Ionic Motion in Solids: Advanced Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy Probing Dynamics

One fully funded PhD studentship is available in the area of ionic motion in solids. The position is available for 42-months starting in October 2024. This opportunity will remain open until the position has been filled and so early applications are encouraged.

Energy and storage conversion technologies such as lithium-ion batteries or solid oxide fuel cells depends on fast ionic transport in solids. The key challenge in fast ionic conductors is the poor understanding of transport properties at the atomic scale with spatial and temporal resolution at the nanoscale. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is uniquely placed to address this challenge. NMR is a powerful physical method that provides atomic scale structure determination of virtually any chemical and material systems due to the sensitivity of the nuclear spins to the electronic structures. More importantly for this project, NMR has also the advantages of being remarkably sensitive to dynamical processes over a wide range of timescale from very slow (seconds) to fast motion (sub-nano seconds), thereby an outstanding reporter of motion, and to provide this information with atomic precision.

This PhD project will explore the opportunities available in dynamics NMR to develop the needed advanced methodologies required to study motional processes, predominantly ionic diffusion in solid materials. The work builds on the strong dual NMR and materials science expertise and track record of the supervisor. This studentship will allow a highly motivated candidate to participate in the development of this exciting field offering a unique research profile.

The successful applicant will join an international and multidisciplinary research team that will provide complete student training, skills, and development, ensuring strong employability. The project is based in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, which is an international centre of excellence for the chemistry of advanced materials with leading expertise in NMR, and has a strong culture of working collaboratively, supported by outstanding research facilities such as the Materials Innovation Factory. The successful applicant will use state-of-the-art local NMR facilities, have access to world-leading large scale NMR research facilities including the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility (that will be equipped with a 1.2 GHz NMR system by the start of this studentship) and other experimental techniques (such as diffraction), and  perform computational modelling. Students will also have opportunities to expand their research vision and interest by attending (inter)national conferences.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 Master degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated, curious, have competent English communication skills, computer skills and be able to work both as part of a team and independently. Project experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or solid-state chemistry would be an advantage, but is not a prerequisite as this is the overreaching objective of the studentship to train in these areas.

Applications should include (1) a cover letter containing (a) the applicant motivation in this PhD studentship and (b) a statement on teaching interests and commitment, (2) a full CV, and (3) the contact details of two academic referees and should be sent by email to Prof. Frédéric Blanc (frederic.blanc@liverpool.ac.uk) indicating “Ionic Motion in Solids 2024 PhD studentship” in the subject line.