),
- Relevant academic transcript(s), and
- Names and contact details of two referees.
Applications should be emailed directly to Associate Professor Christopher Richardson, using the email address listed below quoting ‘DP240103089 Wollongong’.
Eligibility requirements
International candidates studying in Australia will be required to pay their own Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and visa application fees.
Application closing date
Open until position filled
Contact information
Associate Professor Christopher Richardson