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 Michaele Hardie
- Schools
- School of Chemistry
Nanometre-sized polyhedral or prismatic chemical architectures can self-assemble from combinations of transition metal cations and multifunctional ligands. Likewise supramolecular materials such as coordination polymers or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) may be formed. These assemblies are often hollow or porous and provide a confined chemical space where other molecules can be bound.<br /> <br /> Hence many of these systems are being developed as nano-scale vessels or crystalline sponges for chemical entrapment, signalling and sensors, and even as tiny reaction vessels. We use the host molecule cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) as a scaffold as its relatively rigid pyramidal shape lends itself to the formation of cage-like or porous species, and analogues with three or six metal-binding groups can be made. These can form discrete metallo-cages, MOFs or other network materials including unique chemical topologies such as a Borromean chain-mail.<br /> <br /> Different potential projects in this area include (i) functional metallo-cages for applications such as molecular recognition, chemical sensors or catalysis; (ii) trinuclear complexes of host ligands with luminescent or catalytic properties; (iii) stimuli-responsive metallo- and organic cages which can change shape or composition with a physical or chemical trigger. All projects include multi-step organic synthesis of ligands, synthetic coordination and supramolecular chemistry, solution characterisation of assemblies and host-guest and other properties using spectroscopic techniques, single crystal X-ray crystallography, and more.<br /> <br /> Keywords: inorganic coordination chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, metal-organic framework
<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 to <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>Metallosupramolecular assemblies and metal-organic frameworks</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/189/professor-michaele-hardie">Professor Michaele Hardie</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 (open from October 2023). <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 (open from October 2023). 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 not 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, please contact Professor Michaele Hardie: e: <a href="mailto:M.J.Hardie@leeds.ac.uk">M.J.Hardie@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>