Novel photoswitches for energy storage

This project will focus on the development of novel photoswitches for converting solar energy into heat storage with on-demand release. 

Renewable energy solutions often focus on capturing sunlight to store as electricity; however, heating and cooling constitute the greatest global energy cost. Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage systems offer an alternative method to store sunlight directly as heat. Upon solar irradiation, molecular photoswitches are converted into a higher energy form; this can then be stored, and the heat energy released on demand, and the molecule can then be re-used. These closed-loop energy systems offer great potential and can be combined with conventional photovoltaics for even greater effect, however their efficiency and scalability are limited by the inefficiency and synthetic complexity of conventional photoswitches. 

We have recently developed a new class of easily synthesised photoswitch which show great promise for MOST systems. This project will surround the synthesis of a library of these compounds as we seek to determine structure activity relationships, until a lead MOST candidate is determined. With this in-hand, we will work with our collaborators to design prototype MOST energy storage devices to demonstrate their applicability and show the feasibility of their scale-up. 

The student selected for this project will gain experience in: 

• Organic synthesis and characterisation
• Calorimetric analysis
• Spectroscopic techniques
• Device design and fabrication

The Williams group are a young and supportive group of interdisciplinary scientists who apply organic and supramolecular chemistry to solving real-world problems. Potential candidates should reach out to Dr Williams in the first place (G.T.Williams@soton.ac.uk) for informal discussions.  

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. You can read more about the Centre and the training programme at https://cisdns-cdt.ac.uk/  

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants who have achieved or are anticipated to achieve an undergraduate/masters degree in Chemistry with at least a 2.1. 

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. 

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate – cisdns@soton.ac.uk  

Closing date: 5th May 2025

Entry requirements: A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). Following the diversity objectives of CISDnS, we will accept many forms of equivalent prior learning.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK tuition fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £24,700 per year for 4 years, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.  

How to apply Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk).  

Select Full-time or Part-time, programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “iPhD Complex Integrated Systems in Defence & Security (Full-Time)” 

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr George Williams

Applications should include:

• curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
• name two current academic referees together with an institutional email addresses in the Reference section of the application form. On submission of your online application your referees will be automatically emailed requesting they send a reference to us directly by email.
• your academic transcript and degree certificate (translated if not in English) – if you have completed both a BSc & an MSc, we require both.
• ELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable. For more information, please see the University of Southampton’s English Language Proficiency page.
• include a short statement of your research interests in the Personal Statement section of the application form.