Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Competition funded
- Supervisors
- Dr Natalia Sergeeva
- Schools
- School of Chemistry
The chemical industry uses precious metals or metal oxides based catalysts. These catalysts are expensive and are not highly selective, increasing waste and producing greenhouse gases. In contrast, carbon based materials are environmentally acceptable and cheap combining efficient use of energy and resources. In heterogeneous materials, electrical, thermal and photophysical properties can be controlled and modulated providing a broad range of applications. We have demonstrated that organic dyes can be successfully used to construct a surface supported nanomaterials. Covalently modified surfaces with (photo)active units, become increasingly important as they offer stability, show more superior properties in contrast to supramolecular interactions or individual components. Interest lies in (photo)catalytic processes whereby highly reactive intermediates can be generated and used under mild conditions to construct novel metal-free hybrid catalysts for a given application. Different projects are available in this area in: Oxidation of alkanes as a feedstock of high-value-added chemicals. Oxidation of cheap alkanes to high-value-added chemicals is an important industrial challenge. Selectivity of oxidation using various industrially relevant catalytic systems, is poor due to inertness of the C-H bonds and the chemical process is problematic to control, leading to over-oxidation. The production of terephthalic acid and cyclohexanone from alkanes is achieved. It uses metal catalysts and a large quantity of acid to yield only moderate selectivity. Focus is on design and testing of recyclable graphene based catalysts to decrease the negative economic and environmental impact of these processes. Oxygen reduction metal-free electrocatalysts - Oxygen reduction is central to many industrially relevant applications such as energy storage and conversion devices. However, slow kinetics of the electrochemical oxygen reduction is a limitation, and requires a catalyst such as Pt. Current developments focus on replacement of platinum with cheaper and more efficient metals. Focus will be on development of metal free carbon-based alternatives and develop photocatalysts for metal-free type of C-C bond formation. The project aims to develop: 1) the metal free hybrid photocatalysts and 2) the analytical platform to assess their oxidation and reduction abilities. Our choice of photocatalysts’s design is directed by two objectives: (i) modification of graphene surface by planar, electron-rich molecules sensitive to photochemical ET with high extinction coefficient in visible region; (ii) methodology allowing efficient and solution-processable functionalisation for Metal-free catalysis for the degradation of organic pollutants. The project aims to develop an analytical platform for degradation of pollutants e.g. organic dyes in waste water using metal-free carbon based (photo)catalysts.
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry FT </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Development of carbon-based heterogeneous (photo)catalysts </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/207/dr-natalia-sergeeva">Dr Natalia Sergeeva</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p> </p>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> –The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under these studentships.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>
<p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions: e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions</a><a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project project, please contact Dr Natalia Sergeeva: e: <a href="mailto:N.Sergeeva@leeds.ac.uk">N.Sergeeva@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>