Spin-crossover compounds: switchable materials from simple metal complexes

PGR-P-111

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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: Professor Malcolm Halcrow
Schools: School of Chemistry

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

This is caused by a high-spin-to-low-spin transition at a transition metal centre, and is accompanied by a colour change. Materials like these, whose colours can be reversibly and rapidly switched, have applications in display, memory and sensor devices and in optical computing.<br /> <br /> We have projects in various aspects of this chemistry, involving organic and inorganic synthesis; crystallography and powder diffraction; solid and solution-phase magnetic measurements; and other techniques as appropriate. Spin-crossover in solid materials can occur abruptly, but is more often observed as a more gradual thermal equilibrium.<br /> <br /> A fraction of spin-crossover materials also exhibit thermal hysteresis in their transitions; these are most suitable for the applications mentioned above. Whether a compound undergoes spin-crossover gradually or abruptly, with or without hysteresis, is controlled by the crystal packing in the bulk material rather than the molecule itself. We aim to understand the relationship between structure and function, so we can design new spin-crossover materials from scratch. We are also pursuing different ways to incorporate new functionality into spin-crossover materials.<br /> <br /> A current goal is to find a new spin-crossover molecule that is suitable to use in molecular devices and nanoscience, which will widen the range of applications that spin-crossover materials can be used for.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<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 research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Spin-crossover compounds – switchable materials from simple metal complexes’ as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/173/professor-malcolm-halcrow">Professor Malcolm Halcrow</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><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

<p><strong>Self-Funding Students</strong></p> <p><strong>UK students</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2021-january-deadline">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship (January deadline)</a> and the <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/118-lund-stephenson-clarke-scholarship-2021">Lund Stephenson Clarke 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>International students</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>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions</a><a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">@leeds.ac.uk</a>, or by telephone: +44 (0)113 343 5057.</p>